As a young man, I ran crazy, throwin' caution to the wind
Doin' things I later would regret
Livin' like the devil and runnin' 'round in sin
And I put my family's patience to the test
Son, when I look at you, it's like holding up a mirror
And I'm proud of the man you wanna be
But I've seen my share of trouble, and I doubt I'd be alive
If my mama didn't pray for me

So each night I'd get down on my knees
I'd close my eyes and bow my head and ask the good Lord, "Please
Watch over all my children, give them everything the need"
Like my mama used to pray for me

Temptation got the best of me more times than I can count
I imagine that you'll probably find the same
'Cause this family's got traditions of makin' bad decisions
And that wild blood is pumpin' through your veins
So take it from somebody who's been around the block
I've seen it all, and boy, you'd best believe
You can learn from my mistakes and know that I'll be prayin'
Like my mama used to pray for me

So each night I'd get down on my knees
I'd close my eyes and bow my head and ask the good Lord, "Please
Watch over all my children, give them everything the need"
Like my mama used to pray for me

Lord, give protection and honor and a love that is true
Give 'em strength and courage to put their faith in You

Oh, each night I get down on my knees
I close my eyes and bow my head and ask the good Lord, "Please
Watch over all my children, give them everything the need"
Like my mama used to pray for me
Yeah, my mama, she still prays for me