Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat and coverin' the crossroads I'm standing at or maybe it's the weather or something like that but mama you been on my mind I do not mean you trouble, don't put me down, don't get upset I am not pleadin' or sayin' I can't forget you I do not pace the floor, bowed down and bent, but yet mama you been on my mind Even tho' my eyes are hazy and my thoughts they might be narrow where you been don't bother me, or bring me down with sorrow I don't even mind where you be wakin' up tomorrow but mama you been on my mind I'm not asking you to say words like yes or no Please understand me, I've no place I'm calling you to go I'm just whisperin' to myself so I can pretend that I don't know Mama you been on my mind When you wake up in the mornin' baby, look inside your mirror you know I won't be next to you, you know I won't be near I'd just be curious to know if you can see yourself as clear as someone who has had you on his mind As someone who has had you on his mind Mama you been on my mind