My papa told me the day would come

When I would want to love some one

He sat me down on his knee

And these are the words he said to me

He said

One of these days you're going to reach eighteen

And all the boys you see is gonna call you a queen

You'll smile and blush and hold your head up high

But the same little boys will make you cry

So the best thing to do when you reach this age

Is to be a good girl remember what I say

You make 'em wait and pick your dates

Woah oh make 'em wait pick your dates

Before you make a big mistake

You know when true love comes your way

There won't be much that you will say

He'll walk right up and take you by your hand

And he'll lead you right straight to the preacher man

So the best thing to do when you reach this age

Is to be a good girl remember what I say

You make 'em wait and pick your dates

Woah oh make 'em wait pick your dates

Before you make a big mistake

Just because they treat you nice

Doesn't mean they want a wife

Take your time pick your friends

Remember your old father's words

Don't you be no fool now girl

One of these days you're going to reach eighteen

And all the boys you see is gonna call you a queen

You'll smile and blush and hold your head up high

But the same little boys will make you cry

So the best thing to do when you reach this age

Is to be a good girl remember what I say

You make 'em wait and pick your dates

Woah oh make 'em wait pick your dates

Before you make a big mistake

You make 'em wait and pick your dates

Woah oh make 'em wait pick your dates

Before you make a big mistake

You make 'em wait and pick your dates

Woah oh make 'em wait pick your dates