"You've Got to Keep Your Wits About You, Girl"

for bass baritone and piano.

From ALICE, the opera.

 

Music by Amy Scurria

Text by Zane Corriher:

 

What a golden afternoon for a trial.

We haven't had one in quite a while.

Our subjects shall set the stage

For the Queen to fire up her rage,

After which, I might smile.

 

She never cuts of anyone's head.

Well, rarely.

There are worse things she can do.

She can off your head in other ways.

 

I watched her slowly poison the minds of my subjects

Until she was all I had.

I gave her all I am

And she took everything from me.

 

Or at least, nearly.

There is a small part of me that lives

Very deep inside.

A part of me I'm careful to hide. Alice... I

 

n this land you will learn

The Queen's anger is unearned.

Oh, she'll scream at once:

"Off with your head!"

You'll undoubtedly feel like you are dead.

 

She will take your head in other ways.

Steal your mind in a blaze.

I'm afraid it's as bad as it seems.

You've got to keep your wits about you, girl.

You've got to keep your wits about you, girl.

 

"Worship me!" she will say.

You have no choice, you must obey.

She takes your will, your heart, your mind

'Til all that's left is a life consigned.

 

To cheer her deeds

Love her heart of stone.

You'll have no thoughts of your own.

I'm afraid it's worse than it seems.

You've got to keep your wits about you, girl.

You've got to keep your wits about you, girl.

 

The Queen will spew her fiery wrath.

You must choose the less traveled path.

Just remember who you are.

Let your heart be your guiding star.

​

Trust your thoughts, Hear your voice.

There will come a time when you must make a choice.

I'm afraid it's harder than it seems.

You've got to keep your wits about you, girl.

You've got to keep your wits about you, girl.

 

6 minutes 51 seconds