She said, my son, I beg of you 
I have a wish that must come true 
The last thing you can do for Mama 

Please promise me that you will stay 
And take my place while I'm away 
And give the children love each day 
I had to cry, what could I say 

How hard I tried to find a word 
I prayed she would not see me cry 
So much to say that should be heard 
But only time to say goodbye to Mama 

They say in time that you forget 
Yet still today, my eyes are wet 
I tell myself to smile for Mama 

Now soon there'll be another spring 
And I will start remembering 
The way she loved to hear us sing 
Her favorite song, Ave Maria 

Ave Maria 

The children have all grown up now 
I kept my promise to Mama 
I cannot guide them anymore 
I've done my best, all for Mama 

Ave Maria 

Still it seems so very small 
For all she did for me