INTRO: 
GC When I became of age, my mother called me to her side.
A She said, "Son, you're growing up now,
D pretty soon you'll take a bride."
 #1. 
DGC And then she said...Just because you've become a
 young man, now. 
GC There's still some things that you don't
 understand, now. 
GC Before you ask some girl for her hand, now.
GC Keep your freedom for as long as you can, now.
ADGC G D My mama told me..You better shop around.
 #2. 
GC There's some things that I want you to know, now.
GC Just as sure as the wind's gonna blow, now.
GC The women come and the women gonna go, now.
GC Before you tell 'em that you love 'em so, now.
ADG My mama told me..You better shop around.
(Shop, shop around..shop, shop around.) 
CGD Oh, yeah, you better shop around.
 CHORUS: 
C Don't try to get yourself a bargain, son.
G Don't be sold on the very first one.
C Pretty girls come a dime a dozen,
AD try to find you one who's gonna give you true lovin'.
 #3. 
GC Before you take a girl and say, 'I do.' now.
GC Make sure she's in love with you, now.
ADGG7 My mama told me..You better shop around.
 CHORUS: 
C Don't try to get yourself a bargain, son.
G Don't be sold on the very first one.
C Pretty girls come a dime a dozen,
AD try to find you one who's gonna give you true lovin'.
 #4. 
GC Before you take a girl and say, 'I do.' now.
GC Make sure she's in love with you, now.
GC Make sure that her love is true, now.
GC I'd hate to see you feelin' sad and blue, now.
ADG My mama told me..You better shop around.
 OUTRO: 
CG Uh-huh don't let the first one get you..
(shop, shop a-round) 
CG Oh no, cause I don't wanna see her wit' you.
CGC Uh-huh, before you let 'em hold you tight, yeah-yeah.
GC Make sure she's alright.
GC Before you let 'em take your hand, my son, understand, my son,
GC be a man my son, I know you can my son..(Fade.)