Noa - Glitter And Be Gay (From 'Candide') lyrics

Lyrics: R. Wilbor

Music: 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, 'twas not to be

Harsh necessity

Brought me to this gilded cage

Born to higher things

Here I droop my wings

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 -

Pearls and ruby rings

Ah, how can worldly things take the place of honor lost?

Purchased, as they were, at such an awful cost!

Bracelets, lavalieres, can they dry my tears?

Can they blind my eyes from shame!

Can the brightest broach 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 20 carat earring, ha ha!

If I'm not pure, at least my jewels are

Enough, enough, I'll take that diamond necklace

And show my noble stuff

By being gay and reckless!

Ha, Ha, Ha!