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 ya see is gonna call ya 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 True to love never ends Though the dog will have his way In the end you will say Remember your old father's words Don't you be no fool now girl Yeah eaheay One of these days you're going to reach eighteen And all the boys ya see is gonna call ya 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