Glitter and Be Gay [Candide]

Kristin Chenoweth gives an astonishing performance singing "Glitter and Be Gay" as Cunegonde in 2004's rendition of Bernstein's Candide.

Lyrics:

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
Ah! 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... Uh... Bright and cheerful!
Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha!

Pearls and ruby rings...
Ah, how can worldly things
Take the place of honor lost?
Can they compensate
For my fallen state
Purchased as they were at such an awful cost?

Bracelets... Lavalieres...
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
Ha ha!
I'm oh, so glad my sapphire is a star
Ha ha!
I rather like a twenty-carat earring
Ha 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!

Observe how bravely I conceal
The dreadful, dreadful shame I feel
Ha ha ha ha!

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