From the musical “Wish You Were Here”, 1952.
Words and music by Harold Rome.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
If you want to know why I’ve a roving eye
For ev’ry cute guy passing there
I just want to try before I buy
The bargains in husbands ready to wear
‘Cause a man isn’t like an expensive sweater
Or department store dress on the rack
If you wrap him up and take him home
And then see something better
Nobody, but nobody will take him back, so
Refrain
I’m shopping around, just lookin’
Where men are concerned
I’m just shoppin’ around
A girl must compare men for wear
And for tear before she buys
If she wants the best
Then she just has to test
All kinds of merchandise
So while I’m still young
I’m testing
Don’t want to get stung
No sir, not little me
The bridegroom to be carries no guarantee
So if you want the best to be found
You’ve gotta keep shoppin’
Leisurely shoppin’, not buyin’
Just shoppin’ around
Patter
You don’t buy the first pair of shoes from the clerk
You don’t buy perfume till you spray it
You don’t buy a clock till you’re sure it will work
You don’t buy a piano till you play it
A new vacuum cleaner may be a sensation
But ladies always get a free trial demonstration, so
Refrain
I’m shopping around, just lookin’
Where men are concerned
I’m just shoppin’ around
You’ve got to beware
Sample things here and there
Know what they do
You’ve got to be sure
That the goods will endure
Last you a lifetime thru
So while there’s a chance
I’m sampling
I’m taking romance
In the smorgasbord way
From the last organ note
Love is all table d’hote
So you must choose the best to be found
You’ve gotta keep shoppin’
Leisurely shoppin’, not buyin’
Just shoppin’ around
Shoppin’ around, shoppin’ around