Mama said I'm a be a model and live a life of lavish,
With the kind of infinite beauty that makes the world just ravish,
With pride and love as they admire my perfect physique,
Gracing all the magazine covers, yes me, divine and unique.
She told me I was born to reign an ebony queen
Subject to all the finer things living a model's dream.

Mama said I'm a be a model so live as if I'm one.
"Be noble yet meek and child keep clean when the dirty work is done."
She said value my prized possession, and you know that is my face,
For if ever it gets damaged it cannot be replaced.
She told me times would get real rough and some days would be wild,
"But nevertheless go out there and be a model my child."

"Mama said I'm a be a model", so I told my friends.
They act like they ain't hear me so I said it again.
Then they laughed and teased, "nant ah, one can't be as black as you".
And in my head I went through magazines and saw that it was true.

Then just as the tears reached my eyes, assured I held up my head,
And said proudly, "I'm a be a model, because my mama said."