Glitter and be gay
That's the part I play
Here I am in Paris, France
Forced to bend my soul
To a sordid role
Victimized by bitter, bitter circumstance
Alas for me, had I remained beside my lady mother
My virtue had remained unstained
Until my maiden hand was gained by some grand duke,
Or other
Ah, 'twas not to be
Harsh necessity
Brought me to this gilded cage
Born to higher things
Here I droop my wings
Singing of a sorrow
Nothing can assuage
And yet, of course, I rather like to revel, ha, ha!
I have no strong objection to champagne, ha ha
My wardrobe is expensive as the devil, ha ha
Perhaps it is ignoble to complain-
Enough, enough
Of being basely tearful
I'll show my noble stuff
By being bright and cheerful
Ha, Ha, Ha -
Pearls and ruby rings
Ah, how can worldly things take the place of honor lost?
Purchased, as they were, at such an awful cost!
Bracelets, lavalieres, can they dry my tears?
Can they blind my eyes from shame!
Can the brightest broach shield me from reproach?
Can the purest diamond purify my name?
And yet, of course, these trinkets are endearing, ha ha!
I'm oh so glad my sapphire is a star, ha ha.
I rather like a 20 carat earring, ha ha!
If I'm not pure, at least my jewels are
Enough, enough, I'll take that diamond necklace
And show my noble stuff
By being gay and reckless!
Ha, Ha, Ha!
Writer(s): Leonard Bernstein
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