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