The Heart of the World

I have adapted a song from John Gay’s Beggar’s Opera today. It should probably be sung as a round.

Gay’s song, “The modes of the court so common are grown,” is based on a 17th Century English air, Lilliburlero, by Henry Purcell. It’s kind of catchy, I think.


The Heart of the World
(Sung to the tune of Lilliburlero, an English air)


The heart of the world so stony has grown,
I’ve dated pawnbrokers who feel more regret.
Love is like interest charged on a loan
Which Cupid can neither forgive nor forget.
It’s true, you may find
A person more kind,
Who knows the right night twelve roses to send:
He’ll sack you a city,
He’ll plunder with pity,
If lucky he’ll fuck you from end to end.

(Repeat.)