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!