"And be a simple kind of man Baby be a simple kind of man And you can do this, oh baby, if you try Mama told me, when I was young "Said sit beside me, my only son And listen closely, to what I say And if you do this, it will help you some sunny day" Oh

'Cause all that you have is your soul Don't be tempted by the shiny apple Don't you eat of a bitter fruit Hunger only for a taste of justice Hunger only for a world of truth All that you have Oh my mama told me 'Cause she say she learned the hard way Say

I'll give her melodies Oh, my mama She gave me these feathered breaths Oh, the mamas I'll be a mama I'll have a daughter She told me "use your voice My little bird"

Playin' with my love and affection That ain't smart, no that ain't smart, oh If you're messin' around in the dark So little girl that's why I'm tellin' you The boogie man is gonna get you The Boogie Man will get ya My mama told me when I was quite young