Yes My Darling Daughter
The Andrews Sisters Lyrics


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I've gotta be good or mama will scold me
Yes, yes, yes
I asked her and this is what she told me
Yes, yes, yes

Mother, may I go out dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother, may I try romancing? Yes, my darling daughter
What if there's a moon, mama darling, and it's shining on the water
Mother, must I keep on dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
What if he'll propose, mama darling, when the night is growing shorter?
Mother, what should be my answer? Yes, my darling daughter

Oh mama, oh mama, oh mama, oh mama

What if he should insist on one embrace, mama,
How can I keep him in his place
If his manner becomes a shade improper?
Tell him that your heart belongs to papa

Mother, will it be exciting? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother, do I look inviting? Yes, my darling daughter
If he holds me tight, mama darling, and my knees just turn to water
Mama must I keep on dancing? Yes, my darling daughter




What if he'll persist, mama darling, doing things he hadn't oughta
Mama, what should be my answer? Yes, my darling daughter

Overall Meaning

The Andrews Sisters' song "Yes My Darling Daughter" is a playful and light-hearted tune about a young woman seeking her mother's permission to go out dancing and potentially engage in romance. The lyrics depict the mother, who is portrayed as somewhat strict, cautioning her daughter to behave herself while also ultimately encouraging her to have fun and enjoy herself.


The song's opening lines, "I've gotta be good or mama will scold me / Yes, yes, yes / I asked her and this is what she told me / Yes, yes, yes" set the tone for the mother-daughter relationship, with the daughter eager to please her mother and follow her rules. The daughter's questions about going out and potentially being courted by a man serve to highlight the themes of young adulthood and the tension between youthful desires and parental guidance.


The song's catchy melody and playful lyrics made it a hit during its time and it has remained a popular classic. "Yes My Darling Daughter" speaks to a time gone by when young women were expected to be accompanied by a chaperone and follow proper dating etiquette. Overall, the song is a fun and upbeat ode to youthful rebellion and the enduring love between mothers and daughters.


Line by Line Meaning

I've gotta be good or mama will scold me
I have to behave myself or else mother will reprimand me


Yes, yes, yes
Agreement to what mother says


Mother, may I go out dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother approves of daughter going out to dance


Mother, may I try romancing? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother approves of daughter exploring romance


What if there's a moon, mama darling, and it's shining on the water
What if there is a romantic atmosphere, mother?


Mother, must I keep on dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother insists that daughter continue to dance


What if he'll propose, mama darling, when the night is growing shorter?
What if he asks for marriage, mother, as the night comes to a close?


Mother, what should be my answer? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother suggests that daughter should accept the proposal


What if he should insist on one embrace, mama, How can I keep him in his place
What if he insists on physical intimacy, mother? How can I discourage it?


Tell him that your heart belongs to papa
Mother suggests telling the man that she is committed to her father


Mother, will it be exciting? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother confirms that the experience will be exciting


Mother, do I look inviting? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother confirms that daughter looks attractive


If he holds me tight, mama darling, and my knees just turn to water
What if he embraces her tightly and makes her weak in the knees, mother?


Mama must I keep on dancing? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother insists that daughter must continue to dance


What if he'll persist, mama darling, doing things he hadn't oughta
What if he keeps misbehaving, mother?


Mama, what should be my answer? Yes, my darling daughter
Mother suggests that daughter should still say yes to everything




Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: JACK LAWRENCE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Sugarmint12

I'm in Dreams Of Anne Frank (Tech crew) and this song is featured in it. I love it.

Killerpro 69

Let's see how many likes this video can get.

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