How many nights did you cry, Mother?
How many sleepless nights?
Wondering, worrying
Whether life would treat me right

That day you gave me life, Mother
The pain, the tears, It was all for me,
I can see it so clearly now
Though all that pain your face...
Still…
A picture of pure delight

You took me home
Sure, I cried
No worries, you came
Comforted me, soothed away my fright
Blew a loving kiss, turned out my light
Softly quietly, away into the night
How many sleepless nights, Mother?
Just to make it right

Who fed me from her breasts
Yes, on many a night
When you should have had your sleep
It was always you Mother
Lady of my nights

Then at dawn, well before sunlight
Whose face did I first see
Of course, you Mother
Making sure,her baby
Was cosy, everything...
Just right

Who was there to change my clothes?
To talk to me, to sing a tune
To watch me crawl
Having a ball
Making sure I'd never fall
Why... you Mother
Always you

Who watched my first step?
Held my hand, on the way to school
Saw me cry like a silly fool
Packed my lunch
I have this strong hunch
It was you... Mother
How many sleepless nights
Mother of my life

Who is my best friend
The one I share my secrets with
The one I love, like no other
Why of course... you Mother
For all those sleepless nights
How could I ever love another
As much as you...
Dear Mother

Copyright ^© Ray Crawford
February 2nd 2001