My papa told me the day would come
When I would want to love some one
He sat me down on his knee,
And these are the words he said to me
(He said)

One of these days you're going to reach eighteen
And all the boys ya see is gonna call ya a queen
You'll smile, and blush, and hold your head up high
But the same little boys will make you cry
So the best thing to do when you reach this age
Is to be a good girl, remember what I say

You make 'em wait, and pick your dates
Woah oh make 'em wait, pick your dates
Before you make a big mistake

You know when true love comes your way
There won't be much that you will say
He'll walk right up and take you by your hand
And he'll lead you right straight to the preacher man
So the best thing to do when you reach this age
Is to be a good girl, remember what I say

You make 'em wait, and pick your dates
Woah oh make 'em wait, pick your dates
Before you make a big mistake

Just because they treat you nice
Doesn't mean they want a wife
Take your time, pick your friends
True to love never ends
Though the dog will have his way
In the end you will say
Remember your old father's words
Don't you be no fool now girl

Yeah eah e ay

One of these days you're going to reach eighteen
And all the boys ya see is gonna call ya a queen
You'll smile, and blush, and hold your head up high
But the same little boys will make you cry
So the best thing to do when you reach this age
Is to be a good girl, remember what I say

You make 'em wait, and pick your dates
Woah oh make 'em wait, pick your dates
Before you make a big mistake

You make 'em wait, and pick your dates
Woah oh make 'em wait, pick your dates
Before you make a big mistake