I asked my mother 'bout the bad old days I asked my mother 'bout the bad old days I asked my mother 'bout the bad old days She said, "Son, these are the bad old days" Move on up, move on up You've got to watch the back-biters tryin' to take your place Watch the back-biters tryin' to take your place Watch the back-biters tryin' to take your place All the time they're smilin' in your face You can't trust your brother You disrespect your sister You got to Move on up, move on up Move on up, move on up Move on up, move on up Move on up a little Move on up a little higher When God finds the time, he's gonna deal your case When God finds the time, he's gonna deal your case When God finds the time, he's gonna deal your case I'm sure He's gonna ask you 'bout your bad old days Well, sing a little louder Look a little harder Sons and daughters Walk a little prouder Sing a little louder Move on up, move on up Move on up, move on up Move on up, move on up Move on up