| And here I am, my heart breaking
|
| Forced to glitter, forced to be gay
|
| 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
|
| Victimised 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 gate
|
| Born to higher things
|
| Here I drop my wings
|
| Ah!
|
| Singing of a sorrow
|
| Nothing can assuage
|
| And yet, of course, I rather like to revel, ah ha!
|
| I have no strong objection to champagne, ah ha!
|
| My wardrobe is expensive as the devil, ah 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 ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
|
| Pearls, and ruby rings
|
| Ah, how can wordly take the place of honour lost?
|
| Can they compensate for my fallen state?
|
| Purchased as they were at such a, at such an awful cost
|
| Bracelets, lavaliers: can they dry my tears?
|
| Can they blind my eyes to shame?
|
| Can the bright brooch shield me from reproach?
|
| Can the purest diamond purify my name?
|
| And yet, of course, these trinkets are endearing, ah ha!
|
| I’m oh so glad my sapphire is a star, ah ha!
|
| I rather like a twenty carat earring, ah ha!
|
| If I’m not pure at least my jewels are!
|
| Enough, enough
|
| I’ll take their diamond necklace
|
| And show my noble stuff
|
| By being gay and reckless
|
| Ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
|
| Observe how bravely I conceal the dreadful, dreadful shame I feel |