Glitter and Be Gay

In the 1950s, Leonard Bernstein wrote an operetta, or musical, based on Voltaire's Candide. Glitter and Be Gay is sung by Cunegonde before she is reunited with Candide. The lyrics and tone serve to convey the hardships she'd suffered and the optimistic façade she'd maintained regardless.

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 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!