Bernstein, Bernstein: Candide - "Glitter and be gay"

"Glitter and be gay" - Renée Fleming/Metropolitan Opera Orchestra/James Levine

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 ladymother

my virtue had remained unstained

Until my maiden hand was gained

by some grand duke or other

Ah it was not to be

harsh necessity

brought me to this gilded cage

Born to higher things

here I droop my wings aa~~

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

Ha ha ha…

The pearls and ruby rings

Ah I 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

Bracelet lavalieres

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

haha

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…

Observe how bravely

I conceal the dreadful dreadful shame

Ha ha~