Great Performances (1971–…): Season 36, Episode 4 - Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny - full transcript
We gotta keep going!
- Well, the motor's had it.
- Yeah, then we can't keep going.
- We gotta keep going!
- There's nothing but desert ahead.
Yeah, then we can't keep going.
Well, in that case we gotta go back.
But the G-Men are after us,
and they got our faces memorized.
Yeah, then we can't go back.
You know, they found gold up
along the coast.
- Yeah, that's one long coast.
- Then we can't head up that way.
- Well, they did find gold there.
- Yeah, but the coast is too long.
- Can't we keep going?
- Nope!
Good! Then we'll stay right here.
If we can't make it up there,
why not stay here?
Everybody who went up
to the gold fields and came back
said that panning gold out
of those rivers is a rotten life.
It's damn hard work,
and we ain't cut out for it.
But I've seen those guys. If they
ever get any, they give it away.
It's a lot easier to get gold of men
than out of rivers.
So we might as well
build a city here.
And we'll call it Mahagonny
that means spider web.
Spider web!
It will be like a web
spun out to catch
all the plumb, juicy insects.
All the world's full of hard work
and striving.
And striving.
But down here we'll have fun.
But down here we'll have fun.
All a human being can want
is not to suffer,
but do what he feels like.
That fact is our gold nugget.
Gin and whisky,
young girls and boys,
and every week here will be
seven days away from working.
And the big hurricanes
don't travel northward this far.
Instead, all relaxed, our men
will smoke in rocking chairs
While the red sun sets.
Every other day we'll have boxing;
lots of vice and violence!
But those fights will be fair.
So stick that curtain rod
in the ground right there,
and run this old rag
up it for a flag,
so the ships heading down
from the gold coast can see us.
Set the bar up there under that tree.
This is the town.
This will be its center. Which we'll
call "The Hotel for Rich Men".
Still, we're only building Mahagonny
because the world is so rotten.
There is no peace on earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon.
Still, we're only building Mahagonny
because the world is so rotten.
There is no peace on earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon.
Oh show us the way
to the next whiskey bar.
Oh, don't ask why.
We must find the next whiskey bar.
If we don't find the next whiskey bar
I tell you we must die!
Oh moon of Alabama
we now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
and must have whiskey,
you know why.
Oh, moon of Alabama
We now must say goodbye
We've lost our good old mama
And must have whisky,
oh, you know why
Oh show us the way
to the next little dollar.
Oh, don't ask why.
Oh, don't ask why.
We must find the next little dollar.
If we don't find
the next little dollar
I tell you we must die!
I tell you we must die!
Oh moon of Alabama.
We now must say goodbye.
We now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
We've lost our good old mama
and must have dollars, you know why.
And must have dollars, you know why.
Oh moon of Alabama,
Oh moon of Alabama,
We now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
and must have whiskey,
you know why.
We live in giant cities.
They have gutters below them
and nothing inside;
only smoke overhead.
Life may have joys,
but city men don't know them.
Rapidly we die.
The cities live on,
but are dead.
Far from the cares of the world...
The noisy diesel trains
don't stop nearby.
Paved with gold brick: Mahagonny!
Just yesterday they asked about you there.
In these troubled times you can find in every city,
In these troubled times
you can find in every city,
millions looking for a better life.
Wise men set out
for Mahagonny, the golden.
Where the booze is a bargain.
In these giant cities
full of noise and smoke.
You are insecure and restless.
There's nothing
you can depend upon.
The world is so rotten!
But come and meet the people
But come and meet the people
down in Mahagonny.
Down in Mahagonny.
Down in Mahagonny.
Their life can be yours.
Their life can be yours.
Their life can be yours.
Soon you'll feel the tension
Soon you'll feel the tension
seeping from your pores.
Come see how nature makes
life there a snap!
Come see how nature makes
life there a snap!
When San Francisco shakes
you see that's all it takes.
When San Francisco shakes
you see that's all it takes.
When San Francisco shakes
you see that's all it takes.
Cities are big mistakes
they'll end in scrap.
Cities are big mistakes
they'll end in scrap.
Life may have joys,
but city men don't know them.
Rapidly we die.
Rapidly we die.
The cities live on,
The cities live on,
but are dead.
Then off to Mahagonny!
Just yesterday
they asked about you there.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- The air is clean and fresh!
- They've booze and poker tables.
- Good whores and good horseflesh.
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Tucked into our shirts today,
we've the dollar bills to pay
for a great big grin
upon your big and stupid mouth.
Off to Mahagonny!
The wind is blowing free.
Off to Mahagonny!
The wind is blowing free.
Fresh meat for sale on every street
and no bureaucracy.
Fresh meat for sale on every street
and no bureaucracy.
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Tucked into our shirts today,
we've the dollar bills to pay
for a great big grin
upon your big and stupid mouth.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- Our ship will sail at dawn.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- Our civilization will soon be gone.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- Our civilization will soon be gone.
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Tucked into our shirts today,
we've the dollar bills to pay
for a great big grin
upon your big and stupid mouth.
When you're a stranger in the city,
then at first
you are always slightly nervous.
Then at first
you are always slightly nervous.
You're not exactly sure
just where to go.
You're not exactly sure
just where to go.
- Or just who you can yell at.
- And to whom you take your hat off.
You have that problem
when you are a stranger in the city.
Gentlemen, welcome.
We're so glad to see you.
Gentlemen, welcome.
We're so glad to see you.
You must be Jimmy Maclntyre,
famous for switchblade throwing.
You must be Jimmy Maclntyre,
famous for switchblade throwing.
Every night before you go to bed
you like your gin and bitters.
- Widow Begbick!
- Glad to meet you!
And for your enjoyment
we've been baking bread today.
And for your enjoyment
we've been baking bread today.
Thanks a lot, madam.
Thanks a lot, madam.
- And you must be Billy?
- Bank-Account Billy.
- And you must be Billy?
- Bank-Account Billy.
- And this must be Joe?
- Alaska-Wolf Joe.
- And this must be Joe?
- Alaska-Wolf Joe.
In order for you to feel at home here
we offer a small discount.
Thank you kindly!
You'd like to start your visit
with some nice fresh girls?
You'd like to start your visit
with some nice fresh girls?
Gentlemen, every man carries in his
heart the picture of his true love.
Gentlemen, every man carries in his
heart the picture of his true love.
What looks like a lot of woman to one
man may seem scrawny to another.
A set of curves like that
might be right for you, Mister Joe.
That might be even more right for me.
I was thinking more of something
in brunette line anyway.
I was thinking more of something
in brunette line anyway.
- And you, Mister Bill?
- I'm fine, don't worry about me.
- And you, Mister Bill?
- I'm fine, don't worry about me.
- And Mister Jim?
- I can't tell nothing from pictures.
I don't make up my mind about love
till I have it in my hands.
Come out,
you beauties of Mahagonny!
We've got the bread,
let's see you spread!
Seven years up in Alaska where
it's freezing, where there's gold.
Come out, you cuties of Mahagonny!
Just turn us on, you've got us sold.
Well hello, you big boys from Alaska.
Was it cold there, did you get rich?
Behold the beauties of Mahagonny!
If you can pay,
then choose what pleases your itch.
This is the girl for you, Mr O'Brien.
If her hips ain't got no swing
This is the girl for you, Mr O'Brien.
If her hips ain't got no swing
your fifty bucks
ain't worth shit on a shingle
your fifty bucks
ain't worth shit on a shingle
Thirty bucks!
Thirty bucks?
Won't you change your mind,
Mister O'Brien?
Won't you change your mind?
A girl can't live on thirty bucks!
Won't you change your mind?
A girl can't live on thirty bucks!
That won't keep her in stockings!
That won't keep her in stockings!
I come from Havana.
But my mother was a pure white girl.
She always said to me:
"You mustn't sell yourself
for thirty bucks or less,
the way I used to do."
She said:
"Look at what my life did to me."
Won't you change your mind,
Mister O'Brien?
Won't you change your mind,
Mister O'Brien?
- In that case, twenty bucks!
- Thirty, mister.
- Forget it.
- Maybe I'll take her.
What's your name, kid?
Jenny Smith from Oklahoma.
I got here about two months ago.
I was working down
in some big city.
And there's not one thing
And there's not one thing
that I refuse to do.
That I refuse to do.
I know those Jimmys
from Alaska's snow.
The dead don't have it
half so bad as they did.
That's how they made their dough.
They stuffed their jackets full
of greenbacks and paraded
down to the train
and off to Mahagonny they go.
Oh, Jimmy, sit here on my knee.
I've never found the man for me.
Let's both drink from one glass now!
Okay, I'll take you!
What's with those guys?
- Has the ship gone yet?
- No, it's still here!
Idiots, blockheads!
Look at them, running for the ship.
And their pockets
still loaded with cash.
What a bunch of lowlifes!
No sense of humour!
Now I wonder why they're leaving.
If it's good, they should stay here.
I bet something here is fishy.
I bet something here is fishy.
However, my good fellows
let's all move on to Mahagonny.
However, my good fellows
let's all move on to Mahagonny.
It won't cost me anything
to make the price of whiskey lower.
Seems this Mahagonny,
after all we've heard about it
has such low rates, I don't trust it.
- To me it all looks too expensive.
- Jimmy, does it look okay to you?
If we're here, then it's okay.
Jimmy, sit here on my knee.
I've never found the man for me.
Let's both drink from one glass now!
Those are the Jimmys
from Alaska's snow.
The dead don't have it
half so bad as they did.
That's how we made our dough.
They stuffed their jackets
full of greenbacks and paraded.
Down to the train
and off to Mahagonny they go!
I've learned in my trade when
you meet a man for the first time
you must ask him
just how he likes things.
You must ask him
just how he likes things.
So please tell me
how you want me to be, sir.
So please tell me
how you want me to be, sir.
You look fine to me just as you are.
Call me Jimmy, and I might begin
to think you like me.
Okay, Jimmy,
now what about my hair-do?
In bangs, or comb it back?
You might wear it different ways,
depending on where we are.
Then there's the matter
of my lingerie,
should it be fancy underwear
or should I just skip the undies?
Skip the undies!
Your wish is my command, sir.
And what is your wish?
Perhaps we'll talk about it
in the morning.
Fatty and Moses!
Have you two seen what's happened?
People are leaving again!
There's a whole bunch down
at the harbor, I just saw them.
There's a whole bunch down
at the harbor, I just saw them.
What's to keep them here? A couple
of bars and a dump full of silence.
What's to keep them here? A couple
of bars and a dump full of silence.
Who are these people? Guys who
think catching a fish is happiness!
They sit on the porch and smoke,
and that's contentment!
They sit on the porch and smoke,
and that's contentment!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Today I had to put whiskey
down to twelve bucks!
Tomorrow it'll probably down
to eight.
And it won't ever recover!
And it won't ever recover!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
I just don't what I can do!
Everybody wants something from me,
and I don't have
anything left to give them.
What more can I offer them to stay
and still survive myself?
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Now even I have spent time
with my back up against
a wall with a man.
We had pretty phrases to dream
and had our passions to talk of.
But when the money went
who had time to be passionate?
Cash breeds passion!
Cash breeds passion!
Cash breeds passion!
For nineteen years now
misery's been in charge
For nineteen years now
misery's been in charge
For nineteen years now
misery's been in charge
and I've been fighting
just to stay alive.
And I've been fighting
just to stay alive.
This was my last big plan:
Mahagonny, the spiderweb.
This was my last big plan:
Mahagonny, the spiderweb.
But nothing's been caught in our web.
But nothing's been caught in our web.
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
So it's time we started turning back,
went back on our tracks
through a thousand little hick towns
and somehow went back in time
for nineteen years now.
Pack your cases!
It's time we went back!
Sure, Widow Begbick! That's just
what they'd like you to do!
"A squad of G-Men
has been seen in Pensacola,
"A squad of G-Men
has been seen in Pensacola,
inquiring for a female suspect
known as Leocadia Begbick
inquiring for a female suspect
known as Leocadia Begbick
they made a thorough
search of every building here
and then traveled onward."
Damn! Now there's no escape left.
Widow Begbick, you don't get
no prize for dirty business.
And those who choose a life of crime
And those who choose a life of crime
always die young!
Always die young!
If we had money!
If we'd made any off
this webless spiderweb
then who'd care if the G-men came!
Didn't some new suckers
show up today?
They looked like
they had some money.
If we don't get
their dough we're lost!
- Jimmy, why are you running away?
- Give me one good reason to stay.
What are you looking so gloomy for?
I must have seen one of those signs
that says, "Don't do it."
- Don't you have cheap whiskey?
- Too cheap!
- It's peaceful and quiet.
- Too quiet!
If you want a fish for dinner
you just go out and catch one.
If you want a fish for dinner
you just go out and catch one.
That don't make me happy!
That don't make me happy!
- You smoke.
- You smoke!
You take a snooze.
You take a snooze!
- You swim.
- You go jump in the lake!
You gaze across the water.
You forget.
But there's something wrong!
Think of how the sky
turns beautiful at twilight,
Think of how the sky
turns beautiful at twilight,
and think what joy it is
to sit and talk to friends.
And think what joy it is
to sit and talk to friends.
And think what joy it is
to sit and talk to friends.
But there's something wrong!
But there's something wrong!
Think how you love
the peace and quiet
and the warmth of sheer contentment.
But there's something wrong!
You know simple life
has its grandeur.
You know simple life
has its grandeur.
And there is nothing
that can top the great outdoors.
And there is nothing
that can top the great outdoors.
But there's something wrong!
I think that I just might eat my hat.
I think that I just might eat my hat.
I think that'll see me through.
I think that'll see me through.
Tell me, why shouldn't
I sit and eat my hat,
when there's not one
when there's not one
when there's not one
damn thing to do!
When there's not one
damn thing to do!
You've learned to read
the ABC's of booze.
You've seen the moon
beaming out until the dawn.
You've seen the moon
beaming out until the dawn.
The bars are closed,
you gamble and you lose.
The bars are closed,
you gamble and you lose.
And face it, nothing is going on!
Jimmy, don't get in a state,
we'll find a bar that's open late.
- Jimmy thinks he should eat his hat!
- Now why would do a thing like that?
- Jimmy thinks he should eat his hat!
- Now why would do a thing like that?
You're just a crazy nut!
We'll punch you in the gut!
You're just a crazy nut!
We'll punch you in the gut!
Don't be such a dope!
We've got a rope!
If you keep on acting smart-ass.
We'll tie you up till you start
acting human!
Oh, fellas.
I'm sick of being human!
All right now, you've had your say.
So go back with us like a good boy.
That's what I call eternal art.
Deep in Alaska's
snow-covered woodland,
my three pals and I
cut all the timber we could,
and worked as a team
to haul the logs to the stream.
And worked as a team
to haul the logs to the stream.
Lived on rotten horsemeat
and hoarded money.
Lived on rotten horsemeat
and hoarded money.
Seven years I sweated and slaved
and here's my reward now.
Trapped in that cabin
for seven freezing winters.
Carving out curses
in the one crummy table.
We sat and dreamed of
the places we'd go to,
of the places we'd go to,
if we had enough money.
I put up with all that garbage,
and here's my reward now.
When our time was over,
pocketed our bankrolls.
Picked as our target of all places
this damned Mahagonny.
Headed this way
just as fast as we could.
Not a moment's thought
and so we're stuck with this place.
We could not have
done worse than this,
because we're too dumb
to imagine the worst.
And here's our reward now!
Yeah, what the hell is this?
You think you can do that to us?
Well, that's where you're wrong!
Come on out, you old bitch!
This is Jimmy Maclntyre from Alaska!
He don't like it here!
- Just what don't you like here?
- This shithole!
I heard the word, "shithole."
Did you happen to say "shithole"?
Yeah, I said it, me, Jimmy Maclntyre!
Seven winters,
cutting down the trees like a fiend.
And the river frozen every day.
I put up with all that garbage
and here is my reward now.
But I really hate this place,
because nothing here is wrong.
Jimmy be a good boy,
put the knife away.
Jimmy be a good boy,
put the knife away.
Jimmy, come along with us
and please behave.
Jimmy, come along with us
and please behave.
Seven winters cutting timber.
Seven years of freezing weather.
I put up with all that garbage
and I've gotten nothing for it.
You have quiet, friendship,
whiskey, women!
Stow the switchblade in your belt.
Loafing, smoking, fishing, swimming!
- Jimmy, put the knife away!
- Those are the Jimmys from Alaska.
Try and hold me back
or there may be bloodshed!
Jimmy, put away that switchblade!
Try to calm yourself!
If these stupid jerks would
only stay in the Alaskan forest!
Throw that bastard out!
Throw that bastard out!
Go throw him out!
Go throw him out!
Go throw him out!
Go throw him out!
Nothing in your damn Mahagonny
Nothing in your damn Mahagonny
Nothing in your damn Mahagonny
will ever make people happy.
Will ever make people happy.
Because there's too much peace,
too much contentment,
and there is too much
a man can depend upon.
A typhoon!
A hurricane is moving
towards Mahagonny!
How frightful! A disaster!
The town of pleasure will be doomed!
On the mountain peaks
the hurricanes hover.
Sudden death rises up out of the sea.
Sudden death rises up out of the sea.
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
Stand bravely, brothers,
have ye no fear!
Life's fleeting glimmer
Life's fleeting glimmer
will soon disappear.
Will soon disappear.
Rage is unavailing
there's no use in wailing!
At your pains
the hurricanes will jeer.
- Oh, moon of Alabama...
- Don't try to escape it.
- We now must say goodbye!
- There's no use!
We've lost our good old mama...
Go where you like
I will catch you.
Oh, moon of Alabama...
The best thing you can do
The best thing you can do
is to sit still awaiting
is to sit still awaiting
that last moment.
Stand bravely, brothers,
have ye no fear.
Life's fleeting glimmer
will soon disappear.
Will soon disappear.
Rage is unavailing
Rage is unavailing
there's no use in wailing
at your pains
the hurricanes will jeer.
What's so funny?
Look here, this is your world.
Peace and contentment,
they don't exist!
But of hurricanes we've got plenty
and with whirlwinds
we're very well supplied.
And it's just the same way with Man:
he will destroy all you give him.
It's redundant to have hurricanes.
You think a typhoon is frightening?
Just look at Man
when he starts acting funny!
- Oh, shut up, Jim!
- What are you babbling about?
Sit up, have a smoke and forget it!
Why build walls and towers
as tall as Himalayas
so that Man can pull them back down
because that's how he gets his kicks?
Whatever's good
will be twisted soon.
And what stands high
will fall in the dust.
We don't need help from hurricanes!
Let whirlwinds do what they can!
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
The most frightening force is Man.
Fierce is the hurricane,
fiercer still the typhoon,
but the worst of all is Man.
Now look, you've put signs all around
with instructions on them:
Now look, you've put signs all around
with instructions on them:
This is forbidden
and kindly don't do that.
This is forbidden
and kindly don't do that.
That's not the way
you promote happiness.
- On that wall, there's a signboard.
- We don't need help from hurricanes.
Says tonight is forbidden to sing
and enjoy song.
But before 2 o'clock strikes,
you'll hear me singing and enjoying.
So you can see
that it's not forbidden!
Oh, shut up, Jim! You talk too much.
Oh, shut up, Jim! You talk too much.
Come inside with me
Come inside with me
and love me some.
No, I've got more to say.
If you're short of cash for a thing
you wanna buy, then go get the cash.
Just head for the street
and find a rich man.
Hit him on the head
and take all his cash. Just do it!
See a house where you'd like to live?
Then march in that house
and lie down in a bed.
When the wife comes home
make her lie down with you.
If the roof starts to leak
then pack your bag! Just do it!
When you start to imagine thoughts
you don't dare think,
go ahead and think them.
Sacrifice your wealth,
or give up your home
go ahead think those thoughts!
Or give up your home
go ahead think those thoughts!
Just do it! In the interest of order!
For the good of the state!
Just do it! In the interest of order!
For the good of the state!
Just do it! In the interest of order!
For the good of the state!
For the future of mankind!
For the future of mankind!
And for your personal satisfaction!
And for your personal satisfaction!
Do it!
Do it!
Then you mean it was wrong for me
to make things forbidden here?
Sure, because when I feel I like it,
I ignore your signs and your laws,
and kick down your walls
just like the hurricane does.
You can make money out of it.
Have some!
So do whatever you enjoy,
So do whatever you enjoy,
or typhoons will do it for you.
Or typhoons will do it for you.
For when hurricanes start to destroy,
there's nothing that we can do.
There's nothing that we can do.
We'll live out our everyday lives
We'll live out our everyday lives
with hurricanes all about us,
but until that hurricane arrives,
we will never let anything flout us.
We will never let anything flout us.
Everyday come what may,
Everyday come what may,
till the hurricanes rout us.
They're dead in Pensacola!
And the hurricane's now moving
straight ahead for Mahagonny!
Pensacola!
The G-Men have been struck down
for good.
And law enforcers and crooks all bite
the dust together!
The whole town goes down the drain.
So I say what I said before:
Now's the time to enjoy
all forbidden games.
When the hurricane strikes,
our games are done!
So sing, why don't you?
Sing because they've forbidden it.
- Keep quiet!
- Sing along with us!
Sing a new joyous song with us!
We are forbidden to sing! Let's sing!
In this world you must make
your own bed.
And no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand up and kick!
Stand bravely, brothers!
Stand bravely, brothers!
Have ye no fear!
Have ye no fear!
Hurricane approaching Atsena
at 120 miles per hour.
Hurricane strikes Atsena.
Atsena in ruins.
Hurricane heading straight for
Mahagonny. Only three minutes away.
Hurricane has made a detour around
Mahagonny and has gone on its way!
Oh, glory, what a rescue!
The town of pleasure has been saved!
The mighty hurricanes
have retreated
The mighty hurricanes
have retreated
up to the mountains.
Up to the mountains.
Sudden death sinks in
the water for good.
Oh glory, what a rescue!
First don't forget
to stuff your faces.
Second comes the loving match.
Third put the boxers
through their paces!
Fourth comes drinking
down the hatch.
But first make sure it's clear to you
that there is nothing you can't do!
I've eaten two calves,
head to crupper!
And now I will eat one more calf.
Not enough by half.
I may eat myself for supper!
Brother, with pleasures like that,
never stop at half!
O'Brien! Why fight your fat?
Stay and eat one more calf!
Brothers, watch me, doing my best.
I'll eat my fill of it yet.
When it's gone, I'll be at rest
then I can forget.
Brothers, give me more!
Brothers, give me more!
Brother Jack has departed!
See his look of sheer ecstasy!
See his look of sheer ecstasy!
See his look
of complete satisfaction.
See his look
of complete satisfaction.
His whole face is shining.
His whole face is shining.
That man went the whole hog!
That man went the whole hog!
That man went the whole hog!
That man never stopped himself.
A man without fear!
That man never stopped himself.
A man without fear!
A man without fear!
Brother Jack has departed!
A man without fear!
Second comes the loving match!
Spit out your chewing gum first!
Then give your hands
a good washing!
Give her some time
and say a few words to the girl.
Spit out your chewing gum first!
Then give your hands
a good washing!
Give her some time
and say a few words to the girl.
Quick, fellas, hey!
Sing the man the song of Mandalay!
Quick, fellas, hey!
Sing the man the song of Mandalay!
Love doesn't have days
and weeks to be reckoned.
Love doesn't have days
and weeks to be reckoned.
Move fast!
We don't care waste a second!
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster
because the harvest moon is sinking!
I beg you, dear clients
to kindly wait in silence.
I beg you, dear clients
to kindly wait in silence.
There will soon be three beds free,
so please let's have no violence.
There will soon be three beds free,
so please let's have no violence.
There will soon be three beds free,
so please let's have no violence.
You surely can see that
when love's so costly a toy
You surely can see that
when love's so costly a toy
what you pay for,
you need time to enjoy.
Cash alone won't breed passion.
Quick, fellas, hey!
Sing the man the song of Mandalay.
Love doesn't have
days and weeks to be reckoned.
Love doesn't have
days and weeks to be reckoned.
Fellas, move fast!
We don't care waste a second!
Fellas, move fast!
We don't care waste a second!
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster because
the harvest moon is sinking!
I beg you, dear clients,
to kindly wait in silence.
There will soon be three beds free
so please let's have no violence.
You surely can see that
when love's so costly a toy.
What you pay for,
you need time to enjoy.
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster
because the harvest moon is sinking!
First don't forget
to stuff your faces!
Second comes the loving match!
Second comes the loving match!
Third put the boxers
through their paces.
Third put the boxers
through their paces.
Fourth comes drinking,
down the hatch!
Fourth comes drinking,
down the hatch!
But first make sure
it's clear to you.
But first make sure
it's clear to you.
That there is nothing you can't do.
This is the place, gents.
The match of the week!
Fought to the finish
till one or the other is K.O.'d.
Fought to the finish
till one or the other is K.O.'d.
And on the card it's Trinity Moses.
And on the card it's Trinity Moses.
Versus me, big Alaska-Wolf Joe.
What! You are challenging
Trinity Moses?
You'd better throw in the towel!
You'd better throw in the towel!
We don't mind a prize fight.
God damn it!
We don't mind a prize fight.
God damn it!
But homicide is strictly foul!
I'm still alive
and I'm pretty limber!
All the dough
that I made cutting timber
I'm gonna bet
that I will come through.
And I hope all my pals won't con me.
You better put your money on me.
I'm counting especially on you!
If you value brains
over brawn in a fight,
and speed over strength
in facing a foe
then if your wits are about you
tonight you'll bet your cash on Joe.
Joe, you know how much I care.
But when cash comes into question,
I come down with indigestion,
when I see Trinity Moses there.
Joe, we'll always be friends,
come what may!
Unto death you're my blood brother.
All my dough is on you today.
All my dough is on you today.
You're a true friend like no other!
You're a true friend like no other!
Jim, you're so good I can't bear it;
Jim, you're so good I can't bear it;
because Alaska comes in view!
Because Alaska comes in view!
The seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
Joe, cross my heart, I swear it
I'd give all I own to you!
Those seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
- You're so good I can't bear it.
- Joe, cross my heart, I swear it.
- Because Alaska comes in view!
- I'd give all I own to you!
Those seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
- Hearing you talk I can't bear it.
- Your dough will be safe I swear it.
- Because Alaska comes in view!
- I would kill myself for you!
Give three cheers for Trinity Moses!
Hiya, Moses! Lay 'im out flat!
- This is foul!
- Sorry about that!
Give that weakling double doses!
The black trunks is Moses,
muscle and guts.
The black trunks is Moses,
muscle and guts.
The red trunks is Joe,
pale and skinny.
The red trunks is Joe,
pale and skinny.
Nuts!
- Hiya, Joe!
- Hiya, Jim!
- Hiya, Joe!
- Hiya, Jim!
- Don't swallow your mouthpiece!
- Don't look so grim!
- Don't swallow your mouthpiece!
- Don't look so grim!
Let's go! It's fixed!
Crap! No clinches!
Watch it! Keep moving!
That's low! No holding!
Right on the kisser! G'wan Joe!
Nice work! He's sinking!
Break!
Go, go!
Go get him! Chop 'im up for hash!
Give 'im one more bash!
The man is dead!
A K.O. is a K.O.
The guy couldn't take it.
A K.O. is a K.O.
The guy couldn't take it.
- The winnah: Trinity Moses!
- Sorry about that.
- The winnah: Trinity Moses!
- Sorry about that.
I told you so.
Now he's out for good.
Hello, Joe.
First, don't forget
to stuff your faces!
First, don't forget
to stuff your faces!
Second, comes the loving match.
Second, comes the loving match.
Third, put the boxers
through their paces.
Fourth, comes drinking,
down the hatch!
But first make sure it's clear to you
that there is nothing you can't do!
But first make sure it's clear to you
that there is nothing you can't do!
Bottoms up, friends! Have one on me!
Time we all got drunk.
Because you need it when you see
a guy like Joe get sunk.
Widow Begbick,
set 'em up for all the guys!
Here's to Jimmy! Why the hell not!
He's a prize!
If you had five bucks a day
you could stay in Mahagonny.
But a guy who liked to play
needed lots of extra money.
Guys would go there for the action.
Guys would go there for the action.
The saloon was Mahagonny's pride.
Never got them no satisfaction.
The saloon was Mahagonny's pride.
Never got them no satisfaction.
The saloon was Mahagonny's pride.
Never got them no satisfaction.
But they all felt satisfied!
But they all felt satisfied!
Time to pay up now, gentlemen!
Jenny, come here! I'm out of money!
We better beat it, ya know?
And it don't matter where we go.
Friends, why don't you get
on board here with me?
We'll have a little sail
on the open sea!
Stay right here next to me, the deck
is shaking like an earthquake!
And you should too, Billy,
stick with me for now,
because I'm gonna head right
back up to Alaska.
Right tonight I'm gonna steer
this ship due north up to Alaska!
We chucked all our whiskey
straight down the toilet!
We tore those chintzy
pink curtains down!
We had a good time,
and nothing to spoil it!
Alaska's next if we don't drown.
Alaska's next if we don't drown.
Hello, Jimmy, master navigator!
Hello, Jimmy, master navigator!
Hello, Jimmy, master navigator!
Just watch him running all
his sails up the mast.
Just watch him running all
his sails up the mast.
Jenny, take your clothes off,
we're near the Equator!
Don't lose your hat, Bill,
in the Gulf Stream blast!
My God! I can see
a typhoon out yonder!
My God! I can see
a typhoon out yonder!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
- Look at the clouds!
- The ship's no velveteen settee!
- Look at the clouds!
- The ship's no velveteen settee!
- Look at the clouds!
- The ship's no velveteen settee!
Stormy's the night and raging
the sea! The ship is rocking!
Stormy's the night and raging
the sea! The ship is rocking!
Six of us three
are turning slightly green!
How black the sky is now,
just look how black!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
We should sing, "Stormy's the Night,"
just to keep our courage up.
"Stormy's the night" is terrific
when you feel your courage sinking.
Stormy's the night
on the raging sea!
Will our brave ship stay sound?
Will our brave ship stay sound?
Hear the bell toll
for a poor lost soul!
Hear the bell toll
for a poor lost soul!
Pray we don't run aground!
Pray we don't run aground!
Pick up your speed, hold your tiller!
Don't even sail against the wind!
Pick up your speed, hold your tiller!
Don't even sail against the wind!
Don't try any new tricks!
Shouldn't we lash ourselves to
the mast if the storm gets any worse?
No, those aren't storm clouds!
Don't you worry!
Those are the woodlands of Alaska!
Now we are home! We can all relax!
Hello! Is this Alaska?
Awright, pay up for those drinks!
Oh, it's Mahagonny!
Jimmy, you offered us
drinks as our host here!
Jimmy, just for that
we'll drink you a toast here!
You offered us food
and good liquor too.
Well, suppose you pay me now.
Sure, but there's something funny:
Sure, but there's something funny:
Seems all my cash
has just gone, somehow!
Seems all my cash
has just gone, somehow!
There's no way
that I can pay your money.
What, you don't want to pay me?
Jimmy, take another look. You must
have something tucked away!
Like I told you before...
The gentleman has no cash to pay?
The gentleman does not wish to pay?
Do you know what that means for you?
Fella, now you're really through!
Couldn't you put up something
to tide him over?
- And you, Jenny?
- Me?
- Sure, why not?
- You're kidding.
- The things they ask us girls to do!
- You wouldn't even think of it?
- No, to tell you the truth.
- Tie him up!
When I was young my mother painted
my future completely black.
She said I'd end up on a stone slab
She said I'd end up on a stone slab
or at any rate on my back!
Or at any rate on my back!
Well, that stuff isn't hard to say.
But I say I won't end up like that.
I'm not going
to stand getting fleeced!
Just let anyone try walking over me!
A girl's not a beast!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get
kicked if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get
kicked if you want to.
So lie down and get
kicked if you want to.
As for me,
I will stand up and kick!
As for me,
I will stand up and kick!
When I was young a fellow told me
while gazing in my eyes:
"Tonight's love
is all that's important."
"Tonight's love
is all that's important."
"Who knows
if tomorrow's sun will rise?"
"Who knows
if tomorrow's sun will rise?"
Well, loving, that's an easy game.
But we all still get older.
And love doesn't stay
quite the same.
So you have to use your time
as best you can.
So you have to use your time
as best you can.
A girl's not a beast!
A girl's not a beast!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me,
I will stand up and kick!
Everybody, come get a thrill!
Look at the man
who can't pay his bill!
Rudeness, vice,
and all that mean stuff!
Rudeness, vice,
and all that mean stuff!
The worst part is: no green stuff!
The penalty's the noose, no doubt.
The worst part is: no green stuff!
The penalty's the noose, no doubt.
The worst part is: no green stuff!
The penalty's the noose, no doubt.
But please, dear clients,
don't let that put you out!
But please, dear clients,
don't let that put you out!
You don't need five bucks a day,
living in your little boxes.
If you'd rather work than play
then you don't need all the extras.
If you'd rather work than play
then you don't need all the extras.
Nowadays they get their action
at God's suburban cosy fireside.
Nowadays they get their action
at God's suburban cosy fireside.
And they all call it satisfaction.
But they don't feel satisfied!
But they don't feel satisfied!
Don't let false hope blind you.
There is no eternal life!
The night creeps up behind you.
Let each day's end remind you.
Night's wind cuts like a knife.
When the sky turns brighter,
then we start an accursed day.
As of now there is peace,
for there is darkness.
Pray tonight,
Pray tonight,
pray tonight won't be over!
Pray tonight won't be over!
Pray the day,
pray the day won't ever come!
I am afraid they'll be here shortly.
I'll have to hit the ground
as soon as they arrive.
They'll have to drag me up
if they expect to take me away!
Pray tonight,
Pray tonight,
pray tonight won't be over!
Pray tonight won't be over!
Pray the day,
pray the day won't ever come!
Put that in your pipe
and try to smoke it!
Stuff it up your pipestem!
Stuff it up your pipestem!
Put that in your pipe
and try to smoke it,
Put that in your pipe
and try to smoke it,
aging youngster!
Pray tonight,
Pray tonight,
pray tonight won't be over!
Pray tonight won't be over!
Pray the day
Pray the day never comes!
Never comes!
Every day you lived
was good enough for you.
And tomorrow?
Stuff it up your pipestem!
Surely the sky will stay dark
for a long time.
Don't let the light come,
don't let the sky lighten,
for then we start an accursed day!
Everyone step up
and buy your ticket!
Everyone step up
and buy your ticket!
We've got a few seats left
for just five dollars
We've got a few seats left
for just five dollars
Two really entertaining trials
only five dollars for a seat.
Only a fin, gentlemen, to see
the wheels of Justice in motion!
First comes the case of Toby Higgins.
First comes the case of Toby Higgins.
You are charged
with premeditated murder.
You are charged
with premeditated murder.
For the purpose of cleaning
out an old revolver!
Till today the world has never known
a deed so frankly brutal.
Till today the world has never known
a deed so frankly brutal.
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied!
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied!
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied!
And the mortally offended
heart of justice
And the mortally offended
heart of justice
raises a loud cries of retribution!
Raises a loud cries of retribution!
Hence on behalf
of the prosecution I demand
Hence on behalf
of the prosecution I demand
that in view of the accused's
unrepentant stance,
which proved
his unbelievable depravity,
that justice be given free rein!
That justice be given free rein!
To condemn him,
given the circumstances, to freedom!
To condemn him,
given the circumstances, to freedom!
Let the defence present its argument!
Will the injured party rise?
- If no injured party comes forward
- Dead men don't tell no tales.
We must of necessity
release the man.
Dead men don't tell no tales.
Dead men don't tell no tales.
Second, the case of Jimmy Maclntyre.
Second, the case of Jimmy Maclntyre.
Charged with petty larceny
and defaulting on debt.
Billy, can you lend a pal a C-note?
Give a man a chance
to make his case heard?
Jim, you know how much I care!
But with cash
it's quite another matter!
Bill, won't you try to remember
the time we spent up in Alaska?
The time we spent up in Alaska?
Sure!
Sure!
The seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
And how hard I worked for all money!
Jimmy, that's why
I can't give you any!
Jimmy, that's why
I can't give you any!
Yes, that's why
I can't give you any!
Yes, that's why
I can't give you any!
Yes, that's why
I can't give you any!
The defendant is charged
with never paying
The defendant is charged
with never paying
The defendant is charged
with never paying
for whiskey
and a curtain rod he used!
For whiskey
and a curtain rod he used!
Till today the world has never known
a deed so frankly brutal.
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied
and the offended heart of justice
raises loud cries of retribution!
Hence I demand for the prosecution
that justice be given free rein!
I declare the general hearings open
concerning you, Jimmy Maclntyre!
When you first came here
to Mahagonny
you did seduce a girl
named Jenny Smith
and did compel her with cash
to commit a carnal act with you.
Will the injured party rise?
I'm the one.
And on the night
of the great typhoon,
in our hour of doubt and confusion,
you sang an illegal joyous song.
In our hour of doubt and confusion,
you sang an illegal joyous song.
Will the injured party rise?
Will the injured party rise?
No injured party is speaking out
because no injury has been done.
If no injury has been done,
If no injury has been done,
then you may escape one yourself,
Jimmy Maclntyre!
Then you may escape one yourself,
Jimmy Maclntyre!
But on that night the accused
behaved as though
the typhoon were in him,
and he seduced the entire town
destroying their peace
and contentment!
Destroying their peace
and contentment!
He's a simple lumberjack from Alaska
He's a simple lumberjack from Alaska
who discovered the laws
of human happiness,
by which you all
have lived in Mahagonny.
He is the hero of Mahagonny.
We'll never let him go to jail,
he's Jimmy Maclntyre.
We'll never let him go to jail,
he's Jimmy Maclntyre.
Jimmy Maclntyre,
the lumberjack from Alaska!
Jim, I'm doing this for you
because I can't forget Alaska!
The seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together.
But during a boxing match
this simple lumberjack from Alaska,
so he could win a lot of money,
sent his friend to a certain death!
But who, just who really killed
the aforesaid friend?
But who, just who really killed
the aforesaid friend?
Who did kill
the said Alaska-Wolf Joe?
Who did kill
the said Alaska-Wolf Joe?
This information is not
in the possession of the court.
But of all the men
who stood around and watched
not a single one bet on Joe
when he gave up his life to fighting,
only Jimmy Maclntyre,
the man you see.
Only Jimmy Maclntyre,
the man you see.
For that we'll see him rot in jail,
that Jimmy Maclntyre!
For that we'll see him rot in jail,
that Jimmy Maclntyre!
We'll never let him go to jail,
he's Jimmy Maclntyre!
Jimmy Maclntyre,
the lumberjack from Alaska!
Now comes the main
count against you.
Now comes the main
count against you.
You enjoyed
three bottles of whiskey
You enjoyed
three bottles of whiskey
and you made use
of a certain curtain rod.
But why, when it was time to pay,
did you refuse?
But why, when it was time to pay,
did you refuse?
I don't have the dough.
I don't have the dough.
He has no dough!
There's no way for him to pay up!
That's it for Jimmy Maclntyre!
That's it for him!
Now will the three
injured parties rise?
See how
the three injured parties rise!
Those are the threes injured parties!
Your Honor, what is your verdict?
You, Jimmy Maclntyre,
hereby are sentenced...
As accessory
to the murder of a friend.
To three days in jail!
For destroying our peace
and contentment...
For destroying our peace
and contentment...
A year's loss of civil rights!
A year's loss of civil rights!
For the seduction of a girl
known as Jenny...
Four years on a chain gang!
Four years on a chain gang!
For the singing of illegal songs
during hurricanes...
For the singing of illegal songs
during hurricanes...
For the singing of illegal songs
during hurricanes...
To ten years in prison!
To ten years in prison!
But because you drank
my three bottles of whiskey
and used my curtain rod
without paying
you are condemned to death,
Jimmy Maclntyre!
In the whole human race,
there is no greater criminal
In the whole human race,
there is no greater criminal
than a man without money!
Than a man without money!
There is no money in this land.
There is no boy to shake with hands.
Where is the telephone?
Is here no telephone?
Is here no telephone?
God damn me, no.
God damn me, no.
Let's go to Benares
To Benares,
where the sun is shining.
Let's go to Benares.
There is not much fun on this star.
There is no door that is ajar.
Where is the telephone?
Is here no telephone?
Sir, God damn me, no.
Benares is said to have been
perished by an earthquake.
Oh, my good Benares!
Oh, where shall we go!
Oh, my good Benares!
Oh, where shall we go!
Benares is said to have been
perished by an earthquake.
Benares is said to have been
perished by an earthquake.
Oh, my good Benares!
Oh, where shall we go!
Where shall we go!
Where shall we go!
Settle up your personal business,
because the gentlemen
who are waiting to watch you go
have no interest
in your private affairs.
Dearest Jenny, I'm leaving now.
Dearest Jenny, I'm leaving now.
The days that I spent with you
The days that I spent with you
all were pleasant ones.
And the end, when that came
was pleasant too.
Dearest Jimmy,
I also enjoyed
I also enjoyed
the little time I spent with you.
The little time I spent with you.
And I don't know
where I may end up now.
Take my word,
there's lots of guys
as good as me.
That isn't true
I know I won't see
I know I won't see
a time like this again.
A time like this again.
Are you wearing white?
It's like you were a widow.
Yes, I'm your widow now.
And I'll never forget you
when I'm back with the girls.
Kiss me, Jenny!
Kiss me, Jimmy!
Think of me!
Sure will, Jimmy!
Don't think badly of me!
Why would I?
Kiss me, Jenny!
Kiss me, Jimmy!
And now I'll leave you, my dear,
to my close companion Billy.
He's the only one left
of us four Musketeers
who came down here from Alaska!
So long, Jim!
So long, Bill!
First don't forget
to stuff your faces,
First don't forget
to stuff your faces,
second comes the loving match.
Second comes the loving match.
Third put the boxers
through their paces
Fourth comes drinking,
down the hatch!
Have you anything else to say
for yourself?
Yes.
My fate was sealed
when I first came to this town.
The happiness I bought
was no happiness.
The freedom money gives
is no freedom.
I drank and was still thirsty.
I ate and was still hungry.
Don't let false hope blind you
there is no eternal life.
The night creeps up behind you.
Let each day's end remind you
night's wind cuts like a knife!
Night's wind cuts like a knife!
Never let them to cheat you.
Never let them to cheat you.
Life was not made to grieve.
Let all its good things treat you.
Your death will still defeat you,
Your death will still defeat you,
the day you take your leave.
The day you take your leave.
Don't let them console you;
your life will be too brief.
If you let Death enrol you
before you are in your hole,
you never will feel joy or grief!
Don't let blind hope lead you
to drudge your life away!
With fear don't let them feed you.
You know like beast they breed you,
there is nothing but today.
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey,
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Must you swill like sponges
all my precious corn year after year?
Did you think
that I was never coming?
Are you ready
now that I am here?
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny.
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey.
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Where were you on Friday evening?
I saw Mary Weeman in the lake
Where were you on Friday evening?
I saw Mary Weeman in the lake
floating belly up
like some dead codfish.
Floating belly up
like some dead codfish.
And she won't dry out,
make no mistake!
And she won't dry out,
make no mistake!
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny!
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny!
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey,
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey,
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Does this gun look familiar?
Did you shoot a man
who served me well?
Do I have to live with you in Heaven
with your dirty hair
and drunken smell?
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny.
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny.
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey,
God came to Mahagonny.
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
You can all go to hell now!
Get a pack of cigarettes and go!
Double-time it down to Hell!
Soon you'll be burning there below!
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny!
No, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray,
feeling our whiskey,
One morning when the sky was gray,
feeling our whiskey,
you come to Mahagonny!
You come to Mahagonny!
Feeling our whiskey
Make trouble in Mahagonny!
Well, we won't move a muscle!
We're out on strike!
There's no way for you to drag us
down to Hell forever!
Can't you tell
we are in Hell already?
They thought God's offer
over in Mahagonny!
No, replied the people of Mahagonny!
They thought God's offer
over in Mahagonny!
No, replied the people of Mahagonny!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny
because the world is so rotten!
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon!
We don't need help from hurricanes.
Let whirlwinds do what they can!
Let whirlwinds do what they can!
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
The most frightening force is Man.
The most frightening force is Man.
In this world
you must make your own bed;
And no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny,
because the world is so rotten!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny,
because the world is so rotten!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny,
because the world is so rotten!
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon!
Oh, moon of Alabama
Oh, moon of Alabama
we now must say goodbye.
We now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
and must have dollars, you know why.
You can wet his mouth with vinegar,
you can wipe sweat off his brow.
You can bring surgical forceps,
draw his tongue out of his mouth.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
You can try to sweet-talk him
or you can yell at him.
Or you can let him lie there,
or you can drag him with you.
No prescription you prescribe
ever will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
You can shove cash into his hand,
you can dig a hole for him,
you can shove him down in it,
you can prod him up with a shovel.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
You can reminisce
about his shining hour.
You can reminisce
about his shining hour.
You can let his shining hour
be forgotten.
You can let his shining hour
be forgotten.
You can put a spotless
white shirt upon him.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing will help him
or us or you now!
Nothing will help him
or us or you now!
- Well, the motor's had it.
- Yeah, then we can't keep going.
- We gotta keep going!
- There's nothing but desert ahead.
Yeah, then we can't keep going.
Well, in that case we gotta go back.
But the G-Men are after us,
and they got our faces memorized.
Yeah, then we can't go back.
You know, they found gold up
along the coast.
- Yeah, that's one long coast.
- Then we can't head up that way.
- Well, they did find gold there.
- Yeah, but the coast is too long.
- Can't we keep going?
- Nope!
Good! Then we'll stay right here.
If we can't make it up there,
why not stay here?
Everybody who went up
to the gold fields and came back
said that panning gold out
of those rivers is a rotten life.
It's damn hard work,
and we ain't cut out for it.
But I've seen those guys. If they
ever get any, they give it away.
It's a lot easier to get gold of men
than out of rivers.
So we might as well
build a city here.
And we'll call it Mahagonny
that means spider web.
Spider web!
It will be like a web
spun out to catch
all the plumb, juicy insects.
All the world's full of hard work
and striving.
And striving.
But down here we'll have fun.
But down here we'll have fun.
All a human being can want
is not to suffer,
but do what he feels like.
That fact is our gold nugget.
Gin and whisky,
young girls and boys,
and every week here will be
seven days away from working.
And the big hurricanes
don't travel northward this far.
Instead, all relaxed, our men
will smoke in rocking chairs
While the red sun sets.
Every other day we'll have boxing;
lots of vice and violence!
But those fights will be fair.
So stick that curtain rod
in the ground right there,
and run this old rag
up it for a flag,
so the ships heading down
from the gold coast can see us.
Set the bar up there under that tree.
This is the town.
This will be its center. Which we'll
call "The Hotel for Rich Men".
Still, we're only building Mahagonny
because the world is so rotten.
There is no peace on earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon.
Still, we're only building Mahagonny
because the world is so rotten.
There is no peace on earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon.
Oh show us the way
to the next whiskey bar.
Oh, don't ask why.
We must find the next whiskey bar.
If we don't find the next whiskey bar
I tell you we must die!
Oh moon of Alabama
we now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
and must have whiskey,
you know why.
Oh, moon of Alabama
We now must say goodbye
We've lost our good old mama
And must have whisky,
oh, you know why
Oh show us the way
to the next little dollar.
Oh, don't ask why.
Oh, don't ask why.
We must find the next little dollar.
If we don't find
the next little dollar
I tell you we must die!
I tell you we must die!
Oh moon of Alabama.
We now must say goodbye.
We now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
We've lost our good old mama
and must have dollars, you know why.
And must have dollars, you know why.
Oh moon of Alabama,
Oh moon of Alabama,
We now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
and must have whiskey,
you know why.
We live in giant cities.
They have gutters below them
and nothing inside;
only smoke overhead.
Life may have joys,
but city men don't know them.
Rapidly we die.
The cities live on,
but are dead.
Far from the cares of the world...
The noisy diesel trains
don't stop nearby.
Paved with gold brick: Mahagonny!
Just yesterday they asked about you there.
In these troubled times you can find in every city,
In these troubled times
you can find in every city,
millions looking for a better life.
Wise men set out
for Mahagonny, the golden.
Where the booze is a bargain.
In these giant cities
full of noise and smoke.
You are insecure and restless.
There's nothing
you can depend upon.
The world is so rotten!
But come and meet the people
But come and meet the people
down in Mahagonny.
Down in Mahagonny.
Down in Mahagonny.
Their life can be yours.
Their life can be yours.
Their life can be yours.
Soon you'll feel the tension
Soon you'll feel the tension
seeping from your pores.
Come see how nature makes
life there a snap!
Come see how nature makes
life there a snap!
When San Francisco shakes
you see that's all it takes.
When San Francisco shakes
you see that's all it takes.
When San Francisco shakes
you see that's all it takes.
Cities are big mistakes
they'll end in scrap.
Cities are big mistakes
they'll end in scrap.
Life may have joys,
but city men don't know them.
Rapidly we die.
Rapidly we die.
The cities live on,
The cities live on,
but are dead.
Then off to Mahagonny!
Just yesterday
they asked about you there.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- The air is clean and fresh!
- They've booze and poker tables.
- Good whores and good horseflesh.
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Tucked into our shirts today,
we've the dollar bills to pay
for a great big grin
upon your big and stupid mouth.
Off to Mahagonny!
The wind is blowing free.
Off to Mahagonny!
The wind is blowing free.
Fresh meat for sale on every street
and no bureaucracy.
Fresh meat for sale on every street
and no bureaucracy.
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Tucked into our shirts today,
we've the dollar bills to pay
for a great big grin
upon your big and stupid mouth.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- Our ship will sail at dawn.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- Our civilization will soon be gone.
- Off to Mahagonny!
- Our civilization will soon be gone.
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Shine on, harvest moon of Alabama!
Light the South!
Tucked into our shirts today,
we've the dollar bills to pay
for a great big grin
upon your big and stupid mouth.
When you're a stranger in the city,
then at first
you are always slightly nervous.
Then at first
you are always slightly nervous.
You're not exactly sure
just where to go.
You're not exactly sure
just where to go.
- Or just who you can yell at.
- And to whom you take your hat off.
You have that problem
when you are a stranger in the city.
Gentlemen, welcome.
We're so glad to see you.
Gentlemen, welcome.
We're so glad to see you.
You must be Jimmy Maclntyre,
famous for switchblade throwing.
You must be Jimmy Maclntyre,
famous for switchblade throwing.
Every night before you go to bed
you like your gin and bitters.
- Widow Begbick!
- Glad to meet you!
And for your enjoyment
we've been baking bread today.
And for your enjoyment
we've been baking bread today.
Thanks a lot, madam.
Thanks a lot, madam.
- And you must be Billy?
- Bank-Account Billy.
- And you must be Billy?
- Bank-Account Billy.
- And this must be Joe?
- Alaska-Wolf Joe.
- And this must be Joe?
- Alaska-Wolf Joe.
In order for you to feel at home here
we offer a small discount.
Thank you kindly!
You'd like to start your visit
with some nice fresh girls?
You'd like to start your visit
with some nice fresh girls?
Gentlemen, every man carries in his
heart the picture of his true love.
Gentlemen, every man carries in his
heart the picture of his true love.
What looks like a lot of woman to one
man may seem scrawny to another.
A set of curves like that
might be right for you, Mister Joe.
That might be even more right for me.
I was thinking more of something
in brunette line anyway.
I was thinking more of something
in brunette line anyway.
- And you, Mister Bill?
- I'm fine, don't worry about me.
- And you, Mister Bill?
- I'm fine, don't worry about me.
- And Mister Jim?
- I can't tell nothing from pictures.
I don't make up my mind about love
till I have it in my hands.
Come out,
you beauties of Mahagonny!
We've got the bread,
let's see you spread!
Seven years up in Alaska where
it's freezing, where there's gold.
Come out, you cuties of Mahagonny!
Just turn us on, you've got us sold.
Well hello, you big boys from Alaska.
Was it cold there, did you get rich?
Behold the beauties of Mahagonny!
If you can pay,
then choose what pleases your itch.
This is the girl for you, Mr O'Brien.
If her hips ain't got no swing
This is the girl for you, Mr O'Brien.
If her hips ain't got no swing
your fifty bucks
ain't worth shit on a shingle
your fifty bucks
ain't worth shit on a shingle
Thirty bucks!
Thirty bucks?
Won't you change your mind,
Mister O'Brien?
Won't you change your mind?
A girl can't live on thirty bucks!
Won't you change your mind?
A girl can't live on thirty bucks!
That won't keep her in stockings!
That won't keep her in stockings!
I come from Havana.
But my mother was a pure white girl.
She always said to me:
"You mustn't sell yourself
for thirty bucks or less,
the way I used to do."
She said:
"Look at what my life did to me."
Won't you change your mind,
Mister O'Brien?
Won't you change your mind,
Mister O'Brien?
- In that case, twenty bucks!
- Thirty, mister.
- Forget it.
- Maybe I'll take her.
What's your name, kid?
Jenny Smith from Oklahoma.
I got here about two months ago.
I was working down
in some big city.
And there's not one thing
And there's not one thing
that I refuse to do.
That I refuse to do.
I know those Jimmys
from Alaska's snow.
The dead don't have it
half so bad as they did.
That's how they made their dough.
They stuffed their jackets full
of greenbacks and paraded
down to the train
and off to Mahagonny they go.
Oh, Jimmy, sit here on my knee.
I've never found the man for me.
Let's both drink from one glass now!
Okay, I'll take you!
What's with those guys?
- Has the ship gone yet?
- No, it's still here!
Idiots, blockheads!
Look at them, running for the ship.
And their pockets
still loaded with cash.
What a bunch of lowlifes!
No sense of humour!
Now I wonder why they're leaving.
If it's good, they should stay here.
I bet something here is fishy.
I bet something here is fishy.
However, my good fellows
let's all move on to Mahagonny.
However, my good fellows
let's all move on to Mahagonny.
It won't cost me anything
to make the price of whiskey lower.
Seems this Mahagonny,
after all we've heard about it
has such low rates, I don't trust it.
- To me it all looks too expensive.
- Jimmy, does it look okay to you?
If we're here, then it's okay.
Jimmy, sit here on my knee.
I've never found the man for me.
Let's both drink from one glass now!
Those are the Jimmys
from Alaska's snow.
The dead don't have it
half so bad as they did.
That's how we made our dough.
They stuffed their jackets
full of greenbacks and paraded.
Down to the train
and off to Mahagonny they go!
I've learned in my trade when
you meet a man for the first time
you must ask him
just how he likes things.
You must ask him
just how he likes things.
So please tell me
how you want me to be, sir.
So please tell me
how you want me to be, sir.
You look fine to me just as you are.
Call me Jimmy, and I might begin
to think you like me.
Okay, Jimmy,
now what about my hair-do?
In bangs, or comb it back?
You might wear it different ways,
depending on where we are.
Then there's the matter
of my lingerie,
should it be fancy underwear
or should I just skip the undies?
Skip the undies!
Your wish is my command, sir.
And what is your wish?
Perhaps we'll talk about it
in the morning.
Fatty and Moses!
Have you two seen what's happened?
People are leaving again!
There's a whole bunch down
at the harbor, I just saw them.
There's a whole bunch down
at the harbor, I just saw them.
What's to keep them here? A couple
of bars and a dump full of silence.
What's to keep them here? A couple
of bars and a dump full of silence.
Who are these people? Guys who
think catching a fish is happiness!
They sit on the porch and smoke,
and that's contentment!
They sit on the porch and smoke,
and that's contentment!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Today I had to put whiskey
down to twelve bucks!
Tomorrow it'll probably down
to eight.
And it won't ever recover!
And it won't ever recover!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
I just don't what I can do!
Everybody wants something from me,
and I don't have
anything left to give them.
What more can I offer them to stay
and still survive myself?
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
Now even I have spent time
with my back up against
a wall with a man.
We had pretty phrases to dream
and had our passions to talk of.
But when the money went
who had time to be passionate?
Cash breeds passion!
Cash breeds passion!
Cash breeds passion!
For nineteen years now
misery's been in charge
For nineteen years now
misery's been in charge
For nineteen years now
misery's been in charge
and I've been fighting
just to stay alive.
And I've been fighting
just to stay alive.
This was my last big plan:
Mahagonny, the spiderweb.
This was my last big plan:
Mahagonny, the spiderweb.
But nothing's been caught in our web.
But nothing's been caught in our web.
Oh, damn this Mahagonny
for doing lousy business!
So it's time we started turning back,
went back on our tracks
through a thousand little hick towns
and somehow went back in time
for nineteen years now.
Pack your cases!
It's time we went back!
Sure, Widow Begbick! That's just
what they'd like you to do!
"A squad of G-Men
has been seen in Pensacola,
"A squad of G-Men
has been seen in Pensacola,
inquiring for a female suspect
known as Leocadia Begbick
inquiring for a female suspect
known as Leocadia Begbick
they made a thorough
search of every building here
and then traveled onward."
Damn! Now there's no escape left.
Widow Begbick, you don't get
no prize for dirty business.
And those who choose a life of crime
And those who choose a life of crime
always die young!
Always die young!
If we had money!
If we'd made any off
this webless spiderweb
then who'd care if the G-men came!
Didn't some new suckers
show up today?
They looked like
they had some money.
If we don't get
their dough we're lost!
- Jimmy, why are you running away?
- Give me one good reason to stay.
What are you looking so gloomy for?
I must have seen one of those signs
that says, "Don't do it."
- Don't you have cheap whiskey?
- Too cheap!
- It's peaceful and quiet.
- Too quiet!
If you want a fish for dinner
you just go out and catch one.
If you want a fish for dinner
you just go out and catch one.
That don't make me happy!
That don't make me happy!
- You smoke.
- You smoke!
You take a snooze.
You take a snooze!
- You swim.
- You go jump in the lake!
You gaze across the water.
You forget.
But there's something wrong!
Think of how the sky
turns beautiful at twilight,
Think of how the sky
turns beautiful at twilight,
and think what joy it is
to sit and talk to friends.
And think what joy it is
to sit and talk to friends.
And think what joy it is
to sit and talk to friends.
But there's something wrong!
But there's something wrong!
Think how you love
the peace and quiet
and the warmth of sheer contentment.
But there's something wrong!
You know simple life
has its grandeur.
You know simple life
has its grandeur.
And there is nothing
that can top the great outdoors.
And there is nothing
that can top the great outdoors.
But there's something wrong!
I think that I just might eat my hat.
I think that I just might eat my hat.
I think that'll see me through.
I think that'll see me through.
Tell me, why shouldn't
I sit and eat my hat,
when there's not one
when there's not one
when there's not one
damn thing to do!
When there's not one
damn thing to do!
You've learned to read
the ABC's of booze.
You've seen the moon
beaming out until the dawn.
You've seen the moon
beaming out until the dawn.
The bars are closed,
you gamble and you lose.
The bars are closed,
you gamble and you lose.
And face it, nothing is going on!
Jimmy, don't get in a state,
we'll find a bar that's open late.
- Jimmy thinks he should eat his hat!
- Now why would do a thing like that?
- Jimmy thinks he should eat his hat!
- Now why would do a thing like that?
You're just a crazy nut!
We'll punch you in the gut!
You're just a crazy nut!
We'll punch you in the gut!
Don't be such a dope!
We've got a rope!
If you keep on acting smart-ass.
We'll tie you up till you start
acting human!
Oh, fellas.
I'm sick of being human!
All right now, you've had your say.
So go back with us like a good boy.
That's what I call eternal art.
Deep in Alaska's
snow-covered woodland,
my three pals and I
cut all the timber we could,
and worked as a team
to haul the logs to the stream.
And worked as a team
to haul the logs to the stream.
Lived on rotten horsemeat
and hoarded money.
Lived on rotten horsemeat
and hoarded money.
Seven years I sweated and slaved
and here's my reward now.
Trapped in that cabin
for seven freezing winters.
Carving out curses
in the one crummy table.
We sat and dreamed of
the places we'd go to,
of the places we'd go to,
if we had enough money.
I put up with all that garbage,
and here's my reward now.
When our time was over,
pocketed our bankrolls.
Picked as our target of all places
this damned Mahagonny.
Headed this way
just as fast as we could.
Not a moment's thought
and so we're stuck with this place.
We could not have
done worse than this,
because we're too dumb
to imagine the worst.
And here's our reward now!
Yeah, what the hell is this?
You think you can do that to us?
Well, that's where you're wrong!
Come on out, you old bitch!
This is Jimmy Maclntyre from Alaska!
He don't like it here!
- Just what don't you like here?
- This shithole!
I heard the word, "shithole."
Did you happen to say "shithole"?
Yeah, I said it, me, Jimmy Maclntyre!
Seven winters,
cutting down the trees like a fiend.
And the river frozen every day.
I put up with all that garbage
and here is my reward now.
But I really hate this place,
because nothing here is wrong.
Jimmy be a good boy,
put the knife away.
Jimmy be a good boy,
put the knife away.
Jimmy, come along with us
and please behave.
Jimmy, come along with us
and please behave.
Seven winters cutting timber.
Seven years of freezing weather.
I put up with all that garbage
and I've gotten nothing for it.
You have quiet, friendship,
whiskey, women!
Stow the switchblade in your belt.
Loafing, smoking, fishing, swimming!
- Jimmy, put the knife away!
- Those are the Jimmys from Alaska.
Try and hold me back
or there may be bloodshed!
Jimmy, put away that switchblade!
Try to calm yourself!
If these stupid jerks would
only stay in the Alaskan forest!
Throw that bastard out!
Throw that bastard out!
Go throw him out!
Go throw him out!
Go throw him out!
Go throw him out!
Nothing in your damn Mahagonny
Nothing in your damn Mahagonny
Nothing in your damn Mahagonny
will ever make people happy.
Will ever make people happy.
Because there's too much peace,
too much contentment,
and there is too much
a man can depend upon.
A typhoon!
A hurricane is moving
towards Mahagonny!
How frightful! A disaster!
The town of pleasure will be doomed!
On the mountain peaks
the hurricanes hover.
Sudden death rises up out of the sea.
Sudden death rises up out of the sea.
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go dig me a cellar that can hide me.
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
Go build me a shelter
to keep me safe.
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
How frightful! A disaster!
Oh, horror! What a fate!
Stand bravely, brothers,
have ye no fear!
Life's fleeting glimmer
Life's fleeting glimmer
will soon disappear.
Will soon disappear.
Rage is unavailing
there's no use in wailing!
At your pains
the hurricanes will jeer.
- Oh, moon of Alabama...
- Don't try to escape it.
- We now must say goodbye!
- There's no use!
We've lost our good old mama...
Go where you like
I will catch you.
Oh, moon of Alabama...
The best thing you can do
The best thing you can do
is to sit still awaiting
is to sit still awaiting
that last moment.
Stand bravely, brothers,
have ye no fear.
Life's fleeting glimmer
will soon disappear.
Will soon disappear.
Rage is unavailing
Rage is unavailing
there's no use in wailing
at your pains
the hurricanes will jeer.
What's so funny?
Look here, this is your world.
Peace and contentment,
they don't exist!
But of hurricanes we've got plenty
and with whirlwinds
we're very well supplied.
And it's just the same way with Man:
he will destroy all you give him.
It's redundant to have hurricanes.
You think a typhoon is frightening?
Just look at Man
when he starts acting funny!
- Oh, shut up, Jim!
- What are you babbling about?
Sit up, have a smoke and forget it!
Why build walls and towers
as tall as Himalayas
so that Man can pull them back down
because that's how he gets his kicks?
Whatever's good
will be twisted soon.
And what stands high
will fall in the dust.
We don't need help from hurricanes!
Let whirlwinds do what they can!
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
The most frightening force is Man.
Fierce is the hurricane,
fiercer still the typhoon,
but the worst of all is Man.
Now look, you've put signs all around
with instructions on them:
Now look, you've put signs all around
with instructions on them:
This is forbidden
and kindly don't do that.
This is forbidden
and kindly don't do that.
That's not the way
you promote happiness.
- On that wall, there's a signboard.
- We don't need help from hurricanes.
Says tonight is forbidden to sing
and enjoy song.
But before 2 o'clock strikes,
you'll hear me singing and enjoying.
So you can see
that it's not forbidden!
Oh, shut up, Jim! You talk too much.
Oh, shut up, Jim! You talk too much.
Come inside with me
Come inside with me
and love me some.
No, I've got more to say.
If you're short of cash for a thing
you wanna buy, then go get the cash.
Just head for the street
and find a rich man.
Hit him on the head
and take all his cash. Just do it!
See a house where you'd like to live?
Then march in that house
and lie down in a bed.
When the wife comes home
make her lie down with you.
If the roof starts to leak
then pack your bag! Just do it!
When you start to imagine thoughts
you don't dare think,
go ahead and think them.
Sacrifice your wealth,
or give up your home
go ahead think those thoughts!
Or give up your home
go ahead think those thoughts!
Just do it! In the interest of order!
For the good of the state!
Just do it! In the interest of order!
For the good of the state!
Just do it! In the interest of order!
For the good of the state!
For the future of mankind!
For the future of mankind!
And for your personal satisfaction!
And for your personal satisfaction!
Do it!
Do it!
Then you mean it was wrong for me
to make things forbidden here?
Sure, because when I feel I like it,
I ignore your signs and your laws,
and kick down your walls
just like the hurricane does.
You can make money out of it.
Have some!
So do whatever you enjoy,
So do whatever you enjoy,
or typhoons will do it for you.
Or typhoons will do it for you.
For when hurricanes start to destroy,
there's nothing that we can do.
There's nothing that we can do.
We'll live out our everyday lives
We'll live out our everyday lives
with hurricanes all about us,
but until that hurricane arrives,
we will never let anything flout us.
We will never let anything flout us.
Everyday come what may,
Everyday come what may,
till the hurricanes rout us.
They're dead in Pensacola!
And the hurricane's now moving
straight ahead for Mahagonny!
Pensacola!
The G-Men have been struck down
for good.
And law enforcers and crooks all bite
the dust together!
The whole town goes down the drain.
So I say what I said before:
Now's the time to enjoy
all forbidden games.
When the hurricane strikes,
our games are done!
So sing, why don't you?
Sing because they've forbidden it.
- Keep quiet!
- Sing along with us!
Sing a new joyous song with us!
We are forbidden to sing! Let's sing!
In this world you must make
your own bed.
And no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand up and kick!
Stand bravely, brothers!
Stand bravely, brothers!
Have ye no fear!
Have ye no fear!
Hurricane approaching Atsena
at 120 miles per hour.
Hurricane strikes Atsena.
Atsena in ruins.
Hurricane heading straight for
Mahagonny. Only three minutes away.
Hurricane has made a detour around
Mahagonny and has gone on its way!
Oh, glory, what a rescue!
The town of pleasure has been saved!
The mighty hurricanes
have retreated
The mighty hurricanes
have retreated
up to the mountains.
Up to the mountains.
Sudden death sinks in
the water for good.
Oh glory, what a rescue!
First don't forget
to stuff your faces.
Second comes the loving match.
Third put the boxers
through their paces!
Fourth comes drinking
down the hatch.
But first make sure it's clear to you
that there is nothing you can't do!
I've eaten two calves,
head to crupper!
And now I will eat one more calf.
Not enough by half.
I may eat myself for supper!
Brother, with pleasures like that,
never stop at half!
O'Brien! Why fight your fat?
Stay and eat one more calf!
Brothers, watch me, doing my best.
I'll eat my fill of it yet.
When it's gone, I'll be at rest
then I can forget.
Brothers, give me more!
Brothers, give me more!
Brother Jack has departed!
See his look of sheer ecstasy!
See his look of sheer ecstasy!
See his look
of complete satisfaction.
See his look
of complete satisfaction.
His whole face is shining.
His whole face is shining.
That man went the whole hog!
That man went the whole hog!
That man went the whole hog!
That man never stopped himself.
A man without fear!
That man never stopped himself.
A man without fear!
A man without fear!
Brother Jack has departed!
A man without fear!
Second comes the loving match!
Spit out your chewing gum first!
Then give your hands
a good washing!
Give her some time
and say a few words to the girl.
Spit out your chewing gum first!
Then give your hands
a good washing!
Give her some time
and say a few words to the girl.
Quick, fellas, hey!
Sing the man the song of Mandalay!
Quick, fellas, hey!
Sing the man the song of Mandalay!
Love doesn't have days
and weeks to be reckoned.
Love doesn't have days
and weeks to be reckoned.
Move fast!
We don't care waste a second!
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster
because the harvest moon is sinking!
I beg you, dear clients
to kindly wait in silence.
I beg you, dear clients
to kindly wait in silence.
There will soon be three beds free,
so please let's have no violence.
There will soon be three beds free,
so please let's have no violence.
There will soon be three beds free,
so please let's have no violence.
You surely can see that
when love's so costly a toy
You surely can see that
when love's so costly a toy
what you pay for,
you need time to enjoy.
Cash alone won't breed passion.
Quick, fellas, hey!
Sing the man the song of Mandalay.
Love doesn't have
days and weeks to be reckoned.
Love doesn't have
days and weeks to be reckoned.
Fellas, move fast!
We don't care waste a second!
Fellas, move fast!
We don't care waste a second!
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster because
the harvest moon is sinking!
I beg you, dear clients,
to kindly wait in silence.
There will soon be three beds free
so please let's have no violence.
You surely can see that
when love's so costly a toy.
What you pay for,
you need time to enjoy.
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Will the moon shine
every night over you, Mandalay?
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster!
Fellas, move faster
because the harvest moon is sinking!
First don't forget
to stuff your faces!
Second comes the loving match!
Second comes the loving match!
Third put the boxers
through their paces.
Third put the boxers
through their paces.
Fourth comes drinking,
down the hatch!
Fourth comes drinking,
down the hatch!
But first make sure
it's clear to you.
But first make sure
it's clear to you.
That there is nothing you can't do.
This is the place, gents.
The match of the week!
Fought to the finish
till one or the other is K.O.'d.
Fought to the finish
till one or the other is K.O.'d.
And on the card it's Trinity Moses.
And on the card it's Trinity Moses.
Versus me, big Alaska-Wolf Joe.
What! You are challenging
Trinity Moses?
You'd better throw in the towel!
You'd better throw in the towel!
We don't mind a prize fight.
God damn it!
We don't mind a prize fight.
God damn it!
But homicide is strictly foul!
I'm still alive
and I'm pretty limber!
All the dough
that I made cutting timber
I'm gonna bet
that I will come through.
And I hope all my pals won't con me.
You better put your money on me.
I'm counting especially on you!
If you value brains
over brawn in a fight,
and speed over strength
in facing a foe
then if your wits are about you
tonight you'll bet your cash on Joe.
Joe, you know how much I care.
But when cash comes into question,
I come down with indigestion,
when I see Trinity Moses there.
Joe, we'll always be friends,
come what may!
Unto death you're my blood brother.
All my dough is on you today.
All my dough is on you today.
You're a true friend like no other!
You're a true friend like no other!
Jim, you're so good I can't bear it;
Jim, you're so good I can't bear it;
because Alaska comes in view!
Because Alaska comes in view!
The seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
Joe, cross my heart, I swear it
I'd give all I own to you!
Those seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
- You're so good I can't bear it.
- Joe, cross my heart, I swear it.
- Because Alaska comes in view!
- I'd give all I own to you!
Those seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
- Hearing you talk I can't bear it.
- Your dough will be safe I swear it.
- Because Alaska comes in view!
- I would kill myself for you!
Give three cheers for Trinity Moses!
Hiya, Moses! Lay 'im out flat!
- This is foul!
- Sorry about that!
Give that weakling double doses!
The black trunks is Moses,
muscle and guts.
The black trunks is Moses,
muscle and guts.
The red trunks is Joe,
pale and skinny.
The red trunks is Joe,
pale and skinny.
Nuts!
- Hiya, Joe!
- Hiya, Jim!
- Hiya, Joe!
- Hiya, Jim!
- Don't swallow your mouthpiece!
- Don't look so grim!
- Don't swallow your mouthpiece!
- Don't look so grim!
Let's go! It's fixed!
Crap! No clinches!
Watch it! Keep moving!
That's low! No holding!
Right on the kisser! G'wan Joe!
Nice work! He's sinking!
Break!
Go, go!
Go get him! Chop 'im up for hash!
Give 'im one more bash!
The man is dead!
A K.O. is a K.O.
The guy couldn't take it.
A K.O. is a K.O.
The guy couldn't take it.
- The winnah: Trinity Moses!
- Sorry about that.
- The winnah: Trinity Moses!
- Sorry about that.
I told you so.
Now he's out for good.
Hello, Joe.
First, don't forget
to stuff your faces!
First, don't forget
to stuff your faces!
Second, comes the loving match.
Second, comes the loving match.
Third, put the boxers
through their paces.
Fourth, comes drinking,
down the hatch!
But first make sure it's clear to you
that there is nothing you can't do!
But first make sure it's clear to you
that there is nothing you can't do!
Bottoms up, friends! Have one on me!
Time we all got drunk.
Because you need it when you see
a guy like Joe get sunk.
Widow Begbick,
set 'em up for all the guys!
Here's to Jimmy! Why the hell not!
He's a prize!
If you had five bucks a day
you could stay in Mahagonny.
But a guy who liked to play
needed lots of extra money.
Guys would go there for the action.
Guys would go there for the action.
The saloon was Mahagonny's pride.
Never got them no satisfaction.
The saloon was Mahagonny's pride.
Never got them no satisfaction.
The saloon was Mahagonny's pride.
Never got them no satisfaction.
But they all felt satisfied!
But they all felt satisfied!
Time to pay up now, gentlemen!
Jenny, come here! I'm out of money!
We better beat it, ya know?
And it don't matter where we go.
Friends, why don't you get
on board here with me?
We'll have a little sail
on the open sea!
Stay right here next to me, the deck
is shaking like an earthquake!
And you should too, Billy,
stick with me for now,
because I'm gonna head right
back up to Alaska.
Right tonight I'm gonna steer
this ship due north up to Alaska!
We chucked all our whiskey
straight down the toilet!
We tore those chintzy
pink curtains down!
We had a good time,
and nothing to spoil it!
Alaska's next if we don't drown.
Alaska's next if we don't drown.
Hello, Jimmy, master navigator!
Hello, Jimmy, master navigator!
Hello, Jimmy, master navigator!
Just watch him running all
his sails up the mast.
Just watch him running all
his sails up the mast.
Jenny, take your clothes off,
we're near the Equator!
Don't lose your hat, Bill,
in the Gulf Stream blast!
My God! I can see
a typhoon out yonder!
My God! I can see
a typhoon out yonder!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
- Look at the clouds!
- The ship's no velveteen settee!
- Look at the clouds!
- The ship's no velveteen settee!
- Look at the clouds!
- The ship's no velveteen settee!
Stormy's the night and raging
the sea! The ship is rocking!
Stormy's the night and raging
the sea! The ship is rocking!
Six of us three
are turning slightly green!
How black the sky is now,
just look how black!
See how the sky is darkening
over our heads now!
We should sing, "Stormy's the Night,"
just to keep our courage up.
"Stormy's the night" is terrific
when you feel your courage sinking.
Stormy's the night
on the raging sea!
Will our brave ship stay sound?
Will our brave ship stay sound?
Hear the bell toll
for a poor lost soul!
Hear the bell toll
for a poor lost soul!
Pray we don't run aground!
Pray we don't run aground!
Pick up your speed, hold your tiller!
Don't even sail against the wind!
Pick up your speed, hold your tiller!
Don't even sail against the wind!
Don't try any new tricks!
Shouldn't we lash ourselves to
the mast if the storm gets any worse?
No, those aren't storm clouds!
Don't you worry!
Those are the woodlands of Alaska!
Now we are home! We can all relax!
Hello! Is this Alaska?
Awright, pay up for those drinks!
Oh, it's Mahagonny!
Jimmy, you offered us
drinks as our host here!
Jimmy, just for that
we'll drink you a toast here!
You offered us food
and good liquor too.
Well, suppose you pay me now.
Sure, but there's something funny:
Sure, but there's something funny:
Seems all my cash
has just gone, somehow!
Seems all my cash
has just gone, somehow!
There's no way
that I can pay your money.
What, you don't want to pay me?
Jimmy, take another look. You must
have something tucked away!
Like I told you before...
The gentleman has no cash to pay?
The gentleman does not wish to pay?
Do you know what that means for you?
Fella, now you're really through!
Couldn't you put up something
to tide him over?
- And you, Jenny?
- Me?
- Sure, why not?
- You're kidding.
- The things they ask us girls to do!
- You wouldn't even think of it?
- No, to tell you the truth.
- Tie him up!
When I was young my mother painted
my future completely black.
She said I'd end up on a stone slab
She said I'd end up on a stone slab
or at any rate on my back!
Or at any rate on my back!
Well, that stuff isn't hard to say.
But I say I won't end up like that.
I'm not going
to stand getting fleeced!
Just let anyone try walking over me!
A girl's not a beast!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get
kicked if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get
kicked if you want to.
So lie down and get
kicked if you want to.
As for me,
I will stand up and kick!
As for me,
I will stand up and kick!
When I was young a fellow told me
while gazing in my eyes:
"Tonight's love
is all that's important."
"Tonight's love
is all that's important."
"Who knows
if tomorrow's sun will rise?"
"Who knows
if tomorrow's sun will rise?"
Well, loving, that's an easy game.
But we all still get older.
And love doesn't stay
quite the same.
So you have to use your time
as best you can.
So you have to use your time
as best you can.
A girl's not a beast!
A girl's not a beast!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
In this world you must make
your own bed,
and no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me,
I will stand up and kick!
Everybody, come get a thrill!
Look at the man
who can't pay his bill!
Rudeness, vice,
and all that mean stuff!
Rudeness, vice,
and all that mean stuff!
The worst part is: no green stuff!
The penalty's the noose, no doubt.
The worst part is: no green stuff!
The penalty's the noose, no doubt.
The worst part is: no green stuff!
The penalty's the noose, no doubt.
But please, dear clients,
don't let that put you out!
But please, dear clients,
don't let that put you out!
You don't need five bucks a day,
living in your little boxes.
If you'd rather work than play
then you don't need all the extras.
If you'd rather work than play
then you don't need all the extras.
Nowadays they get their action
at God's suburban cosy fireside.
Nowadays they get their action
at God's suburban cosy fireside.
And they all call it satisfaction.
But they don't feel satisfied!
But they don't feel satisfied!
Don't let false hope blind you.
There is no eternal life!
The night creeps up behind you.
Let each day's end remind you.
Night's wind cuts like a knife.
When the sky turns brighter,
then we start an accursed day.
As of now there is peace,
for there is darkness.
Pray tonight,
Pray tonight,
pray tonight won't be over!
Pray tonight won't be over!
Pray the day,
pray the day won't ever come!
I am afraid they'll be here shortly.
I'll have to hit the ground
as soon as they arrive.
They'll have to drag me up
if they expect to take me away!
Pray tonight,
Pray tonight,
pray tonight won't be over!
Pray tonight won't be over!
Pray the day,
pray the day won't ever come!
Put that in your pipe
and try to smoke it!
Stuff it up your pipestem!
Stuff it up your pipestem!
Put that in your pipe
and try to smoke it,
Put that in your pipe
and try to smoke it,
aging youngster!
Pray tonight,
Pray tonight,
pray tonight won't be over!
Pray tonight won't be over!
Pray the day
Pray the day never comes!
Never comes!
Every day you lived
was good enough for you.
And tomorrow?
Stuff it up your pipestem!
Surely the sky will stay dark
for a long time.
Don't let the light come,
don't let the sky lighten,
for then we start an accursed day!
Everyone step up
and buy your ticket!
Everyone step up
and buy your ticket!
We've got a few seats left
for just five dollars
We've got a few seats left
for just five dollars
Two really entertaining trials
only five dollars for a seat.
Only a fin, gentlemen, to see
the wheels of Justice in motion!
First comes the case of Toby Higgins.
First comes the case of Toby Higgins.
You are charged
with premeditated murder.
You are charged
with premeditated murder.
For the purpose of cleaning
out an old revolver!
Till today the world has never known
a deed so frankly brutal.
Till today the world has never known
a deed so frankly brutal.
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied!
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied!
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied!
And the mortally offended
heart of justice
And the mortally offended
heart of justice
raises a loud cries of retribution!
Raises a loud cries of retribution!
Hence on behalf
of the prosecution I demand
Hence on behalf
of the prosecution I demand
that in view of the accused's
unrepentant stance,
which proved
his unbelievable depravity,
that justice be given free rein!
That justice be given free rein!
To condemn him,
given the circumstances, to freedom!
To condemn him,
given the circumstances, to freedom!
Let the defence present its argument!
Will the injured party rise?
- If no injured party comes forward
- Dead men don't tell no tales.
We must of necessity
release the man.
Dead men don't tell no tales.
Dead men don't tell no tales.
Second, the case of Jimmy Maclntyre.
Second, the case of Jimmy Maclntyre.
Charged with petty larceny
and defaulting on debt.
Billy, can you lend a pal a C-note?
Give a man a chance
to make his case heard?
Jim, you know how much I care!
But with cash
it's quite another matter!
Bill, won't you try to remember
the time we spent up in Alaska?
The time we spent up in Alaska?
Sure!
Sure!
The seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together!
And how hard I worked for all money!
Jimmy, that's why
I can't give you any!
Jimmy, that's why
I can't give you any!
Yes, that's why
I can't give you any!
Yes, that's why
I can't give you any!
Yes, that's why
I can't give you any!
The defendant is charged
with never paying
The defendant is charged
with never paying
The defendant is charged
with never paying
for whiskey
and a curtain rod he used!
For whiskey
and a curtain rod he used!
Till today the world has never known
a deed so frankly brutal.
Every normal human feeling
you have shamelessly defied
and the offended heart of justice
raises loud cries of retribution!
Hence I demand for the prosecution
that justice be given free rein!
I declare the general hearings open
concerning you, Jimmy Maclntyre!
When you first came here
to Mahagonny
you did seduce a girl
named Jenny Smith
and did compel her with cash
to commit a carnal act with you.
Will the injured party rise?
I'm the one.
And on the night
of the great typhoon,
in our hour of doubt and confusion,
you sang an illegal joyous song.
In our hour of doubt and confusion,
you sang an illegal joyous song.
Will the injured party rise?
Will the injured party rise?
No injured party is speaking out
because no injury has been done.
If no injury has been done,
If no injury has been done,
then you may escape one yourself,
Jimmy Maclntyre!
Then you may escape one yourself,
Jimmy Maclntyre!
But on that night the accused
behaved as though
the typhoon were in him,
and he seduced the entire town
destroying their peace
and contentment!
Destroying their peace
and contentment!
He's a simple lumberjack from Alaska
He's a simple lumberjack from Alaska
who discovered the laws
of human happiness,
by which you all
have lived in Mahagonny.
He is the hero of Mahagonny.
We'll never let him go to jail,
he's Jimmy Maclntyre.
We'll never let him go to jail,
he's Jimmy Maclntyre.
Jimmy Maclntyre,
the lumberjack from Alaska!
Jim, I'm doing this for you
because I can't forget Alaska!
The seven winters,
the freezing weather,
the giant pine trees
we felled together.
But during a boxing match
this simple lumberjack from Alaska,
so he could win a lot of money,
sent his friend to a certain death!
But who, just who really killed
the aforesaid friend?
But who, just who really killed
the aforesaid friend?
Who did kill
the said Alaska-Wolf Joe?
Who did kill
the said Alaska-Wolf Joe?
This information is not
in the possession of the court.
But of all the men
who stood around and watched
not a single one bet on Joe
when he gave up his life to fighting,
only Jimmy Maclntyre,
the man you see.
Only Jimmy Maclntyre,
the man you see.
For that we'll see him rot in jail,
that Jimmy Maclntyre!
For that we'll see him rot in jail,
that Jimmy Maclntyre!
We'll never let him go to jail,
he's Jimmy Maclntyre!
Jimmy Maclntyre,
the lumberjack from Alaska!
Now comes the main
count against you.
Now comes the main
count against you.
You enjoyed
three bottles of whiskey
You enjoyed
three bottles of whiskey
and you made use
of a certain curtain rod.
But why, when it was time to pay,
did you refuse?
But why, when it was time to pay,
did you refuse?
I don't have the dough.
I don't have the dough.
He has no dough!
There's no way for him to pay up!
That's it for Jimmy Maclntyre!
That's it for him!
Now will the three
injured parties rise?
See how
the three injured parties rise!
Those are the threes injured parties!
Your Honor, what is your verdict?
You, Jimmy Maclntyre,
hereby are sentenced...
As accessory
to the murder of a friend.
To three days in jail!
For destroying our peace
and contentment...
For destroying our peace
and contentment...
A year's loss of civil rights!
A year's loss of civil rights!
For the seduction of a girl
known as Jenny...
Four years on a chain gang!
Four years on a chain gang!
For the singing of illegal songs
during hurricanes...
For the singing of illegal songs
during hurricanes...
For the singing of illegal songs
during hurricanes...
To ten years in prison!
To ten years in prison!
But because you drank
my three bottles of whiskey
and used my curtain rod
without paying
you are condemned to death,
Jimmy Maclntyre!
In the whole human race,
there is no greater criminal
In the whole human race,
there is no greater criminal
than a man without money!
Than a man without money!
There is no money in this land.
There is no boy to shake with hands.
Where is the telephone?
Is here no telephone?
Is here no telephone?
God damn me, no.
God damn me, no.
Let's go to Benares
To Benares,
where the sun is shining.
Let's go to Benares.
There is not much fun on this star.
There is no door that is ajar.
Where is the telephone?
Is here no telephone?
Sir, God damn me, no.
Benares is said to have been
perished by an earthquake.
Oh, my good Benares!
Oh, where shall we go!
Oh, my good Benares!
Oh, where shall we go!
Benares is said to have been
perished by an earthquake.
Benares is said to have been
perished by an earthquake.
Oh, my good Benares!
Oh, where shall we go!
Where shall we go!
Where shall we go!
Settle up your personal business,
because the gentlemen
who are waiting to watch you go
have no interest
in your private affairs.
Dearest Jenny, I'm leaving now.
Dearest Jenny, I'm leaving now.
The days that I spent with you
The days that I spent with you
all were pleasant ones.
And the end, when that came
was pleasant too.
Dearest Jimmy,
I also enjoyed
I also enjoyed
the little time I spent with you.
The little time I spent with you.
And I don't know
where I may end up now.
Take my word,
there's lots of guys
as good as me.
That isn't true
I know I won't see
I know I won't see
a time like this again.
A time like this again.
Are you wearing white?
It's like you were a widow.
Yes, I'm your widow now.
And I'll never forget you
when I'm back with the girls.
Kiss me, Jenny!
Kiss me, Jimmy!
Think of me!
Sure will, Jimmy!
Don't think badly of me!
Why would I?
Kiss me, Jenny!
Kiss me, Jimmy!
And now I'll leave you, my dear,
to my close companion Billy.
He's the only one left
of us four Musketeers
who came down here from Alaska!
So long, Jim!
So long, Bill!
First don't forget
to stuff your faces,
First don't forget
to stuff your faces,
second comes the loving match.
Second comes the loving match.
Third put the boxers
through their paces
Fourth comes drinking,
down the hatch!
Have you anything else to say
for yourself?
Yes.
My fate was sealed
when I first came to this town.
The happiness I bought
was no happiness.
The freedom money gives
is no freedom.
I drank and was still thirsty.
I ate and was still hungry.
Don't let false hope blind you
there is no eternal life.
The night creeps up behind you.
Let each day's end remind you
night's wind cuts like a knife!
Night's wind cuts like a knife!
Never let them to cheat you.
Never let them to cheat you.
Life was not made to grieve.
Let all its good things treat you.
Your death will still defeat you,
Your death will still defeat you,
the day you take your leave.
The day you take your leave.
Don't let them console you;
your life will be too brief.
If you let Death enrol you
before you are in your hole,
you never will feel joy or grief!
Don't let blind hope lead you
to drudge your life away!
With fear don't let them feed you.
You know like beast they breed you,
there is nothing but today.
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey,
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Must you swill like sponges
all my precious corn year after year?
Did you think
that I was never coming?
Are you ready
now that I am here?
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny.
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey.
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Where were you on Friday evening?
I saw Mary Weeman in the lake
Where were you on Friday evening?
I saw Mary Weeman in the lake
floating belly up
like some dead codfish.
Floating belly up
like some dead codfish.
And she won't dry out,
make no mistake!
And she won't dry out,
make no mistake!
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny!
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny!
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey,
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey,
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Does this gun look familiar?
Did you shoot a man
who served me well?
Do I have to live with you in Heaven
with your dirty hair
and drunken smell?
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny.
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny.
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
Yes, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray
feeling our whiskey,
God came to Mahagonny.
God came to Mahagonny.
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
Feeling our whiskey
we saw God had come to Mahagonny!
You can all go to hell now!
Get a pack of cigarettes and go!
Double-time it down to Hell!
Soon you'll be burning there below!
They thought the matter over
in Mahagonny!
No, answered
the people of Mahagonny!
One morning when the sky was gray,
feeling our whiskey,
One morning when the sky was gray,
feeling our whiskey,
you come to Mahagonny!
You come to Mahagonny!
Feeling our whiskey
Make trouble in Mahagonny!
Well, we won't move a muscle!
We're out on strike!
There's no way for you to drag us
down to Hell forever!
Can't you tell
we are in Hell already?
They thought God's offer
over in Mahagonny!
No, replied the people of Mahagonny!
They thought God's offer
over in Mahagonny!
No, replied the people of Mahagonny!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny
because the world is so rotten!
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon!
We don't need help from hurricanes.
Let whirlwinds do what they can!
Let whirlwinds do what they can!
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
For though they may cause
their share of pains.
The most frightening force is Man.
The most frightening force is Man.
In this world
you must make your own bed;
And no one will show you the trick.
So lie down and get kicked
if you want to.
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
As for me, I would rather
stand and kick!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny,
because the world is so rotten!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny,
because the world is so rotten!
Still, we only built this Mahagonny,
because the world is so rotten!
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
There is no peace on Earth
and no contentment.
And there is nothing
And there is nothing
a man can depend upon!
Oh, moon of Alabama
Oh, moon of Alabama
we now must say goodbye.
We now must say goodbye.
We've lost our good old mama
and must have dollars, you know why.
You can wet his mouth with vinegar,
you can wipe sweat off his brow.
You can bring surgical forceps,
draw his tongue out of his mouth.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
You can try to sweet-talk him
or you can yell at him.
Or you can let him lie there,
or you can drag him with you.
No prescription you prescribe
ever will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
You can shove cash into his hand,
you can dig a hole for him,
you can shove him down in it,
you can prod him up with a shovel.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
You can reminisce
about his shining hour.
You can reminisce
about his shining hour.
You can let his shining hour
be forgotten.
You can let his shining hour
be forgotten.
You can put a spotless
white shirt upon him.
Nothing you can do
will help a dead man.
Nothing will help him
or us or you now!
Nothing will help him
or us or you now!