Barbara Cook was a gifted singer known for her incredible voice and emotional performances. She made a name for herself on Broadway, bringing a special kind of warmth to every song she sang.
Her music has a way of connecting with people, no matter their age. With her clear, heartfelt voice, she could make any song feel deeply personal.
Barbara’s songs are perfect for anyone who loves music that tells a story and tugs at the heartstrings.
About the Song
Glitter and Be Gay is an upbeat and playful song where the character talks about putting on a brave face and pretending to be happy, even when things aren’t going well.
The lively tune mixes humour with a touch of sadness, showing how someone might hide their true feelings behind a bright smile.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 31, 1956 |
| Album | Candide (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (1956) |
| Writers | Leonard Bernstein & Richard Wilbur |
| Producer | Goddard Lieberson |
Full Lyrics of Glitter and Be Gay
[CUNEGONDE, spoken]
And here I am, my heart breaking
Forced to glitter, forced to be gay
[CUNEGONDE]
Glitter and be gay
That’s the part I play
Here I am in Paris, France
Forced to bend my soul
To a sordid role
Victimized by bitter
Bitter circumstance
Alas, for me!
Had I remained
Beside my lady mother
My virtue had remained unstained
Until my maiden hand was gained
By some Grand Duke or other
Ah, ’twas not to be
Harsh necessity
Brought me to this gilded cage
Born to higher things
Here I drop my wings
Ah!
Singing of a sorrow
Nothing can assuage
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And yet, of course, I rather like to revel, ha ha!
I have no strong objection to champagne, ha ha!
My wardrobe is expensive as the devil, ha ha!
Perhaps it is ignoble to complain
Enough, enough
Of being basely tearful
I’ll show my noble stuff
By being bright and cheerful
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha!
Ha! Ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
[CUNEGONDE, spoken]
Pearls and ruby rings
Ah, how can worldly things
Take the place of honor lost?
Can they compensate
For my fallen state?
Purchased as they were at such a, at such an awful cost?
Bracelets, lavallieres
Can they dry my tears?
Can they blind my eyes to shame?
Can the brightest brooch
Shield me from reproach?
Can the purest diamond purify my name?
[CUNEGONDE]
And yet, of course, these trinkets are endearing, ha ha!
I’m oh so glad my sapphire is a star, ha ha!
I rather like a twenty carat earring, ha ha!
If I’m not pure at least my jewels are!
Enough, enough
I’ll take their diamond necklace
And show my noble stuff
By being gay and reckless
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha!
Observe how bravely I conceal
The dreadful, dreadful shame I feel
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha! Ha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha!
Ha!
Ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Similar Songs Like Glitter and Be Gay
If you love the dazzling vocal fireworks of Glitter and Be Gay, you’ll enjoy other songs by Barbara Cook that showcase her beautiful voice and emotional range:
- Some Other Time: A heartfelt ballad about longing and missed chances, beautifully sung by Barbara Cook in On the Town.
- The Party’s Over: This song reflects on the end of a joyful time, with Cook’s tender and expressive delivery making it deeply moving.
- If I Loved You: From Carousel, this classic duet expresses tentative feelings of love, with Cook’s clear and warm voice bringing the lyrics to life.
Similar Artists Like Barbara Cook
Here are several other singers and performers who share the same heartfelt style as Barbara Cook:
- Betty Buckley
Genre: Broadway, Musical Theatre
Top Albums: Betty Buckley: The Artist (2000), The Secret of Life (2007) - Patti LuPone
Genre: Broadway, Musical Theatre
Top Albums: The Lady with the Torch (2006), Matters of the Heart (1990) - Elaine Stritch
Genre: Broadway, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Top Albums: At Liberty (2002), Elaine Stritch: Singin’ Sondheim… One More Time (2012) - Shirley Jones
Genre: Musical Theatre, Pop, Broadway
Top Albums: Shirley Jones Sings (1963), Shirley Jones in Hollywood (1960)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Lyrics of Glitter and Be Gay so Memorable?
The lyrics cleverly mix humor and sadness, highlighting the difference between a fake cheerful exterior and inner pain.
What Role does the Song Glitter and Be Gay Play in Candide?
In Candide, Cunegonde sings the song, expressing how she pretends to be happy despite her difficult life.
What can Listeners Learn from Glitter and Be Gay?
Listeners can understand how people hide their true feelings behind a cheerful mask and how society pressures them to seem happy, even when they’re not.
