Story Behind The Song

I'm sick and tired of wealthy people taking the high moral ground when in many cases their wealth grows on the back of the abject misery of those that they exploit. Sometimes doing the 'right' thing is made impossible by the wrong of others and then you're condemned by them because of it. BE POOR - BE PROUD!

Song Description

A story about the lives of decent, good people who do their best. But being poor stacks the odds against them. This song is about every mother who wanted the best for her child,every child who is born less fortunate and every man that lost his pride. They all represent the disgraceful truth of our 'civilized' society.

Lyrics

THE LEGACY

She held her baby, in her arms
She said I'm gonna make you happy, keep you safe from harm.
Love your little body and watch it grow.
Teach you all the things a baby should know.

She picked him up and she held him tight said,
"You and me we're gonna be alright."
Wiped a tear from the bruise on her chin and said,
"You're gonna grow up so much better than him."

"No son of mine's gonna drink and fight.
Pushing people when he ain't got no right.
Cheat and lie, and cheat and sin.
We've got to get away from him."

Well they took off on the midnight express
They were dog tired and penniless
Not enough to keep them fed
No home, no food, no bed she said,

"Son I don't know what to do
you know I've got to make this work now for me and you.
We've got to live and we've got to eat.
Mama's gotta work on the street".

She said, "I'm sorry son, it's just for a while."
He hugged his mama and he gave her a smile.
She earned some money, they got a room
It stank of stale cigarettes and stale perfume.

Well time passed and life was tough.
She always did her best but it was never enough and
He grew up and he grew sad
Because he wanted all the things he could not have.

Mama said, "Son, we can handle this because
All we need is loving and a hug and a kiss.
You've got to have faith that it'll change one day."
He said, "Mama how I wish that I could see it that way."

Well he tried hard and he found work
He was digging up the ditches he was shovelling dirt
He found the bottle and he found sin
How long until the Devil found him?

One night well he got home late
He was blind drunk and in a terrible state
He'd lost his job and he could not cope
Mama saw her dreams going up in smoke.

She said,"Son you'll get a job again."
But she couldn't say how and she couldn't say when and
He couldn't stop his fist as it hit her face.
He couldn't stop the tears of utter disgrace he said,

"Mama, Mama what have I done?"
"Mama oh Mama what have I become?"
He wiped the tear from the bruise on her chin and said,
"Mama oh Mama. I turned out just like him."

"Mama oh Mama. I turned out just like him."