I guess you're never gonna come back for me, ma
With a suitcase of pretty dresses and shoes
One for you and one for me, ma
And perfume for the ladies looking after me too
There was a chair beside the door I wished you'd walk through
Wearing your sad eyes and frown
You'd stand beside me and we'd wind the Victrola
And sing along together
Make the sweetest sounds

I used to think it might be who I am
Maybe who I am wasn't right
And I'd wonder if you missed me the same way
Lonely day after lonely night
But I know you must've had a good reason
You had a good reason, alright

I guess you're gonna never see me a-shining
All the lines of people winding around the block
The world is mine, and it's a microphone in my hand
Singing with a band, ma, the toast of the town
Sometimes I think I see you out there a-smiling
Your pretty sad eyes singing along
And all at once I'm a bird with no ceiling
A voice and a feeling like I'll never come down

I used to think it might be who I am
Maybe who I am wasn't right
And I'd wonder if you missed me the same way
Lonely day after lonely night
But I know you must've had a good reason
You had a good reason, alright