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 will act an older age
To be recognized as one and not a mass

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 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
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 what you want to do
Now's the time for you to stride
For you to get better in what you are doin'

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 will act an older age
To be recognized as one and not a mass

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, oh

And 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