Synopsis[]
Gothel tries to entice Rapunzel to remain in the secluded tower after revealing threatening and terrifying subjects on why to fear the outside world. In truth, she sings the song just to keep Rapunzel forever and exploit her for her hair.
The reprisal takes place when Rapunzel refuses to return to the tower with Mother Gothel. The song is a a more vengeful, sinister manner. Gothel gives her the crown and urges her to use it as a test to prove she is right about Flynn Rider abandoning her when she has it.
Lyrics[]
Mother Gothel:
You want to go outside? Ugh, why, Rapunzel!
Look at you, as fragile as a flower
Still a little sapling, just a sprout
You know why we stay up in this tower
Rapunzel:
I know, but--
Mother Gothel:
That's right! To keep you safe and sound, dear
Guess I always knew this day was coming
Knew that soon you'd want to leave the nest
Soon, but not yet
Rapunzel:
But-—
Mother Gothel:
Shh! Trust me, pet
Mother knows best
Mother knows best
Listen to your mother
It's a scary world out there
Mother knows best
One way or another
Something will go wrong, I swear
Ruffian, thugs
Poison ivy, quicksand
Cannibals and snakes
The plague!
Rapunzel:
No!
Mother Gothel:
Yes!
Rapunzel:
But--
Mother Gothel:
Also large bugs
Men with pointy teeth, and
Stop, no more, you'll just upset me!
Mother's right here
Mother will protect you
Darling, here's what I suggest
Skip the drama
Stay with Mama
Mother knows best
(Album version only)
Go ahead, get trampled by a rhino
Go ahead, get mugged and left for dead
Me, I'm just your mother, what do I know?
I only bathed and changed and nursed you
Go ahead and leave me, I deserve it
Let me die alone here, be my guest
When it's too late
You'll see, just wait
Mother knows best
Mother knows best
Take it from your mumsy
On your own, you won't survive
Sloppy, under-dressed
Immature, clumsy
Please, they'll eat you up alive!
Gullible, naive
Positively grubby
Ditzy and a bit, well, hmm vague--
Plus, I believe
Gettin' kinda chubby
I'm just saying 'cause I wuv you!
Mother understands
Mother's here to help you
All I have is one request
Rapunzel?
Rapunzel:
Yes?
Mother Gothel:
Don't ever ask to leave this tower again.
Rapunzel:
Yes, Mother.
Mother Gothel:
I love you very much, dear.
Rapunzel:
I love you more.
Mother Gothel:
I love you most.
Don't forget it
You'll regret it
Mother knows best!
Rapunzel:
I think he likes me.
Mother Gothel:
Likes you? Please, Rapunzel, that's demented!
Rapunzel:
But Mother, I -
Mother Gothel:
This is why you never should have left!
Dear, this whole romance that you've invented,
Just proves, you're too naive to be here
Why would he like you?
Come on now really!
Look at you! You think that he's impressed?
Don't be a dummy
Come with Mummy
Mother...
Rapunzel:
No!
Mother Gothel:
No? Oh. I see how it is.
Rapunzel knows best
Rapunzel's so mature now
Such a clever grown up miss
Rapunzel knows best
Fine, if you're so sure now
Go ahead, then give him this!
Rapunzel:
How did you--
Mother Gothel:
This is why he's here!
Don't let him deceive you!
Give it to him, watch, you'll see!
Rapunzel:
I will!
Mother Gothel:
Trust me, my dear
That's how fast he'll leave you
I won't say I told you so!
No, Rapunzel knows best!
So if he's such a dreamboat
Go ahead and put him to the test!
Rapunzel:
Mother, wait!
Mother Gothel:
If he's lying
Don't come crying
Mother knows best!
Trivia[]
- The song is referenced in "Ways to Be Wicked," where one of the lyrics sung by Mal goes "Mother always knows best."
