Lyrics Bernstein: Candide / Act I - 12. Glitter And Be Gay - June Anderson, London Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein

Bernstein: Candide / Act I - 12. Glitter And Be Gay

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