Music (c) 1999 J. Eiler
TTTO: The King (music by Leslie Fish, orig. lyrics by Rudyard Kipling)
Notes: This song was inspired by going to my first SCA event -- and hearing the complaints of the "Old Timers" about all of the expense, aggravation, et al. It's definitely NOT "period," but might offer some fun for those "post-event revels."
"Farewell, Romance," the Newbie cried, "With all these bills, he went away, My budget for my garb has died From all the dues and fees I pay. TANSTAAFL [1] calls the tune we dance, In threadbare rags. Farewell, Romance!" "Farewell, Romance," the warrior spoke, The rules hit hard as blows, I feel. Gone are the freon "helmet" cans, Now they are made of high-tech steel! If you're no "pro," you have no chance To win at arms. Farewell, Romance. "Farewell, Romance," the Merchant said, "This stuff is hard to sew, you know. What, with the price of velvet now, My profits shrink, while prices grow! I'm going broke by sewing pants Made of cheap twill. Farewell, Romance." "Farewell, Romance," the Baron sighed, "What, with the politics of Court, There is a knife for every back, And perfidy, of every sort. "King Politic" holds all in sway, Farewell, Romance -- ah, welladay! What with the rules, and politics, The fees, and all the garb so dear, For just one trip to "Pennsic Towne" Will cost the work of half a year. Yet cheerfully, we go -- and pay! It's still "The Game" we love to play.
[1] "TANSTAAFL" From Robert Heinlein: "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch."