Before you leave these portals
To meet less fortunate mortals,
There's just one final message
I would give to you.
You all have learned reliance
On the sacred teachings of science,
So I hope, through life, you never will decline
In spite of philistine
Definace
To do what all good scientists do.
Refrain
Experiment.
Make it your motto day and night.
Experiment
And it will lead you to the light.
The apple on the top of the tree
Is never too high to achieve,
So take an example from Eve,
Experiment.
Be curious,
Though interfering friends may frown.
Get furious
At each attempt to hold you down.
If this advice you always employ
The future can offer you infinite joy
And merriment,
Experiment
And you'll see
[Revised version for the film MISSISSIPPI BELLE (1943-44)]
Experiment
Verse
As I was leaving high school
My pet professor of my school
Said: My dear, one parting message I would give to you.
By now you've learned reliance
On the sacred teachings of science,
So I hope, through life, you never will decline,
In spite of philistine
Definace
To do what all good scientists do.
Refrain 1 [Same As Original Refrain]
Interlude
And now, each one of you, do
Let me adapt this ditty to you.
Refrain 2
Experiment.
Whenever doubtful take a chance.
Experiment
And you'll discover sweet romance.
When in a state of ignorant bliss
Regarding a creatrue you crave
'Tis folly, my friend, to behave,
Experiment,
Be curious,
And when you've picked a perfect wife,
Get furious
Till she is yours and yours for life.
If this you do (and no cock-and-bull)
In time she may give you a nurs'ry full*
Of merriment.
Experiment
And you'll see.
*Or alternate line:
The future may give you a nurs'ry full