Don't Tell Mama (from "Cabaret")

Mama thinks I'm living in a convent

A secluded little convent

In the southern part of France

Mama doesn't even have an inkling

That I'm working in a nightclub

In a pair of lacy pants

So please sir, if you run into my mama

Don't reveal my indiscretion

Give a working girl a chance

Hush up, don't tell mama

Shush up, don't tell mama

Don't tell mama, whatever you do

If you had a secret

You bet I could keep it

I would never tell on you

I'm breaking every promise that I gave her

So won't you kindly do a girl a great big favor

And please my sweet potater

Keep this from the mater

Though my dance is not against the law

You can tell my papa, that's all right

'Cause he comes in here every night

But don't tell mama what you saw

If you had a secret

You bet I could keep it

I would never tell on you

You wouldn't want to get me in a pickle

And have her go and cut me off without a nickel

So let's trust one another

Keep this from my mother

Though I'm still as pure as mountain snow

You can tell my uncle, here and now

'Cause he's my age and anyhow

But don't tell mama what you know

You can tell my grandma, suits me fine

Just yesterday she joined the line

But don't tell mama what you know

You can tell my brother, that's not grim

'Cause if he squeals on me, I'll squeal on him

But don't tell mama, oh no

Don't tell mama, please sir

Don't tell mama what you know

(Spoken)

So if you see my mummy, mum's the word