Candide, Act I, Scene 3: Aria. "Glitter and be gay" (Cunégonde)

"Glitter and Be Gay" (Cunégonde) - Natalie Dessay/London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Andrew Davis

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

It was not to be

Harsh necessity

Brought me to this gilded cage

Born to higher things

Here I droop my wings

Ah 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

Pearls and ruby rings

Ah how can worldly things

Take the place of honor lost

Can they compensate

For my fallen state

Purchased as they were at such an awful cost

Braceletslavalieres

Can they dry my tears

Can they blind my eyes to shame

Can the brightest brooch

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 twenty-carat earring

Ha 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

Observe how bravely I conceal

The dreadful great shame I feel