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