See, I know times are hard

Yeah, I mean it from the heart

You′re not losing the fightLove 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

Baby, I empathize I must admit

(But I) need you to recognize 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 children′s where the future is

See a change starts today, better wipe those tears away

See, I know times are hard (I know it, baby)

I mean it from the heart

You′re not losing the fight

Love will make it alright

'Cause I′ve been there, done that

Worn that dress, so you know mama knows it best

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) 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, yeah

See, I know times are hard (I know it, baby)

I mean it from the heart

You're not losing the fight

Love will make it alright

'Cause I′ve been there, done that

Worn that dress, so you know mama knows it best

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

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 (oh, yeah)

Show you how to know (oh, yeah)

Let the children know

What time it is, time it is

Show you how to grow (we got to show the children how to grow)

Show you how to know

Let the children know

What time it is, time it is (oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Show you how to grow (yeah, yeah)

Show you how to know (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Been there, done that, worn that dress

So you know mama knows it best

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

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 (yes, it is, yes, it is)

′Cause I've been there done that, worn that dress

So you know mama knows it best

Show you how to grow (oh, yeah)

Show you how to know (oh, yeah)

Let the children know

What time it is, time it is (time it is)

Show you how to grow

Show you how to know

Been there, done that, worn that dress

So you know mama knows it best, I