Original Broadway Cast of Hello, Dolly!
It Only Takes a Moment
[CORNELIUS, spoken]
If it pleases the court, I have something to say. Oh, I'll go slowly, so you can get it all down!

(sung)
It only takes a moment
For your eyes to meet and then
Your heart knows in a moment
You will never be alone again

I held her for an instant
But my arms felt sure and strong
It only takes a moment
To be loved a whole life long

[CLERK, spoken]
I missed a few words back there, Mr Hackl. Right after "it only"

[ALL]
...Takes a moment!
For your eyes to meet and then
Your heart knows in a moment
You will never be alone again

He held her for an instant
But his arms felt sure and strong
It only takes a moment-
[IRENE]
He held me for an instant
But his arms felt safe and strong
It only takes a moment
To be loved a whole life long

[CORNELIUS]
And that is all
That love's about

[IRENE]
And we'll recall
When time runs out

[CORNELIUS & IRENE]
That it only took a moment
To be loved a whole life long!