Oh, I need to write a letter Put it down in black and white No a phone call just won't cut it Not the way I feel tonight A letter to my mama From the bottom of my heart "I'm sorry" is a real good place to start I'm sorry I was selfish Just chalk it up to youth I got too old to need you That's just running from the truth I'm sorry things didn't work out For you and my old man Sometimes life don't turn out Like you plan Looking back I wonder how You ever pulled us through I can't imagine walking in your shoes If I could stop this pen from shaking I'd write these words down too There's no one in this world I love like you Oh, I've written down the memories Of these sixty-some-odd years Trying hard to just say "thank you" As I wipe away the tears I hear my grandson calling So I guess I'd better go I can never pay you back the love I owe Oh, I finished up the letter Put it down in black and white No, a phone call wouldn't cut it Not the way I feel tonight A letter to my mama From the bottom of my heart The very bottom of my heart