Lyrics Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility) - Chess In Concert

Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility)

We wish, no, must, make our disgust
With this abuse perfectly clear
We’re here for chess
Are the U.S.
If so, why foul the atmosphere?
I must protest-- our delegation
Has a host of valid points to raise
It’s not just black and white
If I may coin a phrase
As any neutral would attest
But we concede
The fact his masters bend the rules
Is not your player’s fault
We’ll overlook your crude political assault
And under protest we’ll proceed
If your man’s so sweet
Then why his fighting talk?
If he’s not a cheat
Then why on earth did he go take a walk?
I am not surprised
He wanted fresher air
Once he realized
There was no hope
Of your lot playing fair
Why let him loose?
He’ll soon reduce
This great
Event
To a brawl
How sad
To
See
It’s very sad to see
The ancient and distinguished
Game that used to be
A model of decorum and tranquility
Become like any other sport--
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee
I would say with regard
To him, it is hard to rebut
Ever-growing suspicions
My opposition’s a nut
I would have said
You’d understand the strain
And pressure getting where he’s got
For then you’d simply call him highly strung
And not imply that he was off his head
But how on earth can someone even
Half as civilized and nice as you
Be part of such a self-destructive point of view?
I hope he pays you what you’re worth
I’m not getting rich
My only interest is
In something which
Gives me the chance
Of working with the best
Okay, we’ll rise
Above your guy’s
Tantrums
Dramas
Dirty tricks
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true
Till that far-off day
I hope you cope
With helping number two
How sad
To
See
It’s very sad to see
The ancient and distinguished
Game that used to be
A model of decorum and tranquility
Become like any other sport--
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee