IÂ've gotta be good or mama will scold me
Yes, yes, yes
I asked her and this is what she told me
Yes, yes, yes

Mother, may I go out dancing? Yes, my darling daughter!
Mother, may I try romancing? Yes, my darling daughter!

What if thereÂ's a moon, mama darling, and itÂ's shining on the water,
Mother, must I keep on dancing? Yes, my darling daughter!

If he wants to kiss, mama darling,
when he feels it's time we ought to,
Mother must I let him kiss me? Yes, my darling daughter!

What if heÂ'll propose, mama darling,
when the night is growing shorter?
Mother, what should be my answer? Yes, my darling daughter!

Oh mama, oh mama, oh mama, oh mama

What if he should insist on one embrace, mama,
How can I keep him in his place
If his manner becomes a shade improper?
Tell him that your heart belongs to papa

Mother, will it be exciting? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother, do I look inviting? Yes, my darling daughter
If he holds me tight, mama darling, and my knees just turn to water
Mama must I keep on dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
What if heÂ'll persist, mama darling, doing things he hadnÂ't oughta
Mama, what should be my answer? Yes, my darling daughter