[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]
[Royal choir in harmony:
Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now seized for its health.
from my banks all your wealth.
Help me don my gold gown
Up you knave; 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
beatings they won’t forget.
]
[Chorus]
[Royal choir in harmony:
Don’t complain. You’re to blame
for this mess I reclaim.
I’ve now seized for its health.
from my banks all your wealth.
Help me don my gold gown
Up you knave; bring my crown!
Bow down low! On your knee!
Kneel, you serf! You serve me!
]
[Verse 3]
[Basso buffo soloist with cartoonish exaggeration:
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 seized for its health.
from my banks all your wealth.
Help me don my gold gown
Up you knave; 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 ABSTAIN!!!!!
]
Lyrics, Bill Graham
