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

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