She was just sixteen, had to quit high school

'Cause she just couldn't hack it

Hangin' out on the 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 soft tricks

Sellin' coke and bouncin' checks

Chorus:: 

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


That got her on the health board file

You know it ain't no fun in a dirty city

When you're wearin' a contagious smile

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

Repeat Chorus: 

What': this jive 'bout stayin' alive? 

She said "Man I'm only payin' my dues

You go the whole route till you finally check out

I'll read it in the Daily News