Candide, Act I: Glitter and Be Gay

And here I am, my heart breaking

Forced to glitter, forced to be gay

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 cage

Born to higher things

Here I drop my wings

Ah!

Singing of a sorrow

Nothing can assuage

And yet, of course, I rather like to revel, ah ha!

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 ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Pearls, and ruby rings

Ah, how can wordly things take the place of honour lost?

Can they compensate for my fallen state?

Purchased as they were at such a, 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 ha!

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

I rather like a twenty carat earring, ah 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

Ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Observe how bravely I conceal the dreadful, dreadful shame I feel