The year was 1933
We stood there, you and me,
As the smoke cleared from the train.
There were puddles in the street,
We strolled to (Bwatwodmete?)
To watch the cabaret
Oh petticoats and boots and blush
There's life in lights so grand and lush
Now fading into dreams
And on the stage Kashner and Fink
Still sing your tributes as the diva
Of the silver screen
Oh what a dream!
The night we met you sang into my heart
My Cleopatra from the start
Donning lashes and a cane
For yards men buskers and bourgeoise
You table danced a coup d'état
While sipping pink champagne
The air grew cold and whispers told
Of walls lurking beneath the fold
We knew we couldn't stay
There were flowers in your hair
I grabbed one tossed one in the air
You sang like Lady Day
What did you say?
Farewell Kabarista,
Your requiems been played
You reached up to the moon
Poured stars onto the stage
Farewell Kabarista
The writing's on the wall
Der Letzte beißen die Hunde
It's your final curtain call
Kabarista, farewell
Kabarista farwell
You grabbed me by the hand
And danced among the band
Painted pictures on the wall
Soon the sky was filled of light
Hell came in with the night
We'd soon watch Europe fall
With all the madness of a dream
We pulled the curtain on the scene
And fled for brighter days
America you called our name
And so we sailed into the rain
Onto our last brigade
A week across a stormy sea
Hello lady liberty
Your promises are grand
Two loves from out across the swill
We've come to ring our bells
Plant seeds within your sands
One day again the sun will rise
When fascist walls meet their demise
And topple into spring!
And you and I shall raise our flags
In memory of those who died in drag
And for who we sing.
Farewell Kabarista!
Your requiems been played
You reached up to the moon
Poured stars onto a stage
Farewell Kabarista!
The writing's on the wall
Der Letzte beißen die Hunde
It's your final curtain call
Kabarista farewell
Kabarista farewell
Kabarista farewell
Kabarista farewell