History of Sorts

“An American Fool”
(Inspired by “American Idiot” by Green Day, in the style of William Shakespeare)

Enter Chorus.

Chorus:
Hark! Lend thine ear, and hear me speak, I pray,
Of yon misguided wight from lands far west,
Where folly reigns and reason runs astray—
A jester bold, who knoweth not he’s jest.

Verse I:
Speak not to me of sense or subtle song,
For he hath tuned his lute to madness’ strain.
He marcheth forth with all his heart gone wrong,
In gallant pride, yet empty is his brain.
No pageantry nor pomp he doth admire,
Save fire of screen and thunder from the lyre.

Refrain:
O fie! Be not this witless knave thy guide,
A puppet of the lords who doth preside.
He sings the song that kings of coin compose—
Where truth lies buried ‘neath the rose.

Verse II:
Think’st thou the world is naught but fearsome noise,
Where every herald cries of doom and flame?
He doth believe, this fool with borrowed voice,
Each painted tale and every whispered name.
Yet ne’er doth he the scroll of reason read,
But swallows whole each tale the knaves do feed.

Refrain:
O fie! Be not this witless knave thy guide,
A puppet of the lords who doth preside.
He sings the song that kings of coin compose—
Where truth lies buried ‘neath the rose.

Bridge:
Come, rebel hearts! Let not thy soul be chained,
By trumpet call or scribe of poisoned ink.
Let not thy thoughts by poppy dreams be stained—
Awake! ‘Tis time the world anew to think!

Finale:
So raise thy voice, and rend the veil of lies,
Let wisdom’s lamp illume the darkened skies.
For though the fool in folly’s dance delight,
The wise shall rise and bring the dawn to light.

Exeunt omnes.