Mother Dear

[Verse 1: Dennis DeYoung & John Curulewski] Lonely feelings in the city One room flat with crumbling walls Sirens play a distant melody Neon shadows paint the halls In 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 crimes [Chorus: Dennis DeYoung] Raise the roof, light the light Mother dear, I'm returning tonight Now I see your concern Mother dear, how you taught me to learn [Chorus: Dennis DeYoung] Raise the roof, light the light Mother dear, I'm returning tonight Now I see your concern Mother dear, how you taught me to learn [Verse 2: Dennis DeYoung & John Curulewski] I've been a Roman for survival Showing two sides of my face I need the comfort of your wisdom I'm coming home to your embrace If by chance I pass before you Don't discount my gratitude You're responsible for me here And of course my attitude [Chorus: Dennis DeYoung] Raise the roof, light the light Mother dear, I'm returning tonight Now I see your concern Mother dear, how you taught me to learn [Outro: Dennis DeYoung] Stayin' up half the night Wonderin' if what I'm doin' is right Raise the roof, light the light Mother dear, I'm returning tonight