A Greek Slave Song No. 23

A Greek Slave
I Want To Be Popular
Song No. 23

Music by Lionel Monckton

Marcus and Chorus

MIDI File 39K, 6 min. 4 seconds.

Song — Marcus

A person who holds an official position

Your pity may very well claim;

The praises of men are his highest ambition

And yet he gets nothing but blame!

Some order in council I think of indicting

To make me a favourite strong;

If I ties up the dogs to prevent them from biting

Oh, shall I be popular long!

For, I want to be popular!

Worshipped by women and men!

If my edict embrace

Any hounds of the chase,

Oh, shall I be popular then?

For he wants to be popular!

Popular! Popular!

Worshipp'd by women and men!

If his edict embrace

Any hounds of the chase,

Oh, won't he be popular then!

Of pictures I've rather a spicy collection

Adorning my bachelor home;

They'll meet with approbal from you on inspection,

But not from the matrons of Rome!

Now if to the nation, by whom I am hated

This tasty artistic display

I present unabridged also unexpurgated

Will that make me popular, eh?

For, I want to be popular!

Worshipped by women and men!

If they're shocking to see,

And admission is free,

Oh, shall I be popular then?

For he wants to be popular!

Popular! Popular!

Worshipp'd by women and men!

If they're shocking to see,

And admission is free,

Oh, won't he be popular then!

If war should arise in some barbarous regions,

Then off to that troublesome spot

We hurry at once our Imperial legions,

With everyt ship that we've got.

But if through my efforts to spare you taxation,

The army is wanting in men

And the navy's unfit for the needs of the nation,

Oh shall I be popular then?

For, I want to be popular!

Worshipped by women and men!

If I risk the expense

Of a navy immense,

Oh, shall I be popular then?

For he wants to be popular!

Popular! Popular!

Worshipp'd by women and men!

If he risks the expense

Of a navy immense,

Oh, won't he be popular then!

Will people regard me with less of aversion

Supposing I issue commands

Allowing the Romans who come by excursions

To bathe from a tent on the sands?

No doubt there's another restriction that vexes

When taking a dip in the bay;

If I frame regulations for mixing the sexes,

Will that? make me popular eh?

For, I want to be popular!

Worshipped by women and men!

If my edict arrives —

"You may bathe with your wives,"

Oh, shall I be popular then?

For he wants to be popular!

Popular! Popular!

Worshipp'd by women and men!

If his edict arrives

"You may bathe with your wives,"

Oh, won't he be popular then!

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Page created 01 December 2001