When I became of age, my mother called me to her side.
She said, "Son, you're growing up now.
Pretty soon you'll take a bride."
And then she said

Just because you've become a young man now,
There's still some things that you don't understand now.
Before you ask some girl for her hand now,
Keep your freedom for as long as you can now.

My mama told me you better shop around.
Oh yeah, you better shop around.

Oh, there's some things that I want you to know now
Just as sure as the wind's gonna blow now,
The women come and the women gonna go now
Before you tell 'em that you love 'em so now.

My mama told me you better shop around.
Whoa, yeah, you better shop around.

Try to get yourself a bargain, son.
Don't be sold on the very first one.
Pretty girls come a dime a dozen.
Try to find you one who's gonna give you true loving.

Before you take a girl and say "I do" now,
Make sure that her love is true now.

My mama told me you better shop around.

Oh yeah
Try to get yourself a bargain, son.
Don't be sold on the very first one.
Pretty girls come a dime a dozen.
Try to find you one who's gonna give you true loving.

Before you take a girl and say "I do" now,
Make sure she's in love with you now.
Make sure that her love is true now.
I hate to see you feeling sad and blue now.

My mama told me you better shop around.
Oh, don't let the first one get you,
Oh no, 'cause I don't wanna see her with you.
Uh uh. Before you let her hold you tight,
Yeah, yeah, make sure she's alright.
Before you let her take your hand, my son,
Understand, my son,
Be a man, my son.
I know you can, my son. I love you.