[Verse 1]
Hush now, child
Ah, and don't cry
Your folks might understand you, mama
By and by
(Move on up)
Move on up towards your destination
Across that steeple of human people
But child mind temptation, alright

[Verse 2]
Fight to live
Ah, and take a trek
And though the road ahead may be rough now
You cannot slip, no
(Move on up)
Move on up and the truth you'll find peace you will find
And they say don't just sit there wishin'
Honey, just keep on pushin'
Well, hush now, child
Ah, don't you cry
Your folks might understand ya
By and by
(Move on up)
Move on up and the truth you'll find
Across that steeple of human people
That you meet in your mind, yeah
[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
You take nothing less, no
Than the second best
And in your own mysterious way, child
You'll pass the test now
(Move on up)
Move on up and the truth you'll find, Lord
I'm telling you now that there's nothing to it, honey, no
And I know that you can do it, alright

[Bridge]
Ah yeah, yeah
(Move on up)
Ah yeah, you gotta move on up
(Move on up)
Yeah, yeah, you gotta move on up now, mama, oh
(Move on up)
Well, well, well, well, well, move on up now, child, yeah
(Move on up)
Oh Lord, come on and move on up

[Instrumental Break]

[Outro]
(Move on up)
You gotta move on up now
(Move on up)
Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you gotta move on up