Lonely feelin's in the city

One room flat with crumblin' 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 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 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 I'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 embrace If by chance I pass before you

Don't discount my gratitude

You're responsible for me here

And of course my attitude 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 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