Can't Be There Today - Billy Bragg

An invite to a wedding

That no-one can attend

A poster for a show that never happened

Two tickets for a holiday

I can longer spend

And a gift for Mothers Day I won’t be wrapping

This is all I’m left with

In a world that’s been shut down

I want to come see you mum

But I fear that thing I might bring in

So I’m sending you this message

With a heavy heart to say

I miss you but I can’t be there today

I love you and that’s I’m going to stay away

It feels like hope has been postponed

All plans put on hold

Prospects fade and expectations shattered

But all through these uncertain days

I’ve come to understand

Those few precious things that truly matter

Mama you’ve been on my mind

As the world has slipped away

Promise me you’ll do the things

That must be done in the days to come

I don’t know when I’ll get the chance

To hug you so I want to say

I miss you but I can’t be there today

I love you and that’s why I’m going to stay away

The time will come when this is done

And I won’t have to say

I miss you but I can’t be there today

I love you and that’s why I’m going to stay away