It was one July the fourth, they tried to take me out
I got in trouble with the law, then you bailed me out
(Without you, girl and my life is through, Maria)
But I had to let them know how strong you are
(Empty arms and lonely nights)
Damn, I really miss my sister, guess it's better where she's at
Mama, I'ma ride for you, I swear
(Maria, Maria)
(Maria, girl, you know you are the only one)
It's that shit right here
A neighbor was screamin', “Maria, run, come outside
(Without you, girl, my life is through, Maria)
You take care of Joey and I love you for that
I pray to God that He show us a sign
Mami, I love you, I want the world to know I love you
I guess Lisa was a angel, God wanted her back
I never forget the night that changed our life
Chuchu, what's up? You my nephew, I love you for life
Then you went back to school and got a job that's legal, Maria
Life wasn't easy, everyday was a struggle
This song is dedicated
Many nights I argue with You in my prayers
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
(That's my life without you, girl)
Blow holes through a nigga if he touch my mama
Took me like ten years to do
I love you so much
One of my best friends on earth
Now it's time to change my life, I think rap's the answer
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
Get your shit together, girl, I love you too
For this pain, this love, been through so much
(Empty arms and lonely nights)
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
(Maria, Maria)
This song is also dedicated to little Maria
Without you, girl and my life is through
My mother has so much to see, so much to do
Doctor said it'd be a miracle if you survived
(Maria)
You did whatever it took to keep the supper hot
(I'm so lonely, I'm so blue)
I resemble my mama to be truthful
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
(That's my life without you, girl)
And I ain't got to describe her, you know she beautiful
That would be my mother Maria Cartegena
Yeah, I guess the cops was cool, they let me feed you
But like my niggaz from Chi town say, it's all bubbles
August nineteenth, she birthed me, I came out
She's had such a painful life
(Maria)
This be the realest shit I ever wrote
(Without you, girl and my life is through, Maria)
Empty arms and lonely nights
I cried for hours 'til they finally freed you
I'm so lonely, I'm so blue
Once the cops caught you, I skipped school
Had to tell the world how much I love you
(Maria, girl, you know you are the only one)
Then you bathed him and tucked him to sleep
You been a survivor and we love you so much
Then you replied, “Not my son, he don't be gettin' high”
Now it's fourteen years later and you still alive, "Thank You, God"
But I know You the boss, You kept her alive for a reason
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
You don't want the world to know all your business
(Maria)
Yeah Mami, I love you so much
Ay yo, she's the best sister, one man lover
(Maria, Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
And every chance I get, I'ma kiss you and hug you
(I'm so lonely, I'm so blue)
Shot me right in front of my mother, by Tracy's house
Same day I got signed, you was diagnosed with cancer
Hopin' my real motherfuckers know
Mami, you such a good woman, you a classy woman
It's Crack, bitch
Got money from [Incomprehensible] and I took you some food
That's my life without you, girl
I'm so lonely, I'm so blue
Got you that housekeeper to manicure the grounds
I know you a private person
You know I cried doin' this song, man, so much pain
Yo, I bet you proud of your son, he's a rap star now
Took you outta them projects and bought you that house
And you raisin' John John and we love you for that
(Empty arms and lonely nights)
And I thank you for everything you done for us
He got in trouble with the law, then you bailed him out
God, I thank You so much
Dropped to my knees and screamed, “Mama, we need you”
And I remember when you worked at the number spot
And if she died, her tombstone would read 'The world's greatest mother'
Something's wrong with your son, I think he's gettin' high”
(That's my life without you, girl)
(Maria)
And I bought you that car that breaks the barrier of sound
Put her through hell but still in all, she couldn't help but smile
Shit, I always love my mama
I had to dedicate this song to you, Mami
(Maria, don't you hear me callin'? Maria)
To the most beautiful woman on the planet earth
(Maria, girl, you know you are the only one)
Yeah, I knew from that day life wouldn't be sweet
(I'm so lonely, I'm so blue)
Then you looked in my eyes and said, “Joey, I don't wanna die”
