[Verse 1]
You zipped up my dress
Hands shook
But you smiled
Said
“Breathe
My love”
Like you did when I was five
Lipstick on the coffee cup
Veil draped over your arm
You fixed one stray curl
Said
“Go
He means you no harm”
[Chorus]
Mama
I’m still your little girl
Even as I change my name
I am every bedtime story
Every blanket fort we made
I am all your sleepless nights
Every tear you ever dried
Mama
When I walk into his world
I’m walking there with you by my side
[Verse 2]
You pinned in the blue
From your own wedding lace
I saw your eyes flicker
To that old photograph frame
You laughed through the crying
Said
“Promise me one thing
Love her like you loved me
When the hard days begin”
[Chorus]
Mama
I’m still your little girl
Even as I change my name
I am every kitchen dance
Bare feet on your tired legs
I am all your whispered prayers
Folded hands at 2 a.m
Mama
When I walk into his world
I’ll say
“She taught me how to love a man”
[Bridge]
If he ever sees me breaking
I’ll tell him
“Hold me like you did” (oh)
If I ever doubt my courage
I’ll hear you say
“Stand up again”
And when I’m tucking in my own child
In the quiet
In the dark
I’ll hear your voice in my voice
Feel you beating in my heart
[Chorus]
Mama
I’m still your little girl
Even as I change my name
You are every vow I’m speaking
Every promise that I make
So when they say
“Give her away”
Know I’m never really gone
Mama
You’re the first love of my life
And you’re with me as I’re moving on
[Outro]
You zipped up my dress
Kissed my trembling cheek
“Go
My brave little girl”
And I’ll carry you with every step I take