Fare thee well, mama's gone, goodbye
No use to cry, no use to sigh
For years you've dogged me 'round
Now's the time to let you know what's on my mind
I'm going away, don't ask me why

Fare thee well, I've been to school
Learned a brand new rule
I ain't no fool
I'm gonna get a man to treat me right
One who'll stay home every night
Fare thee well, mama's gone, goodbye

I'm gonna get a man to treat me right
One who'll stay home every night
Fare thee well, fare thee well
Fare thee well, mama's gone, goodbye