Lippin’ on a woodwind causes timbre change—
if you have a note you want to bend.
Use of this technique puts tones in another range;
this technique’s your labial, friend.

So if the notes go flat when you’re starting to play,
do not despair and take heart.
You’ll sharpen up that tone and have a sunny day,
making your lips tighten, not part.

From your embouchure escapes the air;
if a bit too much is going there,
don’t masticate but make a labial strait—you’re OK!

But if the notes go sharp when you’re starting to play,
do not despair and take heart.
You’ll flatten out that tone and have a sunny day.
Your lips untighten, slightly part.

Either way sometimes you have to go
for a note that ain’t too high or low.
The result is that you will be happy when you blow.

Lippin’ on a woodwind causes timbre change—
they have got to tighten or distend.
Use of this technique puts notes in another range,
and recalcitrant tones will bend.

So, lip the reed; the note will change—
grip then slacken, grip then slacken.
So, lip the reed; the tone will change—
lips are waxin’ or they’re slackin’.