C                F                 C
That whiskey and his wild reckless way 

                   F           C
Put my young daddy in an early grave

   F              G7             F                 C
So many nights my mama cried and then I'd hear her pray

      G7                F               C
She'd asked the Lord to send her better days 

                A#7         C
Better days for mama better days


     F             G7           C
Then sister had to marry at fourteen 

F                  G7             C
Destroyed what was left of mama's dreams

    F                G7
She cried but then I heard her say 

F                        C
Sometimes the best sheep go astray

   G7                  F                 C
At night she knelt and prayed for better days 

                A#7         C
Better days for mama better days


                     F               C
She cried a lot that day that I left home 

                   F                 C
I said don't worry I know right from wrong

  F                 G7           F               C
Although I tried my best somehow four grey walls surround me now

    G7            F                C
And again my mama prays for better days 

                A#7         C
Better days for mama better days


       F           G7             C
Mister warden many many thanks to you 

F                   G7              C
To let me come here for the flowers too

  F               G7
Although my tears fall on her grave
 
F                      C
I feel she's found her resting place

   G7                 F           C
At last the Lord sent mama better days 

                A#7         C
Better days for mama better days

                A#7         C
Better days for mama better days