This song is a ballad dedicated to Kanye West’s mom Donda West and was written in 2000. It later appeared in its final version on Kanye’s 2005 album Late Registration.

West debuted the song on Oprah with his… Read More [Chorus]

(Hey, Mama, ah, ow)

I wanna scream so loud for you, 'cause I'm so proud of you, and uh

Let me tell you what I'm about to do

(Hey, Mama)

I know I act a fool, but I promise you, I'm goin' back to school, and

I appreciate what you allowed for me, and I

I just want you to be proud of me

(Hey, Mama)

[Verse 1]

I wanna tell the whole world about a friend of mine

This little light of mine, I'm finna let it shine

I'm finna take y'all back to them better times

I'm finna talk about my mama if y'all don't mind

I was three years old when you and I moved to the Chi'

Late December, harsh winter gave me a cold

You fixed me up something that was good for my soul

Famous homemade chicken soup, can I have another bowl?

You work late nights just to keep on the lights

Mommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bike

And you would give anything in this world

Michael Jackson leather and a glove, but didn't give me a curl

And you never put no man over me

And I love you for that, mommy, can't you see?

Seven years old, caught you with tears in your eyes

'Cause a nigga cheatin', telling you lies, then I started to cry

As we knelt on the kitchen floor

I said, "Mommy, I'ma love you 'til you don't hurt no more

And when I'm older, you ain't gotta work no more

And I'ma get you that mansion that we couldn't afford"

See, you're unbreakable, unmistakable

Highly capable lady that's makin' loot

A livin' legend too, just look at what Heaven do

Sent us an angel, and I thank you, Mama

[Chorus]

(Hey, Mama, ah, ow)

I wanna scream so loud for you, 'cause I'm so proud of you, and uh

Let me tell you what I'm about to do

(Hey, Mama)

I know I act a fool, but I promise you, I'm goin' back to school, and

I appreciate what you allowed for me, and I

I just want you to be proud of me

(Hey, Mama)

[Verse 2]

Forrest Gump mama said, "Life is like a box of chocolates"

My mama told me, "Go to school, get your doctorate

Something to fall back on, you could profit with"

But still supported me when I did the opposite

Now I feel like it's things I gotta get

Things I gotta do, just to prove to you

You was getting through, can the choir please

Give me a verse of "You Are So Beautiful To Me"?

Can't you see, you're like a book of poetry

Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni

Turn one page and there's my mommy

Come on, Mommy, just dance wit' me

Let the whole world see your dancing feet

Now when I say "Hey," y'all say, "Mama"

Now everybody answer me, come on

[Chorus]

(Hey, Mama, ah, ow)

I wanna scream so loud for you, 'cause I'm so proud of you

Let me tell you what I'm about to do

(Hey, Mama)

I know I act a fool, but I promise you, I'm goin' back to school

I appreciate what you allowed for me

I just want you to be proud of me

(Hey, Mama)

[Break]

I guess it also depends though if my ends low

Second they get up, you gon' get that Benzo

Tint the windows, ride around the city and let your friends know (Hey, Mama)

Tell your job you gotta fake 'em out

Since you brought me in this world, let me take you out

To a restaurant, upper echelon

I'ma get you a Jag', whatever else you want

Just tell me what kind of S-Type Donda West like?

Tell me the perfect color so I make it just right

It don't gotta be Mother's Day or your birthday

For me to just call and say

[Outro]

(Hey, Mama, ah, ow)

I wanna scream so loud for you, 'cause I'm so proud of you, and uh

Let me tell you what I'm about to do

(Hey, Mama)

You know I love you so, and

I never let you go

Wrote this song just so you know

No matter where you go, our love is true

(Hey, Mama)

[Produced by Jon Brion & Kanye West]