While you're running around bawling
Or playing at clubs every night
You ought to be home with the one who loves you
You know the gal who treats you right

Tell me, boys
I want you to tell me
Yes, yes, yes

What'cha gonna do when your baby leaves you?
What'cha gonna do?
What'cha gonna do when your baby leaves you?
What'cha gonna do
When she says her last goodbye?
I bet you wanna sit right down and cry
What'cha gonna do
When your baby leaves?
What'cha gonna do?

You come home early in the morning
You think everybody is asleep
She's been sitting there with her eyes wide open
And tears are running down her cheeks

Now tell me, boys
I want you to tell me
Yes, yes, yes
All right

You know my mother she done told me
Late on one Saturday night
She said you ought to be home with the one who loves you
You know the gal who treats you right

Now she said, "now listen, son
You know I'm your mother
You know I wouldn't tell you nothing wrong
But I want you
Yes, I want you to tell me
Oh

What'cha gonna do when your baby leaves you?
What'cha gonna do?
What'cha gonna do when your baby leaves you?
What'cha gonna do
Now, when she says her last goodbye?
You better get right down on your knees and cry
What'cha gonna do when your baby leaves you?
Tell me, watcha gonna do?"

What'cha gonna do?
What'cha gonna do?