Said a small boy once asked,'When will I grow up?
When will I see what grown-ups do see?'
And he's 'bout to come of age, he would act another age
To be recognized as one another mess

And mama used to say, 'Take your time young man'
And mama used to say, 'Don't you rush to get old'
And mama used to say, 'Take it in your stride'
And mama used to say, 'Live your life'

As the years were rushing by, he would cut down on his age
He would tell his girl of how it used to be
How his mommy passed away, but these lines she would say
And at the time he couldn't understand

And mama used to say, 'Take your time young man'
And mama used to say, 'Don't you rush to get old'
And mama used to say, 'Take it in your stride'
And mama used to say, 'Live your life'

You're young, son Joe, don't hold on back
Do what you want to do
Now is the time for you to stride
For you to get better in what you are doing

Now is the time for you to stride
For you to get better in what you are doing

A small boy once asked, 'When will I grow up?
When will I see what grown-ups do see?'
And he's 'bout to come of age, he would act another age
To be recognized as one another mess

And mama used to say, 'Take your time young man'
And mama used to say, 'Don't you rush to get on'
And mama used to say, 'Take it in your stride'
Mama used to say, 'Live your life, live your life, live your life'

Hey mama used to say, 'Take your time young man'
Mama used to say, 'Don't you rush to get on'
And mama used to say, 'Take it in your stride'
Mama used to say, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey

Mama used to say
Mama used to say
Mama used to say
Mama used to say