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Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility)
Benny Andersson
,
Björn Ulvaeus
Popularity · Moderate
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🇬🇧 English · Original
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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?
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 assault and under protest will proceed
If your man's so sweet
Then why his fighting talk?
If he's not a cheat
Then why on earth
Did he go take a walk?
I am not surprised
He wanted fresher air
Once he realized
There was no hope
Of your lot playing fair
It's very sad
To see the ancient and distinguished game that used to be
A model of decorum and tranquillity
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee.
Through the elegant yelling
Of this compelling dispute
Comes the ghastly suspicion
My opposition's a fruit
I don't suppose
You understand the strain and pressure getting where he's got
For then you'd simply call him highly strung and not imply that he was one of those
But how can you
Work for one who
Treats you like dirt?
Pay must be good
In short we rise
Above your guy's
Tantrums, dramas,
Dirty tricks
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true
Till that far-off day
I hope you cope
With helping number two.
It's very sad
To see the ancient and distinguished game that used to be
A model of decorum and tranquillity
Become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies
To slug it out with glee.