Glitter And Be Gay

Leonard Bernstein's "Glitter And Be Gay" is a song that delves into the complex emotions of a character who finds herself trapped in a life of opulence that she did not choose for herself. The song is from Bernstein's operetta 'Candide', which is based on the satirical novella by Voltaire. The character singing this aria is Cunegonde, who laments her lost innocence and virtue, which she sacrificed for wealth and security.

The lyrics express a deep internal conflict. Cunegonde mourns the pure life she might have led, had she not been forced by circumstance into a 'gilded cage'. Despite the luxurious life that her jewels and finery represent, she feels the sting of lost honor and the shame of her 'fallen state'. The repeated phrase 'enough, enough' signifies her attempt to shake off her sorrow and embrace the superficial happiness that her riches can bring. She tries to convince herself that her 'noble stuff' is shown by being 'bright and cheerful', despite the inner turmoil.

The song is a poignant exploration of the dichotomy between external wealth and internal desolation. It's a commentary on the societal pressures that lead individuals to prioritize material wealth over personal integrity. The character's attempt to 'glitter and be gay' while feeling 'dreadful, dreadful shame' is a powerful metaphor for the masks people wear to hide their true feelings and the sacrifices made to maintain a certain social standing.