NEVER SAY NO TO A MAN 

(Richard Rodgers (m & l) )

Lyrics as sung by Alice Faye 
(original soundtrack State Fair 1962)

Also recorded by:
Lawrence Welk and Orchestra

When I was just about your age
My mother taught me lots
She showed my how to clean a floor
And how to scour pots.
She taught me one thing more
A word that men abhor...

Never say no to a man
Simply avoid saying yes to him
That leaves the ultimate guess to him
Darling, don't ever say no.

Men find the negative rough
Give an affirmative grin to him
You needn't really give in to him
Don't use the positive no.

No is a mean monosyllable fit for a horse
A dog or a cow or a cat
A nod and a smile would cut the divorce
Statistics by just about half.

Maybe perhaps if I can
These are some words that will do as well
Darling he's sure to love you as well
Never say no to a man.

Yes is a lovely expression not meant for the birds
But people who may become dear
If I hadn't learned the usage of words
My baby you wouldn't be here.

Say something nice if you can
Don't put a definite end to him
Man is your friend, be a friend to him
Never say no to a man.

Notes:

Alice Faye, an American from New York City, was an 
actress and singer, known for her notably sweet 
contralto. Early in her career, she was immensely 
popular in film until her very public falling out 
with Fox Studios and Darryl F. Zanuk.

Richard Rodgers wrote additional music (this 
selection and others) for the 1962 version of State 
Fair, after his long time partner Oscar Hammerstein 
II died in 1960.

The musical State Fair was adapted from a Philip 
Stong novel of the same name. A number of film 
versions were created, initially in 1933, then 1945 
and 1962. Later in 1976, a made for TV movie appeared. 
State Fair was finally adapted for a Broadway musical 
in 1996. State Fair was the only Rodgers and 
Hammerstein musical ever written directly for film.

State Fair 1945
Director: Walter Lang
Leads: Jeanne Crain / Dana Andrews / Dick Haymes / 
Vivian Blaine

State Fair 1962
Director: José Ferrer
Leads: Pat Boone / Bobby Darin / Ann-Margret / Tom Ewell

The original State Fair production in 1933 was directed 
by Henry King and starred Will Rogers and Janet Gaynor 
along with Lew Ayres. It was well received at the time. 
The 1962 musical (from which these lyrics derive) was 
deemed by many to be unsuccessful in almost all respects 
in North America. At the same time, Faye's huge fan base 
in England pushed this State Fair film and her immense
 popularity to record heights.




(Transcribed by David Story- April 2014)