This is a tough one to understand, not only because the pronunciation is indistinct—he uses some unusual expressions. I think "allow" has a double meaning here. Sometimes it means "expect" as in "I allow it's going to rain." Sometimes he seems to omit or insert words to fit the rhythm. I have inserted some words in brackets that help make sense of the text. These are not sung. Corrections are welcome.


MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO LOW-DOWN HANGIN' AROUND
As sung by Byrd Moore on "Gennett Old Time Music: Classic Country Recordings 1927-1934" (JSP Records, 2010) and on "Essential Folk Masters" (Vintage Masters Inc., 2011)

Mama don't 'low them kids that don't care.*
Papa don't 'low that I won't-a-have it here.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun, oh, anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Told me, honey, that you'd be true.
Sit right close, [don't] let the sun shine through.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Up in the mornin', oh, please don't rain.
I looked in the fan(?), see the same old thing.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun, oh, anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

[You] told me, honey, [you'd] like to change your name.
Oh, quit your worrying, [or you won't] see me again.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun, oh, anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Told me, honey, that you'd be true.
Sit right close, [don't] let the sun shine through.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
Mama don't 'low them kids that don't care.*
Papa don't 'low that I won't-a-have it here.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Mama don't 'low them kids that don't care.*
Papa don't 'low that I won't-a-have it here.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

[* Care is pronounced keer.]