See, I know times are hard (Yes, they are)
Yeah, I mean it from the heart (Ooh)
You're not losin' the fight (No, no)
Love will make it alright
'Cause I've been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, hey

Not tryna patronize a little bit (Oh, no, no)
Baby, I empathize I must admit (But I)
Need you to recognize that that ain't it
See, a change starts today
Better wipe those tears away
Some people criticize the way you live
But don't you apologize or dare submit
Baby, the childrеn's where the futurе is
See, a change starts today
Better wipe those tears away

You see, I know times are hard (You'll get through it, baby)
I mean it from the heart
You're not losin' the fight
Love will make it alright
'Cause I've been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I

Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
'Cause I've been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I

I lived a whole lotta life, I ain't new to this
Lotta lows, lotta highs, I stay true to this
Take my hand, join the ride
You know you'll have it figured out in time

See, I know times are hard (You'll get through it, baby)
And I mean it from the heart
You're not losin' the fight
Love will make it alright
'Cause I've been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I

Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
Gotta let these children know what time it is
'Cause I've been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I

Show you how to grow
Show you how to know
Let the children know
What time it is, time it is
Show you how to grow (How to grow)
Show you how to know (How to know)
Let the children know
What time it is, time it is
Show you how to grow (Show you how to grow)
(We got to show the children how to grow)
Show you how to know (Show you how to know)
Let the children know (Oh, yeah)
What time it is, time it is (Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah; oh yeah)
Show you how to grow
(Oh yeah; yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah)
Show you how to know (Oh yeah)
Been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I

Gotta let these children know
what time it is (What time it is)
Gotta let these children know
what time it is (What time it is)
Gotta let these children know what time it is
'Cause I've been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I
Gotta let these children know
what time it is (Oh, oh, time it is, what time it is, yeah)
Gotta let these children know
what time it is (Right now, oh, what time it is)
Gotta let these children know
what time it is (Yes, it is, yes, it is)
'Cause I've been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I

Show you how to grow (Oh yeah)
Show you how to know (Oh; oh yeah)
Let the children know
What time it is, time it is
Show you how to grow (Oh, ah, ah, ah; oh yeah)
Show you how to know (Oh; yeah, yeah)
Been there, done that, worn that dress
So you know Mama knows it best, I