Mama Told Me (Not to Come) is a rock song performed by Three Dog Night. It was written by Randy Newman and originally recorded by Eric Burdon & The Animals in 1967. However, Three Dog Night’s version, released in 1970 as a single from their album It Ain’t Easy, became the most popular rendition.

The song features an energetic rock sound with a catchy chorus. It narrates a story of attending a wild party and feeling out of place, despite being advised by one’s mother not to engage in such activities. The lyrics and the upbeat tempo of the song contributed to its success, making it one of Three Dog Night’s signature songs.

Mama Told Me (Not to Come) became a chart-topping hit for Three Dog Night, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and is often regarded as one of the band’s most memorable tracks.

Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me (Not To Come) Lyrics

Want some whiskey in your water?
Sugar in your tea?
What’s all these crazy questions they’re askin’ me?
This is the craziest party that could ever be
Don’t turn on the lights ’cause I don’t wanna see

Mama told me not to come
Mama told me not to come
That ain’t the way to have fun, no (uh-uh)

Open up the window, let some air into this room
I think I’m almost chokin’ from the smell of stale perfume
And that cigarette you’re smokin’ ’bout scare me half to death
Open up the window, sucker, let me catch my breath

Mama told me not to come
Mama told me not to come
That ain’t the way to have fun, son
That ain’t the way to have fun, son (oh, yeah!)

The radio is blastin’, someone’s knockin’ at the door
I’m lookin’ at my girlfriend, she’s passed out on the floor
I seen so many things I ain’t never seen before
Don’t know what it is, I don’t wanna see no more

Mama told me not to come
Mama told me not to come
She said, (“That ain’t the way to have fun, son”)
(“That ain’t the way to have fun, no”)

Mama told me, mama told me
Mama told me, told me, told me
Mama told me
Oh, yeah
Mama told me, not to go…

That ain’t the way to have fun, no
That ain’t the way to have fun, son
That ain’t the way to have fun, no (look at you)
That ain’t the way to have fun, son

Listen to mama, listen to me baby
Mama told me, not to go…

That ain’t the way to have fun, no (yeah!)
That ain’t the way to have fun, son (somebody tell ’em)
That ain’t the way to have fun, no (mama)
That ain’t the way to have fun, son