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 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