Tough Mama

Written by: Bob Dylan
Tough Mama, meat shakin’ on your bones
I'm gonna go down to the river and get some stones
Sister's on the highway with that steel-drivin' crew
Papa's in the big house, his workin' days are through
Tough Mama, 
can I blow a little smoke on you?

Dark Lady, Won't you move it on over and make some room?
Rollin’ steady, sweepin’ through the country like a broom
Put your arms around me, like a circle ‘round the sun
You got a pocket full of money but you can’t help me none
Shady Lady, the Dress that you are wearin’ weighs a ton

Angel Baby, born of a blinding light and a changing wind
Drive me crazy, you know who you are and where you’ve been
Starin’ at the ceiling, standin’ on the chair
Big fires blazing, ashes in the air
Angel Baby, I wonder what you done back there

I’m crestfallen—the world of illusion is at my door
I hear you callin’, same old thing like it was before
Crawlin’ through the meadow like a lion in the den
Headin’ for the round-up at the rainbow’s end
Tough Mama, let’s get on the road again

Copyright © 1973 by Ram's Horn Music; renewed 2001 by Ram’s Horn Music