Thirty some odd years ago a young man came to Memphis Askin' 'bout a rose that used to blossom in his world People never took the time to mind the young man's questions Until one day they heard him ask a little green eyed girl.
What's your mama's name, child, what's your mama's name Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson What's your mama's name, child, what's your mama's name?
Twenty some odd years ago a drunkard down in Memphis Lost a month of life and labored to the county jail Just because he asked a little green eyed girl a question And offered her a nickel's worth of candy if she'd tell.
A year and some odd days ago an old man died in Memphis Just another wayward soul the county had to claim Inside the old man's ragged coat they found a faded letter That said you got a daughter and her eyes are Wilson green.
What's your mama's name, child, what's your mama's name Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson What's your mama's name, child, what's your mama's name?
What's your mama's name child, what's your mama's name?...