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Glitter and be Gay

from Legacy - Top disc by Michael Callen

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lyrics

GLITTER AND BE GAY
Words by Richard Wilbur
Music by Leonard Bernstein


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, t'was not to be
Harsh necessity
Brought me to this gilded cage
Born to higher things
Here I droop my wings
Ahhhhhhhhhh
Singing of the sorrow
Nothing can assuage

And yet, of course, I rather like to revel
I have no strong objection to champagne
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
Ahhhhhh

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha u etc.

Pearls and ruby rings
Ah, how can world things
Take the place of honor lost
Can they compensate
For my fallen state
Purchased as they were at such an...awful cost
Bracelets. Lavaliers!
Can they dry my tears
Can they blind my eyes to shame
Can the brightest broach
Shield me from reproach
Can the purest diamond
Purify my name?

And yet, of course, these trinkets are endearing, ah ha
I'm also glad my sapphire is a star
I rather like a twenty-caret earring
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
Ah...
Ah....

ha ha ha ha ha ha etc.

Observe how bravely I conceal
the dreadful dreadful
Shame I feel
ah ha ha ha haha
aha ha ha HAAAAAAAAA
ha ha ha ha

credits

from Legacy - Top disc, released June 14, 1996
Programming: Elliot Sokolov, Cliff Townsend

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Michael Callen New York, New York

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