Said a small boy once asked, When will I grow up 
When will I see what grownups do see... 
In his fight to come of age, he would have to know the age 
To be recognized is when I'm not unmasked 

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

As the years went rushin' 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 

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

You're young, so young, don't hold on back 
Do all you want to do 
Now is the time for you to stride 
For you to get better in what you are doin', oh 

Now is the time for you to stride 
For you to get better in what you are doin', oh 

A small boy once asked, When will I grow up 
When will I see what grownups do see... 
In his fight to come of age, he would have to know the age 
To be recognized is when I'm not unmasked 

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

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