Listen to The Geisha, Act I: No. 13, Finale. Though of Staying Too Long (Cunningham/Officers/Chorus/Katana/Mimosa/Molly/Fairfax/Imari) by Harry Nicoll, Jozik Koc, Lillian Watson, Michael Fitchew, Christopher Maltman, New London Orchestra, Paul Parfitt, Ronald Corp, Sarah Walker & New London Light Opera Chorus

The Geisha, Act I: No. 13, Finale. Though of Staying Too Long (Cunningham/Officers/Chorus/Katana/Mimosa/Molly/Fairfax/Imari)

Harry Nicoll, Jozik Koc, Lillian Watson, Michael Fitchew, Christopher Maltman, New London Orchestra, Paul Parfitt, Ronald Corp, Sarah Walker & New London Light Opera Chorus

Classical

Apple Music Note

OVERVIEW

LYRICS

Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS

Harry Nicoll

Tenor

Jozik Koc

Baritone

Lillian Watson

Soprano

Michael Fitchew

Michael Fitchew

Baritone

Christopher Maltman

Christopher Maltman

Baritone

New London Orchestra

New London Orchestra

Orchestra

Paul Parfitt

Baritone

Ronald Corp

Conductor

Sarah Walker

Mezzo-Soprano

New London Light Opera Chorus

New London Light Opera Chorus

Choir

David Juritz

Leader

Joanna Gamble

Vocals

Magdalen Ashman

Magdalen Ashman

Vocals

Paula Bott

Vocals

Richard Suart

Baritone

Sarah Vivian

Soprano

COMPOSITION & LYRICS

Sidney Jones

Composer

Owen Hall

Songwriter

James Davis

Songwriter

Harry Greenbank

Harry Greenbank

Songwriter

PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING

Anthony B. Faulkner

Anthony B. Faulkner

Engineer

Edward Atkinson Hornel

Edward Atkinson Hornel

Cover Art

Edward Perry

Executive Producer

Mike Dutton

Assistant Engineer

Nick Flower

Editing Engineer

Oliver Rivers

Producer

Simon Perry

Executive Producer

Lyrics

Cunningham: Though of staying too long you’re accusing us,

Yet Japan has such wonders to show,

And you’ve all been so good in amusing us,

That no wonder we’re sorry to go.

While the freest of fun is permissible,

And such excellent tea we obtain,

And the girls are so quaint and so kissable,

We shall certainly come here again!

Officers: For to pass the most pleasant of days

You should always contrive when you can

To attentively study the ways

Of the dear little girls of Japan.

Chorus: Yes, to pass the most pleasant of days

You should always contrive when you can

To attentively study the ways

Of the dear little girls of Japan.

Night approaches clear and starry,

Silver shadows softly fall,

Bringing rest to great Imari,

Welcome rest to one and all.

Katana: Pearl of the radiant Eastern sea,

Light of a soldier’s life,

Time in its course will set thee free—

Free to become my wife!

All that my heart desires to say—

Would that my lips could tell;

Fairest of fortune bless thy way

Light of my life, farewell!

Rose of my fancy’s garden fair,

Fortune foretells

Joy that excels.

Almond-eyed maid of beauty rare,

Fondest of fond farewells!

Mimosa: Sorry and sad I go from thee,

Lord of my loving heart;

Ever and ever think of me,

Though for a time we part.

Saved by a friend from hapless fate,

Whither she goes go I;

So till I come, my soldier, wait!

So till I come, goodbye!

Son of the sword, whose gleaming blade,

Guarding its prize

Danger defies,

Truest of knights to trusting maid,

Sweetest of sweet goodbyes!

Molly: Oh, what will they do with Molly,

With poor little mad-cap me?

I’ve got in a mess

In a Japanese dress,

And what will the consequence be?

No doubt with a girl like Molly

They’d try to take liberties free,

But if they’ve the folly

To take them with Molly,

They’ll have to be sharper than she!

Chorus: Now who is this Roli Poli,

And what is her little game?

We’re bound to admit

That we’re puzzled a bit,

For nobody knows her by name.

It’s hard upon Roli Poli

To hint that she’s open to doubt,

And yet we’re suspicious,

And rather ambitious

Of finding a thing or two out.

Cunningham: Do you know, Reggie,

Tho’ he’s bought that one,

By buying sweet Mimosa,

We’ve spoilt his fun.

Fairfax: Most noble! we’re heartbroken, I may say,

To take Mimosa from you.

Imari: Laugh away!

But don’t make sure you’ve got the best of me!

Fairfax: Take care, my lord,

In English hands is she;

So don’t you dare

To touch a hair

Of the head of that dainty geisha fair.

If truth be told

To a Marquis old,

It’s you, not the girl,

Who’s just been sold!

Chorus: It’s only the way

Of sailors gay,

Yet is seems uncommonly rude to say

That if truth be told

To a Marquis old,

It’s he, not the girl,

Who’s just been sold!

Imari: This conversation we will not prolong;

It may turn out that after all you’re wrong!

Chorus: Please to go! Please to go!

Fast the sun is setting,

Due respect

To custom show;

Orders you’re forgetting.

Please to go! Please to go!

Seek the city’s shelter;

Time is pressing

Swift progressing,

Hurry helter-skelter!

Written by: Harry Greenbank, James Davis, Owen Hall, Sidney Jones

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