Mary Lou, Momma, Grandma, Sissy, Tia Mary

[Verse 1]
Some hearts are built for heavy loads,
They learn to walk on rocky roads.
December fifth of fifty-one,
A migrant field girl's life begun.
She was a mother still so young,
But she found the strength to carry on.

[Chorus]
Mama, you were always there,
With little left, you'd always share.
Through every storm and every tear,
You held us close and kept us near.
Still standing tall by heaven's will,
Oh Mommy, you were always there.

[Verse 2]
You raised your babies, Black and brown,
When some saw color, you stood your ground.
You worked those jobs, kept bread to eat,
You showed us wisdom, strong and sweet.
Mary Lou, you'd never bend,
You loved us through it to the end.

[Chorus]
Mama, you were always there,
With little left, you'd always share.
Through every storm and every tear,
You held us close and kept us near.
Still standing tall by heaven's will,
Oh Mommy, you were always there.

[Bridge]
You came to Vegas for Cristal,
To Chicago for Cristopher,
No questions asked, you did your part,
You helped me raise them with your heart.

[Verse 3]
Now we're all back in Vegas home,
You care for Daddy, he's not alone.
You cook, you clean, you serve with grace,
That's love I see upon your face.
Grandma Eloise Reyes would be proud,
Mary Lou, at seventy-five, we sing it loud.

[Chorus]
Mama, you were always there,
Through broken pieces, you still cared.
You gave us everything you had,
And made the good outweigh the bad.
Still standing tall by heaven's will,
Oh Mommy, you were always there.

[Outro]
A virtuous woman, strong and true,
I learned how love should live from you.
Happy birthday, Mama, hear my prayer,
Mommy, you were always there.