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No. 4 - Song - Dick and Chorus - "The Highwayman."

MIDI File

Dick: Whose figure is that on the crest of the hill,
Astride of a nag that is black as a raven?
With barkers at belt, never statue more still;
'Tis he whose mere name
gives a quake to the craven.
Red mask upon phiz, a red cloak he is wrapped in,
An eagle, he poises to pounce on his prey.
Why, who should it be but the bold Scarlet Captain,
The only true king of the King's Highway.
Chorus: The only true king of the King's Highway.
Dick: It is bad to be fobbed;
It is rough to be robbed
By a beetle-brow'd blackguard
who boldly brow beats you,
But believe me, 'tis worse
to deliver your purse
To a genial rascal who courteously treats you.
Chorus: Yes, very likely 'tis worse, 'tis true.
Dick: With a cheery chit-chat to you,
Doffing plumed hat to you,
Blandly he tells you the toll you must pay,
Shockingly chaffs at you,
Mockingly laughs at you,
Gives you good day and then gallops away.
   
Dick: Let Jehu beware, let the guard have a care,
Let Bishop or Magistrate shiver and quiver!
When Scarlet rides up on his ebon black mare,
And out of the dark rings his "Stand and Deliver!"
But if 'tis a dame who is youthful and handsome,
There's never a courtier more gallant and gay;
He takes ne'er a jew'l; just a kiss for a ransom,
A tax to the king of the King's Highway.
Chorus: A tax to the king of the King's Highway.
Dick: It is bad to be fobbed;
It is rough to be robbed
By a beetle-brow'd blackguard
who boldly brow beats you,
But believe me, 'tis worse
to deliver your purse
To a genial rascal who courteously treats you.
Chorus: Yes, very likely 'tis worse, 'tis true.
Men: Galloping, galloping, galloping ...
Dick: With a cheery chit-chat to you,
Doffing plumed hat to you,
Blandly he tells you the toll you must pay,
Shockingly chaffs at you,
Mockingly laughs at you,
Gives you good day and then gallops away.
Chorus: A-galloping, galloping, gaily away.
Dick: Ah! He laughingly rides on his way.
Chorus: Galloping, galloping, galloping, gaily away.

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American Musical Theatre | The Highwayman

Page modified 11 December 2016