Roses for Mama

Well, I had two weeks vacation comin'
So I thought I'd drive down to Florida
Spend some time with an old friend, date a few girls
Make a few parties, and just kinda live it up again

So I packed up my car, and then I called my mom in Tennessee
Told her what I planned to do
And she said, "Son, are you comin' by?"
And I said, "Mom, I'm really pushed for time
But honey, I'll see you in a week or two"

And I was drivin' through this little town in Georgia when I remembered
Today is mama's birthday
Well, I thought I'll just stop and wire some flowers
Shouldn't take too long; then I'll be on my way

So I walked in a flower shop and the first thing
I saw was this little boy with his eyes full of tears
And I said, "Son, what's wrong?"
And he said, "Mama loves roses and today's her birthday
And I haven't seen them almost a year"

Roses for mama
Today's her birthday
Roses for mama
Today's her birthday

He said, "I live with grandpa now
But I promised mama some roses, 'cause I talk to her all the time
I wanted to give her five, 'cause that's how old I am
But the lady said I couldn't buy 'em for just a dime"

Well, the little fella's story kind of touched my heart
So I told the lady, "Just give him what he wanted and charge it to me"
Well, that when I told her
To wire a dozen roses to my mama up in Chapel Hill, Tennessee

I looked around, and the little boy was gone
But all of a sudden, the door flew open, and he came runnin' back in
And he said, "Mister, I forgot to thank you for the roses"
He smiled, then shook my hand, and ran back out again

Well, I started on out of town, and I was feelin' real proud of myself
For thinkin' of my mama and really carin'
When I looked out my window, I saw that same little boy
Kneelin' by a grave in an old cemetery

I stopped my car and walked over to where the little boy was kneelin' down
And he smiled up at me and said, "This is where my mama stays
She says she sure does thank you for these pretty roses"
Well, that's when I had to walk away

And I drove right back to that flower shop
And I said, "Lady, have you sent those flowers to Tennessee?"
And she said, "No, not yet"
And I said, "Well, just never mind, I'll just take them back with me"

Roses for mama
Today's her birthday
Roses for mama
Today's her birthday