As sung April 27, 1928
ln kindergartens
In country or town
Our education begins,
Like little Spartans
Were taught to crush down
The inclination to sin.
When we change to gentle adolescence
Things get rather strained,
Theres a strange, peculiar effervescence
No one has explained.
First you learn to spell
A little bit,
Then, if you excel
A little bit,
Other things as well
A little bit
Come your way;
Though the process may be slow to you
Knowledge of the world will flow to you,
Steadily you grow a little bit,
Day by day;
Though you're too gentle, sentimental, In fact, quite a dreary bore,
Though you're aesthetic, apathetic
To all men but Bernard Shaw,
Use the velvet glove
A little bit,
Emulate the dove
A little bit,
Try to learn to love a little bit more.
Verse 2 (not used in this recording)
The art of wooing,
I'm firmly resolved,
For men is terribly crude.
To be pursuing
Is not so involved
As having to be pursued.
Doubts and fears
Make women work much faster
Though they're frail and weak,
Taking years
Successfully to master
Feminine technique.
Refrain 2 (not used in this recording)
First you droop your eyes
A little bit,
Then if you are wise
A little bit
Register surprise
A little bit,
If he's bold,
Stamp your foot with some celerity,
Murmur with intense sincerity
That his immature temerity
Leaves you cold.
But when you get him
You must let him
And whisper sweetly,
Indiscreetly,
He's the boy that you adore
Use the moon above
A little bit,
Emulate the dove
A little bit,
Try to learn to love a little bit more.