Story Behind The Song
An impressionistic short ballad of middle ages themes that captures the essence of the unchanging nature of love relationships. No historical background. It is a product of the writer's imagination in music and poetry.
Song Description
Clever court jester delivers a method to guarantee victory in battle to the king. Jester's reward is revealed to be an unexpected 'treasure' and followed by an 'ever after' ending.
| Song Length |
3:57 |
Genre |
Classical - Renaissance, Classical - Medieval |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Mood |
Serene, Tranquil |
| Subject |
Magic, Castles |
Language |
English |
| Era |
Before 1600 |
| |
Lyrics
The Jester and the King ...
Chorus:
Shall the king take advice from the jester?
what a world turned upside down it would be
if the king win the battle for the people
and the jester win the love of the queen.
Verse:
On the morning of the battle, said the jester to his highness
I can win the battle royal with a foolish trick of science;
with a puff of smoke and fire I'll distract yonder horsemen
as the archers of the king let loose their aim.
In an hour it was over; not an enemy remained.
Then the nobles to the king declared their praise:
for the jester won the victory, and deserves our finest treasure
let him name his own reward on this fine day !
Chorus:
Shall the king take advice from the jester?
what a world turned upside down it must be
if the king win the battle for the people
and the jester win the love of the queen.
Verse:
Said the king to the jester: take your heart's fondest treasure;
I'll tell the queen of your victory as we drink and dine tonight.
And tomorrow by the dawning, you'll have made your choice of pleasure
and fulfilled your heart's desire by morning light .
In the darkness of the dawning, there's a stable boy still yawning
as he hears the jester whisper shhhh...you dare not wake the king!
Saddle both the Queen's best horses and you'll meet me in the meadow,
I'll be bidding you farewell... God save the Queen !
Chorus:
Verse:
Then the jester rode away with his only earthly treasure
and the finest pair of horses ever seen.
Holding hands with her highness, both their hearts in love together
to a land beyond forever, rode the jester and the ... queen !
Chorus:
Shall the king take advice from the jester?
what a world turned upside down it would be
if the king win the battle for the people
and the jester win the love of the queen.