Lyrics

I grew up in a welfare state
Where the winters were cold and the checks came late
With hand-me-down clothes and a hole in my heart
It seemed nothing could fill a child of the blues

Mamma was lonely, she left us at night
She said, "You be good!" and locked the door tight
But I couldn't sleep for wondering if she would return
'Cause sometimes you lose

Mamma was crying when the sheriff came in
Like being on welfare is some kind of sin
All of our things tossed out in the street
Wish I knew what to do, but it ain't no use

They say that we're lazy, ignorant poor
We get there too late, they lock up the door
The shelter is warm, but it sure ain't no home
Is this paying your dues?
Child of the blues