[Intro: Paul Williams]
Oh, mother

[Verse 1: Paul Williams]
Oh mother of mine, I've, I've been blind
The things that you tell me, yeah, I paid, I really paid it no mind
Oh please, oh please forgive me, yes, I know I was wrong
But now, now I know, yeah, my place, my place is at home

[Pre-Chorus: Paul Williams]
Can't you see I've been crying now (Oh yes, he's been crying)
Almost dying (Uh-huh, almost dying)
I need your advice, mama, yeah (He needs your advice)

[Chorus: Paul Williams]
(He needs your advice)
Oh, mama (Please, Mother)
Oh, mama (Please, Mother)
Oh, mama (Please, Mother)
Come on and tell me, now

[Bridge: Eddie Kendricks]
How much about love, you don't understand?
Yes, you knew that you were wrong
Oh, when you thought you were wrong
Yes, it was that young girl
She put you in such a whirl
[Verse 2: Paul Williams]
Yeah, I said, mama, don't you worry now, yeah
I guess I had it coming anyhow, yes I did
I'm gonna do everything you say
Hmmm, each and every day

[Pre-Chorus: Paul Williams]
I'm gonna be a man, yes, I am (Oh yes, he's gonna be a man)
Now that I understand (Now that he understands)
Ooh, I'm not gonna be no fool no more (He's not fool no more)
Yeah because you told me so (Like, like he was before)

[Chorus: Paul Williams]
Whoa, mama (Please, Mother)
Oh, mother (Please, Mother)
Oh, mother (Please, Mother)
Come and tell me now

[Outro: Paul Williams]
(Mother, he's gonna be alright) Oh, tell me now
(Mother, he's gonna be alright) Hmm, I'm sorry
(Mother, he's gonna be alright) Yes, I am, I'm really sorry
(Mother, he's gonna be alright) Oh, I should have taken heed, yeah
(Mother, he's gonna be alright) Yes I should have heed because you know what to say
(Mother, he's gonna be alright) Woah oh