The Temptations Runaway Child lyrics

You played hooky from school
And you can't go out to play, yeah
Mama said for the rest of the week
In your room you gotta stay, yeah

Now you feel like the whole world's pickin' on you
But deep down inside you know it ain't true
You've been punished
'Cause your mother wants to raise you the right way, yeah
But you don't care 'cause you already made up your mind

You wanna run away, yeah
You're on your way

Runaway child, running wild
Runaway child, running wild
Better come back home
Better come back home where you belong
Where you belong

Roaming through the city, going nowhere fast
You're on your own at last
Hey it's getting late, where will you sleep
Gettin' kind-a hungry

You forgot to bring something to eat
Oh lost with no money, you start to cry
But remember you left home
Wanting to be grown

So dry your weepin' eyes
Siren screamin' down, neon light is flickin'
You want your mama, ah there's nothing for you
You're frightened and confused

I want my mama
But she's much too far away
She can't hear a word you say


You heard some frightening news on the radio
About little boys running away from home
And their parents don't see them no more
You wanna hitch a ride and go home

But your mama told you never trust a stranger
And you don't know which way to go
Streets are dark and deserted
Not a sound nor sign of life

How you long to hear your mother's voice
'Cause you're lost and alone
But remember you make the choice

Runaway child, running wild
Better go back home where you belong
Runaway child, running wild
Better go back home where you belong

You're lost in this great big city
(Go back home where you belong)
Not one familiar face, ain't it a pity
(Go back home where you belong)

Oh, runaway child, running wild
You better go back home where you belong
Mama, mama please come and see about me
But she's much too far away
She can't hear a word you say

I want my mama
You're frightened and confused
Which way will you choose?