Momma
Joell Ortiz Lyrics


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I only love my bed and my mama, I'm sorry
That's facts
What's up, Michelle? Miss Michelle
That's what they call you 'round the way, right? Uh

Mama's eyes seen some things that made her proud now
Fans cheer her baby name, they say it loud now
Her baby boy on TV, she be bugging when she see me
She be crying when she call me, when I'm touring she can't see me
Mama miss me, makes her sad, but she happy when I'm leaving
Always tells me go with God, I keep Jesus right here with me
Mama's eyes used to tear up for a different set of reasons
We won't talk about those nights, let's just focus on these evenings
We be watching flicks together on her old LED TV
Order food from anywhere or she chef up some baked ziti
That's my grandma recipe, we both miss her, yes indeed
We agree, mama gon' live it up while granny rest in peace
Mama, mama, I'm emotional 'cause God keep blessing me
I stopped by, you wasn't there, Pat said you had therapy
I forgot you go and chat with Miss Gonzalez every Tuesday
Helps you cope with all your losses and remind you it's a new day
Anyway, on your dresser left a quarter of that puré
That you liked from up in Dyckman since the last one wasn't true haze
I'm bout to step in this meeting with MTV
Call me when you back at the crib, on the fridge, I left a G

Hey, took a while (took a while)
To reach this type of peace we own (peace we own)
But we're here (but we're here), moving forward, loving strong
All that's worth having is worth struggling for
We didn't have it all, but we're here to win (yeah)

Mama, I'm so proud of you in case you didn't know
Not the verbal type of son and plus I'm always on the go
But see, I do talk to these beats and so I figured I would show
How much I love you through this flow, perform this at my show
Have every light up in the air until the venue starts to glow
Almost as much as your smile does when I walk through your door
I be trying not to think about a life without you with me
But these years is moving fast, I can't believe that you'll be sixty
Please don't hit me for just screaming out your age into the public
But you still look forty-something, you should love it
I remember I would wake you up with raps while you was sleeping
Loose leaf paper in my hand, half awoke, you said, "Keep reading"
Mama, I just got the chills, we ain't worried 'bout the bills
All the cereals is real, we ain't munching on no frills
I ain't doing drug deals, you ain't using drugs still
No more mice across the floor, you like how them rugs feel
Mama, mama, look at us, 'member things was looking rough?
Daddy looked the other way, they looked at us with such disgust
But now things are looking up
So here's a song for the only face I saw when I looking off that bus

Hey, took a while (took a while)
To reach this type of peace we own (peace we own)
But we're here (but we're here), moving forward, loving strong




All that's worth having is worth struggling for
We didn't have it all, but we're here to win (yeah)

Overall Meaning

In the song "Momma" by Joell Ortiz, the opening lines express a deep love and appreciation for his mother, stating that he only loves his bed and his mama, apologizing for this fact. This sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the strong bond between Joell and his mother. The mention of Michelle indicates a personal connection and familiarity, suggesting a close relationship or nickname associated with his mother. Joell reflects on his mother's experiences and the pride she feels seeing her son succeed, with fans cheering his name and her emotions ranging from joy to sadness when he is on tour. This demonstrates the sacrifices and emotional journey both Joell and his mother have gone through to reach the current point in their lives.


As the lyrics progress, Joell delves into the complexities of his relationship with his mother, acknowledging the hardships she has faced and the support she continues to provide. The reference to watching movies together and enjoying meals, particularly the baked ziti made from his grandma's recipe, portrays a sense of comfort and nostalgia shared between them. Despite past struggles, they find solace in each other's company and cherish the memories of their family. Joell's lyrics also touch upon his mother's therapy sessions and the ways in which she copes with her losses, emphasizing the importance of mental health and personal growth.


The song evolves into a celebration of the mother-son bond, with Joell expressing his pride and admiration for his mother's resilience and unwavering love. He acknowledges his lack of verbal communication but finds a way to express his emotions through music, dedicating his performances to her and showcasing his affection publicly. Joell reminisces about waking his mother up with raps and the shared moments that have shaped their lives, acknowledging the challenges they have overcome together. The lyrics convey a sense of gratitude and love, highlighting the deep connection between Joell and his mother as they navigate life's ups and downs.


In the final verses of the song, Joell reflects on the transformation they have undergone as a family, from facing judgment and adversity to building a strong foundation of love and support. He acknowledges the struggles they have faced but emphasizes that they have persevered and are now in a place of peace and strength. The lyrics serve as a tribute to his mother, expressing his appreciation for her presence in his life and the unwavering support she has provided. Through his heartfelt words and nostalgic storytelling, Joell Ortiz captures the essence of a mother's love and the profound impact it has had on his life.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joell Ortiz, Eric Keith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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