(Verse 1)
If you adore a frosty maid
And you are afraid
Your love to speak

If when you meet your ownest girl
Your sense whirl
Your knees grow weak

This is, I think, the thing for you
At once to do
To end your doubt

Try at a ball
To tell her all
And let the music help you out

(Chorus)
Ask her while the band is playing
Let the cornet speak for you
While the cello sweet and mellow
Aids the winsome maid to woo

What you think you'd like to tell her
Let the soulful oboe play
Ask her while the band is playing
She'll nе'er say you nay
(Verse 2)
If with your spеcial precious pet
You've chanced to get
Into a spat

Then for a week of dark distress
You've failed to guess
Where you are at

If woe and grief both dark and grim
Unto the brim
Have filled your cup

Then at a ball
For mercy call
And let the music back you up

(Chorus)
Ask her while the band is playing
Let the cornet speak for you
While the cello sweet and mellow
Aids the winsome maid to woo

What you think you'd like to tell her
Let the soulful oboe play
Ask her while the band is playing
She'll ne'er say you nay