Experiment
Cole Porter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
To do what all good scientists do
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'll only employ
The future can offer you infinite joy
And merriment
Experiment
And you'll see
In Cole Porter's song "Experiment," the singer implores listeners to embrace scientific experimentation as a guiding principle for how to live life. The advice is directed towards those leaving an institution of higher learning to enter the world beyond, but the message applies to anyone looking to progress through life. The first stanza sets up the idea that the listeners have been taught to rely on science, but the outside world may pose resistance to what they have learned. The singer encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their scientific principles, even in the face of people who denounce them as "philistines."
The second stanza begins with the titular phrase, "Experiment, make it your motto day and night," emphasizing the importance of scientific curiosity. The singer argues that this approach will lead to enlightenment and joy, using the example of Eve and the apple from the Bible. The final lines of the song reinforce the idea that embracing experimentation will lead to a fulfilling life, promising that "the future can offer infinite joy and merriment" to those who experiment.
Line by Line Meaning
Before you leave these portals
Before you depart from this place or circumstance
To meet less fortunate mortals
To encounter or interact with those who are less fortunate or in worse conditions
There's just one final message
There is only one ultimate advice or instruction
I would give to you
That I wish to impart or communicate to you
You all have learned reliance
You all have acquired the skill, habit or ability to depend on, trust or have confidence in
On the sacred teachings of science
On the holy or revered principles, lessons or knowledge of science
So I hope, through life you never will decline
So I wish or desire that you will never refuse or reject throughout your existence
In spite of philistine defiance
Despite the opposition or resistance from people who are indifferent or hostile towards art, culture or intellectual pursuits
To do what all good scientists do
To engage or act in the same manner that all reputable or accomplished scientists do
Experiment
Experimentation or trying and testing new things
Make it your motto day and night
Make it your trustworthy or guiding principle, constantly and consistently
And it will lead you to the light
And it will show you the path or way towards knowledge, truth or success
The apple on the top of the tree
The fruit that is located at the highest point on the tree
Is never too high to achieve
Is always attainable or reachable, no matter how difficult or daunting it may seem
So take an example from Eve
Take inspiration or learn a lesson from the story of Eve in the Bible
Experiment
Experimentation or trying and testing new things
Be curious
Be inquisitive, open-minded, and eager to learn or explore
Though interfering friends may frown,
Despite having friends who are intrusive, meddling, or disapproving
Get furious
Get angry, indignant, or rebellious
At each attempt to hold you down
At every effort to prevent, hinder or constrain you
If this advice you'll only employ
If only you would apply, use or implement this instruction
The future can offer you infinite joy
The days to come can provide you with boundless delight, happiness or contentment
And merriment
And cheerfulness or amusement
Experiment
Experimentation or trying and testing new things
And you'll see
And you will perceive, notice or realize
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Steve F
The experiment of the Biblical Eve was the original sin. It was the downfall of the human race. Cole. Back to the piano and try again
@cynthiag3014
Great song. Probably my favorite, which I first saw in one of my science books. Listen to the lyrics. Cole Porter was ahead of his time.
@readmylisp
still is
@fucu41
Cole Porter Words and Music ladies and gentlemen
@MarcDonis
Please do something to revive this gem of enlightenment!
@butimar68
My favorite composer ever. <3
@VinylForest
I quite like this song, it has a beautiful melody and yet it isn't that well known. I have a nice version of it by Ray Noble and Al Bwolly recorded in 1933.
@StevenTorrey
Kevin Kline sings this in "De-Lovely".
@dudeboy59
I wonder if the musical that this song originates from, which was considered "too risque" to be shown in New York but was well received in England, would make it these days on Broadway.
@readmylisp
Genius