Empty arms and lonely nights
That's my life without you, girl
I'm so lonely, I'm so blue
Without you, girl and my life is through
(Maria)
This song is dedicated
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
To the most beautiful woman on the planet earth
(Maria, Maria)
That would be my mother Maria Cartegena
Ay yo, she's the best sister, one man lover
And if she died, her tombstone would read 'The world's greatest mother'
August nineteenth, she birthed me, I came out
Put her through hell but still in all, she couldn't help but smile
I resemble my mama to be truthful
And I ain't got to describe her, you know she beautiful
Shit, I always love my mama
Blow holes through a nigga if he touch my mama
You did whatever it took to keep the supper hot
And I remember when you worked at the number spot
Once the cops caught you, I skipped school
Got money from [Incomprehensible] and I took you some food
Yeah, I guess the cops was cool, they let me feed you
I cried for hours 'til they finally freed you
Dropped to my knees and screamed, “Mama, we need you”
Then you went back to school and got a job that's legal, Maria
Yeah Mami, I love you so much
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
For this pain, this love, been through so much
And I thank you for everything you done for us
(Maria, girl, you know you are the only one)
You been a survivor and we love you so much
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
I had to dedicate this song to you, Mami
Had to tell the world how much I love you
(Maria, Maria)
I never forget the night that changed our life
A neighbor was screamin', “Maria, run, come outside
Something's wrong with your son, I think he's gettin' high”
Then you replied, “Not my son, he don't be gettin' high”
Then you bathed him and tucked him to sleep
Yeah, I knew from that day life wouldn't be sweet
He got in trouble with the law, then you bailed him out
I got in trouble with the law, then you bailed me out
It was one July the fourth, they tried to take me out
Shot me right in front of my mother, by Tracy's house
Now it's time to change my life, I think rap's the answer
Same day I got signed, you was diagnosed with cancer
Doctor said it'd be a miracle if you survived
Then you looked in my eyes and said, “Joey, I don't wanna die”
I pray to God that He show us a sign
Now it's fourteen years later and you still alive, "Thank You, God"
(Maria)
God, I thank You so much
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
My mother has so much to see, so much to do
(Maria, girl, you know you are the only one)
She's had such a painful life
Many nights I argue with You in my prayers
But I know You the boss, You kept her alive for a reason
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
Mama, I'ma ride for you, I swear
(Maria)
Yo, I bet you proud of your son, he's a rap star now
Took you outta them projects and bought you that house
Got you that housekeeper to manicure the grounds
And I bought you that car that breaks the barrier of sound
You take care of Joey and I love you for that
And you raisin' John John and we love you for that
I guess Lisa was a angel, God wanted her back
Damn, I really miss my sister, guess it's better where she's at
Mami, I love you, I want the world to know I love you
And every chance I get, I'ma kiss you and hug you
Life wasn't easy, everyday was a struggle
But like my niggaz from Chi town say, it's all bubbles
(Maria, Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
Hopin' my real motherfuckers know
This be the realest shit I ever wrote
(Maria, girl, you know you are the only one)
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
It's that shit right here
Took me like ten years to do
(Maria)
(Empty arms and lonely nights)
You know I cried doin' this song, man, so much pain
(That's my life without you, girl)
Mami, you such a good woman, you a classy woman
(I'm so lonely, I'm so blue)
(Without you, girl and my life is through, Maria)
I know you a private person
You don't want the world to know all your business
(Empty arms and lonely nights)
But I had to let them know how strong you are
(That's my life without you, girl)
I love you so much
(I'm so lonely, I'm so blue)
(Without you, girl and my life is through, Maria)
This song is also dedicated to little Maria
(Empty arms and lonely nights)
One of my best friends on earth
(That's my life without you, girl)
Get your shit together, girl, I love you too
(I'm so lonely, I'm so blue)
Chuchu, what's up? You my nephew, I love you for life
(Without you, girl, my life is through, Maria)
It's Crack, bitch
Empty arms and lonely nights
That's my life without you, girl
I'm so lonely, I'm so blue
Without you, girl and my life is through, Maria