I've gotta be good or mama will scold me

Yes yes yes

I asked when 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 there's a moon

Mama darling and it shinning on the water

Mother must I keep on dancing

Yes my darling daughter

What if he'll propose

Mama darling when the night is going 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

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 I know my daughter

Yes I know my daughter