You've got to be mean you've got to be tough
You don't need none of that pity stuff

You got to be hard or else you'll be done
You have to take care of number one

Don't come to me if you're out on the street
I'll only tell you to get up on your feet
Don't come to me if you feel you are through
'Cause I don't have the time to listen to you

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

You've got to be smooth you've got to be rough

You don't need none of that pity stuff

You got to be cruel forget bein' kind
Or else they'll just take it and leave you behind
Don't come to me if you're down on the ground
If it's problems you've got I don't need you around
Don't come to me if your luck is in doubt
'Cause I won't even listen I'll just kick you out

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me yeah

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me

Run to your mama
But don't come crying to me
Yeah yeah

Run to your mama

Don't you come crying to me

Run to your mama

Don't you come crying to me
No no no no

Run to your mama

But don't you come crying to me no