When I became of age, my mother told me, rather bent,
She said, “Son, you're all grown up, now—
Buy a house; stop paying rent!”

And then she said
“You've been working a good, steady job now.
You still pay rent like an immature slob now.
Before you join the posh, elite mob now,
Buy your own home,
Turn that golden door knob now!”
My mama told me“You better shop around.”
(Shop, shop around.)
You better shop around.
Shop around.

“There are some things I want you to know now.
Be wary of all the cash you will blow now.
The mortgage, taxes, repairs, yard and snow now.
Before you buy, make sure it's worth the dough now!”
My mama told me“You better shop around.”
(Shop, shop around.)
You better shop around.
Shop around.

“Now just don't look for any bargain, son.
Don't be sold on the very first one.
Check each home from the attic to the basement,
Find one that will give the most for your investment.

“Before you see a home and say, ‘I'll take it'
Make sure that there's no mistaking.
Check things thoroughly
And always shop around.”

“Now just don't look for any bargain, son.
Don't be sold on the very first one.
Check each home from the attic to the basement,
Find one that will give the most for your investment.

So before signing on the dotted line now,
Make sure that the terms are fine now
And you can afford each dime, now.
I'd hate to see you yell, complain and whine now.”
My mama told me“You better shop around.”
(Shop, shop around.)
You better shop around.
Shop around.