(M. Riperton E. Brown R. Rudolph) I'll tell you a story about love and its glory Of how when you're true to your heart you'll be free Picture a tropical paradise Folks just like you and me A young girl called Maya Was loved by Aliya A young man who came from a poor family As they grew older Aliya would hold her Together they dreamed of the day they'd marry It'sa lonely world my children You've got to do the best you can If you've found a chance to love You'd better grab it any way you can Young Maya's father Decided his daughter Should marry a man with lots of money She begged and she pleaded Aliya she needed Now Maya's crying on her wedding day It's a lonely world my children You've got to do the best you can If you've found a chance to love You'd better grab it any way you can Picture a tropical paradise Folks just like you and me Down come Aliya And scooped up the bride from the place Where she stands at the ceremony The minister backed up The father, he cracked up The groom, him fell down to the ground on his knees