Quartet (a Model Of Decorum And Tranquillity) Lyrics

Benny Andersson, Tim Rice, and Bjorn Ulvaeus
MOLOKOV:
We wish, no must, make our disgust at this abuse perfectly clear.
We're here for chess -- are the U.S.? If so, why foul the atmosphere?
FLORENCE:
I must protest -- our delegation has a host of valid points to raise,
Our player's sporting attitude's beyond all praise,
as any neutral would attest
But we concede the fact his masters bend the rules is not a
player's fault --
We'll overlook their crude political a*sault
and under protest will proceed
MOLOKOV:
We wish, no must, make our disgust at this abuse perfectly clear
we're here for chess -- are the U.S.? How can you make such a claim?
MOLOKOV: ARBITER:
If your man's so sweet Point 17
Then why his fighting talk? No one-way screen
If he's not a cheat Will be allowed
Then why on earth In the hall
Did he go take a walk?

FLORENCE:
Why let him loose? I am not surprised
He'll soon reduce He wanted fresher air
This great event Once he realized
To a brawl There was no hope
Of your lot playing fair
It's very sad How sad
To see the ancient and To see
Distinguished game What used
That used to be To be
BOTH:
A model of decorum and tranquillity
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee
THE RUSSIAN: MOLOKOV:
Through the elegant yelling We wish, no must, make our disgust
Of this compelling dispute At this abuse perfectly clear
Comes the ghastly suspicion We're here for chess -- are the U.S.?
My opposition's a fruit If so, why foul the atmosphere?
FLORENCE: ARBITER:
I don't suppose Point 23
You'd understand the strain The board will be
and pressure
getting where he's got Made in Sweden
For then you'd simply call him Non-aligned wood
highly strung and not
Imply that he was one of those
THE RUSSIAN: MOLOKOV:
But how can you It seems to us
Work for one who There's little point in waiting here
Treats you like dirt? all night for his return
Pay must be good And since a peaceful match is our sole concern
We won't make an official fuss
FLORENCE:
I'm not getting rich In short we rise
My only interest Above your guy's
Is in something which Tantrums, dramas,
Gives me the chance Dirty tricks
Of working with the best.
THE RUSSIAN: ARBITER:
I can only say Point 31
I hope your dream comes true No game begun
Till that far-off day By noon goes on
I hope you cope After six
With helping number two.
THE RUSSIAN & FLORENCE:
How sad
To see
ARBITER & MOLOKOV:
It's very sad to see
The ancient and distinguished game that used to be
ALL:
A model of decorum and tranquillity
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee

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