You can hear this recording at the The Internet Archive: (DON'T PUT YOUR DAUGHTER ON THE STAGE) MRS. WORTHINGTON Words and music by Noel Coward As recorded by Noel Coward (1935); also on “Vintage British Comedy, Vol. 2” (2011) Don’t put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington. Don’t put your daughter on the stage. The profession is overcrowded and the struggle’s pretty tough, And admitting the fact She’s burning to act, That isn’t quite enough. She has nice hands, to give the wretched girl her due, But don’t you think her bust is too Developed for her age? I repeat, Mrs. Worthington, Sweet Mrs. Worthington, Don’t put your daughter on the stage. Regarding yours, dear Mrs. Worthington, of Wednesday, the 23rd: Although your baby may be keen on a stage career, How can I make it clear This is not a good idea? For her to hope, dear Mrs. Worthington, is on the face of it absurd Her personality Is not in reality Exciting enough, Inviting enough, For this particular sphere. Don’t put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington. Don’t put your daughter on the stage. She’s a bit of an ugly duckling, you must honestly confess, And the width of her seat Would surely defeat Her chances of success. It’s a loud voice, and though it’s not exactly flat, She’ll need a little more than that To earn a living wage. On my knees, Mrs. Worthington, Please, Mrs. Worthington, Don’t put your daughter on the stage. Don’t put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington. Don’t put your daughter on the stage. Though they said at the school of acting she was lovely as Peer Gynt, I’m afraid, on the whole, An ingenue role Would emphasize her squint. She’s a big girl and though her teeth are fairly good, She’s not the type I ever would Be eager to engage. No more buts, Mrs. Worthington. Nuts, Mrs. Worthington! Don’t put your daughter on the stage.
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