Jackie Gleason: Part Four - Melancholy Serenade: I - XII

MELANCHOLY SERENADE: I – XII

I.
You’re the only girl for me –
and I’m always terrified
that you’ll find somebody new:
Melancholy Serenade.

II.
I may not leave you a thing
but my mortifying love,
and a suitcase full of dreams:
Melancholy Serenade.

III.
I want you to be at home –
And invisible besides –
till you have to bail me out:
Melancholy Serenade.

IV.
It is true that I’m afraid
Of the lean and hungry hounds -
Till they dare to look at you:
Melancholy Serenade.

V.
If they let me be the boss
for a minute, or a day,
I’d cement you to my side -
Melancholy Serenade.

VI.
I have heard a man is rich
If he has a single friend:
I have two within my roar -
Melancholy Serenade.

VII.
I’m astounded that you stay
As I dare you to depart:
It’s a happy man who grins -
Melancholy Serenade.


VIII.
We are living in an age
When it’s cheaper to be dressed
like an outlaw than a king -
Melancholy Serenade.

IX.
You can choose to be a child,
Or refuse to pay the rent,
But you must address the ball -
Melancholy serenade.

X .
If the music’s good and loud,
there’s a Mambo in me yet –
or perhaps a Hucklebuck:
Melancholy Serenade.

XI.
Added to the growing list
Of the things I think I know:
“What you ever saw in me” –
Melancholy Serenade.

XII.
If I take this bitter pill
With a saucer full of milk
I can stand up straight again –
Melancholy Serenade.