Lyrics:
First verse
You've heard them talk about sweet papas That wouldn't spend a night at home They go roaming in the gloaming Leaving their mamas alone I know a man staaarted stepping Stepping out every night Till his sweet mama said sweet papa Let me put you right.First
Chorus
You may be fast but you won’t last, ‘Cause your mama’s gonna slow you down. You may roam away from home But your mama’s gonna hang around If you think you can leave me flat Think that you can stay away. I’ll know where to find you at Ev’ry decoration day If you go I surely know I’m never gonna wear a frown And if you think you’re big enough to black my eyes I’m gonna get myself a razor cut you down to my size You may be fast but you won’t last Because your mama’s gonna slow you down. You may be fast but you won’t last, ‘Cause your mama’s gonna slow you down. You may roam away from home But your mama’s gonna hang around If you think you can leave me flat Think that you can stay away. I’ll know where to find you at Ev’ry decoration day If you go I surely know I’m never gonna wear a frown And if you think you’re big enough to black my eyes I’m gonna get myself a razor cut you down to my size You may be fast but you won’t last Because your mama’s gonna slow you down.
Second verse
I never seemed to find sweet papa who wouldn’t run around at night They’d be leaving, I’d be grievin’ Sittin’ in the candle light I lost my good disposition Kept getting nearer each day My papa crossed me, double crossed me So I had to say.
Second chorus
You may be fast but you won’t last ‘Cause your mama’s gonna slow you down. You may roam away from home But your mama’s gonna hang around Graveyard bound you sure will be found Minister will then begin. If you don’t think you’re sinkin babe Just look at the hole you’re in When you leave why I won’t grieve I’m never gonna wear a frown ‘Cause I remember when you got here from the South You were so raggedy you had your money hid in your mouth You may be fast but you won’t last Because your mama’s gonna slow you down. You may be fast but you won’t last ‘Cause your mama’s gonna slow you down. You may roam away from home But your mama’s gonna hang around Graveyard bound you sure will be found Minister will then begin. If you don’t think you’re sinkin babe Just look at the hole you’re in When you leave why I won’t grieve I’m never gonna wear a frown ‘Cause I remember when you got here from the South You were so raggedy you had your money hid in your mouth You may be fast but you won’t last Because your mama’s gonna slow you down.
Sheldon Harris Collection
