[Verse 1]
[Basso buffo: On this day, I amend
for your good, I upend.
Everything that you had
I tore down! Ah, too bad.
For this pain, you should praise
he who brought your malaise.
Though it hurts, you’ll survive
just be glad you’re alive.]
[Chorus]
[Oratorio 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.
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: Get your butts back to work!
There’s no break for a clerk.
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 they won’t get.]
[Chorus]
[Opera quartet: 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.
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 3]
[Basso buffo: To this world, I am God!
I am Lord! Now applaud!
Gather up everyone!
Bring the gifts I have won.
It’s all mine I am told.
All the goods, all the gold
every field, every stone!
All is mine, mine alone!]
[Oratorio 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.
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: Do you dare not to bring
all your love to your king?
Pledge your faith to my reign
Say it loud! Don’t refrain!]
Lyrics, Bill Graham
