<I’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>

Mama, may I go out dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
Mama, may I try romancing? Yes, my darling daughter
What if there’s a moon, mama darling, and it’s shining on the water
Mama, must I keep on dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
What if he’ll propose, mama darling, when the night is growing shorter?
Mama, 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 [bad word] a shade improper?
Tell him that your heart belongs to papa>

Mama, will it be exciting? Yes, my darling daughter
Mama, 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 he’ll persist, mama darling, doing things he hadn’t oughta
Mama, what should be my answer? Yes, my darling daughter