[Verse 1]
[Basso buffo soloist, with condescending mockery: On this day, I will send
out my goons to upend.
All you built, all you had
I’ll tear down.] [Court jester in a mocking tone: Ah, too bad!]
[Basso buffo soloist, with condescending mockery: For this pain, you should praise
ME!!! I brought your malaise.
Though it hurts, you’ll survive
just be glad you’re alive.]
[Chorus]
[Oratorio chorus in harmony: Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now freed for its health.
All my banks of your wealth.
I now don my gold gown
Kiss my ring; bring my crown!
Bow down low! On your knee!
Kneel, you serf! You serve me!]
[Verse 2]
[Basso buffo soloist, yelling: Get your butts back to work!
I shall END all who shirk.
When you loaf, you force me
to announce this decree:
Everyone must obey
all my rules every day.
Those who don’t will regret
all the meals I’ll forget.]
[Chorus]
[Opera chorus: Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now freed for its health.
All your banks of my wealth.
Help me don my gold gown
Kiss my ring; bring my crown!
Bow down low! On your knee!
Kneel, you serf! You serve me!]
[Verse 3]
[Basso buffo soloist with delusions of grandeur: To this world, I am God!
I am Lord! Now applaud!
Gather up everyone!
Bring your gifts. Hurry! RUN!!!
It’s all mine I am told.
All the goods, all the gold
every field, every stone!
All is mine, mine alone!]
[The King’s Quartet in tight harmony: Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now freed for its health.
All my banks of your wealth.
I now don my gold gown
Kiss my ring; bring my crown!
Bow down low! On your knee!
Kneel, you serf! You serve me!]
[Outro]
[Basso buffo soloist with rage: Do you dare not to bring
all your love to your king?
Pledge your faith to my reign
Say it loud! DON’T REGRAIN!!!!!]
Lyrics, Bill Graham
