I Want To Be Popular, Song 23 from A Greek Slave

Lionel Monckton, 1898
Sequenced by Marc Kenig, 2001
Lionel Monckton, 1898

Sequenced by Marc Kenig, 2001

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 tie up the dogs to prevent them from biting, Oh, shall I be popular long?For I want to be popular! Popular! Worshipped by women and men! If my edict embrace Any hounds fo the chase, Oh, shall I be popular then? Of pictures I've rather a spicy collection A dorning my bachelor home; They'lll meet with approval 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 una bridged also unexpurgated, Will that make me popular eh? For I want to be popular! Popular! Worshipped by women and men! If they're shocking to see, And admission is free, Oh, shall I be popular then? If war should arise in some barbarous regions, Then off to that wroublesome spot We hurty at once our Imperial legions, With every 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! Popular! Worshipped by women and men! If I risk the expense Of a navy immense, Oh, shall I be popular then?Will people regard me with less of aversion Supposing I issue commands. Allowing the Romans who come by excursion To bathe from a tent on the sands? No doubt there's another restriction that vexes When taking a dip in this bay; If I frame regulations for mixing the sexes, Will that make me popular eh? For I want to be popular! Popular! Worshipped by women and men! If my edict arrives "You may bathe with your wives," Oh, shall I be popular then?

I Want To Be Popular, Song 23 from A Greek Slave
Myriad Karaoke
Words
Marcus
Soprano
Tenor
Bass
Piano R
Piano L