You played hooky from school
And you can't go out to play
Mama said, you're arrested a week
When you've roamed you gotta stay
Now you feel like the whole world's pickin' on you
But deep down inside you know it ain't true

You're being punished strictly
'Cause your mother wants to lead you the right way
But you don't care
Cause you've already made up your mind you wanna run away
You're on your way
(Runaway child runnin' wild)
Runaway child runnin' wild
(You'd better go back home)
You'd better go back home
(Where you belong)
Where you belong

Runnin' through the city, goin' nowhere fast
You're on your own at last
Hey, it's gettin late; where will you sleep?
You're gettin' kinda hungry; you forgot to bring somethin' to eat
You're lost with no money, you start to cry
But remember, you left home and you wanna be grown
So dry your weepin' eye

Shouting, screaming down neon-lighted streets
You want your mama
All day no one but 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've heard some frightenin' news on the radio
About little boys runnin' away from home
And their parents don't see 'em no more
You wanna stop to hitch a ride and go home
But your mama told you, never trust a stranger
And you don't know which way to go

The streets are dark and deserted
Not a sign outside of light
Oh how you long to hear your mother's voice
'Cause you're lost and alone
But remember, you made the choice
Oh, runaway child runnin' wild
You'd better go back home where you belong
Oh, runaway child runnin' wild
You'd 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 a pity?
(Go back home where you belong)
Oh, runaway child runnin' wild
You'd 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
You're frightened and confused; which way will you choose?