Lonely feelin's in the city
One room flat with crumblin' walls
Sirens play a distant melody
Neon shadows paint the hallsIn the thirteen months I've spent here
With my manuscript and rhymes
I've paid in cash for foolish pleasures
Mother dear, you'd call them crimesRaise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learnRaise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learnI've been a Roman for survival
Showing two sides of my face
I need the comfort of your wisdom
I'm comin' home to your embraceIf by chance I pass before you
Don't discount my gratitude
You're responsible for me here
And of course my attitudeRaise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learnStayin' up half the night
Wonderin' if what I'm doin' is right
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight