Candide, Act 1 Scene 3: Aria, "Glitter and be Gay" (Cunegonde)

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

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Singing of a sorrow

Nothing can assuage

And yet of course I rather like to revel ah

Ahhhh

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 haaaaaaaaaaa

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Ha ha ha ha ha

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Ha haha haha haha

Haha haha hahaaaaaaaaaaa

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 an awful cost

Bracelets lavaliers 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 ah haa

I'm oh so glad my sapphire is a star ah ha haa

I rather like a twenty carat earring ah haa

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 haaaaaaaaaaaa

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haa haa

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haa haaaaa

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haa haaaaaa

Observe how bravely I conceal the dreadful trial shame I feel

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaa

Ha ha haaaaaa

Ha ha haaaaaa ha ha haaaaaa

Ha ha ha

Haaaaaaaaaaaaa

Ha ha ha haaaaaa ha ha ha haaaaaa

Haaaaaaaaaaaaa

Haaaaaaaaaaa haaaaaaaaaaa haaaaaaaaaaa

Haaaaaaaaaaa

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa