She was just 16, had to quit high school 'Cause she just couldn't hack it Hangin' out on New York streets With a punk in a leather jacket She likes to tease Manhattan queen By the Johns in the discotheques Burnin' hips to turn some tricks Sellin' coke and bouncin' checks Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times She met a dude in a rock and roll band That got her on the health board file It ain't no fun in a dirty city When you're wearin' a contagious smile And now what's this jive 'bout stayin' alive? I'm payin' my dues She'll go the whole route till she finally checks out And you can read it in the daily news Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times What's this jive 'bout stayin' alive? She said: Man, I'm only payin' my dues (hmm-mm) You go the whole route till you finally check out I'll read it in the daily news Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times Street Mama, street Mama, look at yourself You're livin' in the New York Times Street mama, all right