Tupac Shakur’s classic song Dear Mama is one of the most heartfelt tributes to motherhood in music history. Released in 1995 as part of the album Me Against the World, the song highlights Tupac’s struggles and appreciation for his mother, Afeni Shakur. Here’s the full breakdown of the lyrics for you to read and feel connected to every word while listening to the music.

Stream Dear Mama on Spotify here.

[Intro]

You are appreciated

[Verse 1]

When I was young, me and my mama had beef
Seventeen years old, kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time I never thought I’d see her face
Ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place
Suspended from school, and scared to go home
I was a fool, with the big boys breakin’ all the rules
I shed tears with my baby sister, over the years
We was poorer than the other little kids
And even though we had different daddies, the same drama
When things went wrong, we’d blame Mama
I reminisce on the stress I caused, it was hell
Huggin’ on my mama from a jail cell

And who’d think in elementary, hey
I’d see the penitentiary one day?
And runnin’ from the police, that’s right
Mama catch me, put a whoopin’ to my backside
And even as a crack fiend, Mama
You always was a black queen, Mama
I finally understand
For a woman, it ain’t easy tryin’ to raise a man

You always was committed
A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how you did it
There’s no way I can pay you back
But the plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated

[Chorus: Reggie Green & Sweet Franklin, 2Pac]

Lady, don’t you know we love ya? (Dear Mama)
Sweet lady, place no one above ya (You are appreciated)
Sweet lady, don’t you know we love ya?

[Verse 2]

Now, ain’t nobody tell us it was fair
No love for my daddy, ’cause the coward wasn’t there
He passed away, and I didn’t cry
‘Cause my anger wouldn’t let me feel for a stranger

They say I’m wrong and I’m heartless, but all along
I was lookin’ for a father, he was gone
I hung around with the thugs, and even though they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love

I moved out and started really hangin’
I needed money of my own, so I started slangin’
I ain’t guilty, ’cause even though I sell rocks
It feels good puttin’ money in your mailbox

I love payin’ rent when the rent is due
I hope you got the diamond necklace that I sent to you
‘Cause when I was low, you was there for me
You never left me alone because you cared for me

And I could see you comin’ home after work late
You’re in the kitchen tryin’ to fix us a hot plate
You just workin’ with the scraps you was given
And Mama made miracles every Thanksgiving