Said a small boy once asked when will I grow up
When will I see what grown-ups do see
In his fight to come of age
He will act an older age
To be recognized is when I'm not unmasked

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 live it

As the years went rushing by
He would cut down on his age
He would tell his girl of how it used to be yeah
How his mommy passed away
But these lines she would say
And at that 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 listen

You're young, so young, don't hold on back
Just do what you want to do
Now is the time for you to strive
For you to get better at what you are doing oh
To hold it back now listen to your mama boy

As a small boy once asked when will I grow up
When will I see what grown-ups do see
In his fight to come of age
He would act an older age
To be recognized is when I'm not unmasked

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
Mama used to say live your life

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

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, live your life

And mama used to say take your time, take your time young man
And mama used to say don't you rush, 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, live your life