Lyrics 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 Mother′s Day I won't be wrapping

This is all I′m left with
In a world that's been shut down
I wannna come see and you, Mum
But I fear that thing that 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 why I'm gonna 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 wanna say
"I miss you, but I can't be there today
I love you, and that's why I′m gonna 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 gonna stay away"