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THE SUN (MOON) AND I or (THE SUN WHOSE RAYS)
(Arthur Sullivan (m) / William S. Gilbert (l) )
The lyrics for this song are invariably modified in many performances.
Lyrics as sung here by Valerie (Valérie) Masterson in the D'Oyly Carte
Opera Company, the 'Mikado' 1967.
Also sung by:
Leslie Garrett
Jean Hindmarsh
Deborah Rees
Barbra Meister
Margaret Mitchell
Elsie Morison
Marcel Nunia
Rebecca Hains
Lissa Angelina
Donna Bennett
Cathy Berberian
Maureen Bell
And many others
The sun, whose rays are all ablaze
With ever-living glory
Does not deny his majesty
He scorns to tell a story.
He don't exclaim,"I blush for shame
So kindly be indulgent."
But, fierce and bold in fiery gold
He glories all effulgent.
I mean to rule the earth
As he the sky
We really know our worth
The sun and I.
I mean to rule the earth
As he the sky.
We really know our worth
The sun and I.
Observe his flame, that placid dame,
The moon's Celestial Highness.
There's not a trace upon her face
Of diffidence or shyness.
She borrows light that through the night
Mankind may all acclaim her.
And, truth to tell, she lights up well
So I for one, don't blame her.
Ah, pray make no mistake,
We are not shy.
We're very wide awake,
The moon and I.
Ah, pray make no mistake,
We are not shy.
We're very wide awake,
The moon and I.
Notes:
Valerie Masterson was a well known English opera singer. Her voice,
beauty and persona dominated many an operatic production. Many feel she
was a woman defined by her delightful presence. She is perhaps best
known for her work with Gilbert and Sullivan operettas but has also
performed in other operas including Verdi's La Traviata and Handel's
Messiah amongst others. Another area of specialty was French Opera.
The 'Mikado', a two part comic opera, was first performed in London
England in 1885. By some, the music was occasionally reported to be less
than memorable. Despite this, several songs have emerged over time as
well known favorites like THREE LITTLE MAIDS FROM SCHOOL ARE WE
The operatic humour was regularly described as outstanding and well
done. It was Gilbert & Sullivan's ninth of fourteen operettas. It is
widely produced throughout the world in film, on stage and TV.
The second 1967 film production of Mikado:
Directed by: Stuart Burge
Leads: Donald Adams / Philip Potter / Valerie Masterson / Peggy Ann Jones
The first 1939 film production of Mikado:
Director: Victor Schertzinger
Leads: Kenny Baker / Sydney Granville / Marty Green / Jean Colin
(Transcribed by David Story May 2014)
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