Try To Learn To Love - Noël Coward

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