Dear Mama

2Pac

About Dear Mama

"Dear Mama" is a song by American hip hop recording artist 2Pac, released on February 9, 1995, as the lead single from his third studio album, Me Against the World. The song is a tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur. In the song, Shakur details his childhood poverty and his mother's addiction to crack cocaine, but argues that his love and deep respect for his mother supersede bad memories. The song topped the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart for five weeks and also peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was certified Platinum by the RIAA on July 13, 1995. "Dear Mama" has been consistently ranked among the best of its genre, appearing on numerous "greatest" lists. In 2009, the song was added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress, who deemed it a work that is "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States." In a press release, the organization called the song "a moving and eloquent homage to both the murdered rapper's own mother and all mothers struggling to maintain a family in the face of addiction, poverty and societal indifference." 


Year:
1995
4:39
20,647 
#99

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You are appreciated

When I was young me and my mama had beef
Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time, I never thought I'd see her face
Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place
Suspended from school, and scared to go home, I was a fool
With the big boys, breaking all the rules
I shed tears with my baby sister
Over the years we was poorer than the other little kids
And even though we had different daddy's, the same drama
When things went wrong we'd blame mama
I reminisce on the stress I caused, it was hell
Hugging on my mama from a jail cell
And who'd think in elementary?
Hey! I see the penitentiary, one day
And running from the police, that's right
Mama catch me, put a whooping to my backside
And even as a crack fiend, mama
You always was a black queen, mama
I finally understand
For a woman it ain't easy trying to raise a man
You always was committed
A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how ya did it
There's no way I can pay you back
But the plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated

Lady
Don't ya know we love ya? Sweet lady
Dear mama
Place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated
Don't ya know we love ya?

Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair
No love from my daddy cause the coward wasn't there
He passed away and I didn't cry, cause my anger
Wouldn't let me feel for a stranger
They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all along
I was looking for a father he was gone
I hung around with the Thugs, and even though they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love
I moved out and started really hanging
I needed money of my own so I started slanging
I ain't guilty cause, even though I sell rocks
It feels good putting money in your mailbox
I love paying rent when the rent's due
I hope ya got the diamond necklace that I sent to you
'Cause when I was low you was there for me
And never left me alone because you cared for me
And I could see you coming home after work late
You're in the kitchen trying to fix us a hot plate
Ya just working with the scraps you was given
And mama made miracles every Thanksgiving
But now the road got rough, you're alone
You're trying to raise two bad kids on your own
And there's no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated

Lady
Don't ya know we love ya? Sweet lady
And dear mama
Place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated
Don't ya know we love ya?

Pour out some liquor and I reminisce, cause through the drama
I can always depend on my mama
And when it seems that I'm hopeless
You say the words that can get me back in focus
When I was sick as a little kid
To keep me happy there's no limit to the things you did
And all my childhood memories
Are full of all the sweet things you did for me
And even though I act crazy
I gotta thank the Lord that you made me
There are no words that can express how I feel
You never kept a secret, always stayed real
And I appreciate, how you raised me
And all the extra love that you gave me
I wish I could take the pain away
If you can make it through the night there's a brighter day
Everything will be alright if ya hold on
It's a struggle everyday, gotta roll on
And there's no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated

Lady
Don't ya know we love ya? Sweet lady
And dear mama
Place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated
Don't ya know we love ya?

Sweet lady
And dear mama

Dear mama
Lady, lady, lady

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2Pac

Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. He is considered by many to have been one of the best rappers of all time. Shakur was born in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City but relocated to California in 1988. more »

27 fans

Written by: Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, Joseph Jefferson, Tony Pizarro, Tupac Shakur, Joseph Sample

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Information
"Dear Mama" by 2Pac was released as the lead single from his third studio album "Me Against The World" on February 21, 1995.
Song Inspiration
The song was a tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur, as it highlighted her struggle in raising him amidst poverty and her addiction to drugs.
Chart Performance
"Dear Mama" was an instant hit and peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK Singles Chart, it reached number 13.
Gold Certification
"Dear Mama" received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America just two months after its release due to its massive success.
Controversy
Although the song was well received, it faced controversy as it narrates his mother's crack addiction struggle.
Legacy
In 2010, "Dear Mama" was added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, indicating its cultural and historical significance.
Celebrity Endorsement
The song gained even more popularity after being endorsed by the then President of the United States, Barack Obama during 2Pac's posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Obama quoted lines from the song in his congratulatory letter.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "Dear Mama" in tribute to Afeni Shakur, including Alicia Keys and singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko.
Music Video
The song's music video, released in 1995, was shot in black and white and features many scenes of 2Pac's childhood and teen years.
Song Length
The total length of the "Dear Mama" song is 4 minutes and 40 seconds.
Producer
The song was produced by Tony Pizarro and samples the songs "Sadie" by The Spinners and "In All My Wildest Dreams" by Joe Sample.
Personal Touch
2Pac recorded the song in one take which was unusual for him, highlighting the deeply personal nature of the lyrics and song.

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