Ma
The Gene Harris Quartet Lyrics

Little Lilly was oh! So silly and shy
Despite her charm, Lilly was a demure, hesitant girl.

And all the fellows knew, She wouldn't bill and coo:
The boys realized that Lilly wasn't interested in flirting or courting.

Ev'ry single night some smart fellow would try o cuddle up to her, but she would cry:
Each night, a different guy would attempt to cozy up to Lilly, but she'd always refuse and get upset.

"Ma, he's making eyes at me! Ma he's awful nice to me! Ma he's almost breaking my heart, I'm beside him, Mercy! Let his conscience guide him! Ma, he wants to marry me, Be my honey bee. Ev'ry minute he gets bolder, Now he's leaning on my shoulder, Ma, he's kissing me!"
Lilly begs her mother to intervene because a guy is showing interest in her, but she's afraid of his advances. She's asking her mother to remind him of his morals and that he's going too far. Despite her resistance, the guy is getting more comfortable and is even beginning to kiss her.

Lilly was so good, ev'ry body could tell. You'd never see her roam, She'd always stay at home;
Lilly was a respectable young woman who was rarely seen outside of her house.

All the neighbors knew little Lilly too well. For when the boys would call, They'd hear her yell:
Everyone in the neighborhood was aware of Lilly's shy nature and reluctance to have boyfriends. When boys came over to try and win her affection, she would loudly object.

"Ma, he's making eyes at me! Ma he's awful nice to me! Ma he's almost breaking my heart, If you peek in, Can't you see I'm goin' to weaken? Ma, he wants to marry me, Be my honey bee. Ma, I'm meeting with resistance, I shall holler for assistance, Ma, he's kissing me!"
Lilly's mother is once again called upon to help with a boy who is pursuing her. Lilly is at the brink of giving in but is looking for someone to help her fight against his advances. She's still scared and wants help from her mother in keeping him at bay. However, the guy is getting even more confident and is now kissing her.