Noel Coward – Wait a Bit, Joe lyrics

When I was quite a tiny lad
My nurse rehearsed me in a set routine
Of good and bad
When I grew up my parents would
Unduly emphasize the gulf between
The bad and good.
Aware that love can be a most destructive force
I try to steer a middle course.

There's a right way and a wrong way,
There's a weak way and a strong way,
Take it easy,
Drive with caution when the road is greasy,
Wait a bit, wait a bit, Joe.
There's an old way, and a new way,
There's a false way, and a true way,
Keep your ears back,
And you'll never have to fight the tears back,
Wait a bit, wait a bit, Joe.
Never trust your conscience as a method of defense
When old Adam bubbles up inside,
On mature reflection you will find that common sense
Is a far more serviceable guide.
There's the wrong life, and he right life,
There's the home life, and the night life,
But which ever direction you go
Wait a bit, wait a bit, Joe.

There's a right way, and a wrong way,
There's a short way, and a long way,
Let your hair down
But before the thrill begins to wear down
Wait a bit, wait a bit, Joe.
There's a dull way, and a smart way,
There's a head way, and a heart way,
Love may fret you,
But before you let the goblins get you
Wait a bit, wait a bit, Joe.
Try to keep your balance and endeavor to create
A design for living at your ease.
If you're over-eager and go snapping at the bait,
You will end by giving at the knees.
There's a last love, and a first love,
There's a best love, and a worst love,
But if you don't want to lose on the throw,
Wait a bit, wait a bit,
Wait a bit, wait a bit—Joe.