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
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