YOU MAY BE FAST, BUT YOUR MAMMA'S GONNA SLOW YOU DOWN
(Music: Bud Cooper / Lyrics: Gilbert Wells)

Marion Harris - 1923
Aileen Stanley, Billy Murray & The Virginians - 1923
Lucille Hegamin & The Dixie Daisies - 1923
Paul Specht's Georgians (Instr.) - 1923
Florence Brady - 1923



You've heard them talk about sweet papas
That wouldn't spend a night at home
They go roamin' in the gloamin'
Leaving their mamas alone

I know a man started stepping
Stepping out every night
Till his sweet mama said
"Sweet Papa, let me put you right"

You may be fast, but you won't last
'Cause your mama's gonna slow you down
You may roam away from home
But your mama's gonna hang around

If you think you can leave me flat
Think that you can stay away
I'll know where I can find you at
Ev'ry decoration day

If you go, I surely know 
I'm never gonna wear a frown
And if you think you're big enough to black my eyes
I'm gonna get myself a razor, cut you down to my size
You may be fast, but you won't last
Because your mama's gonna slow you down

(Instrumental Break)

I never seemed to find a sweet papa
Who wouldn't run around at night
They'd be leavin', I'd be grieven'
Sitting in the candlelight

I lost my good disposition
Kept getting nearer each day
My papa crossed me
So I had to say

You may be fast, but you won't last
'Cause your mama's gonna slow you down
You may roam away from home
But your mama's gonna hang around

Graveyard bound you sure will be found
Minister will then begin
If you don't think you're sinkin', babe
Just look at the hole you're in

When you leave, why I won't grieve
I'm never gonna wear a frown
'Cause I remember when you got here from the South
You were so raggedy, you had your money hid in your mouth
You may be fast, but you won't last
Because your mama's gonna slow you down


********************


Different last verse as recorded by LUCILLE HEGAMIN:

When you leave, why I won't grieve
I'm never gonna wear a frown
I'm gonna get a pail of water, cold as ice
Duck your head in it three times and only pull it out twice
You may be fast, but you won't last
Because your mama's gonna slow you down


(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2018)