lonely feelings in the city one room flat with crumbling walls sirens play a distant melody neon shadows paint the halls in the thirteen months i ve spent here with my manuscript and rhymes i ve paid in cash for foolish pleasures mother dear you d call them crimes raise the roof light the light mother dear i m returning tonight now i see your concern mother dear how you taught me to learn raise the roof light the light mother dear i m returning tonight now i see your concern mother dear how you taught me to learn i ve been a roman for survival showing two sides of my face i need the comfort of your wisdom i m coming home to your embrace if by chance i pass before you don t discount my gratitude you re responsible for me here and of course my attitude raise the roof light the light mother dear i m returning tonight now i see your concern mother dear how you taught me to learn stayin up half the night wonderin if what i m doin is right raise the roof light the light mother dear i m returning tonight