It was an early summer day
But it seems like just yesterday
When mama looked right in my face
And told me she was going away

If I could count all the tears that I cried
I'd be empty and lost inside
So I'll try to find a smile
And hold my head up high

Mama said, 'Don't cry
I'm goin' away up high
Don't be afraid, be strong
Just keep on holding on'

Mama said, 'Don't cry
Dry all the tears from your eyes
Don't be afraid, be strong
Just keep on holding on'

So young but yet so wise
So much beauty was in her eyes
No one could quite explain
Just why she had to face the pain

But when the day comes and hits your time
Only God knows the reason why
She was my angel, my light, and my friend
But one day we'll be together again

But now that I know, she has gone away
Gone away, gone away
There were days when I wish that I could run away
Run away, run away
And if I could there would be another summer day
Summer day, summer day
When I could see my mother's face again

'Cause mama said, 'Don't cry
I'm goin' away, way up high
Don't be afraid, be strong
Just keep on holding on'

Cause mama said, 'Baby don't you cry
Just dry all the tears from your eyes
Don't be afraid, be strong
Just keep holding on'

And on, and on, and on, and on, and on
Gone away, gone away , gone away
Run away, run away, run away
Summer day, summer day, summer day
Will see my mother's face again