It's Good to Be The King

Mel Brooks' song "It's Good to Be The King" is a satirical and humorous recounting of the reign of King Louis XVI of France, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The lyrics are delivered from the perspective of King Louis himself, who boasts about his luxurious lifestyle and obliviousness to the suffering of the common people. The song is filled with irony and dark humor, highlighting the stark contrast between the opulence of the aristocracy and the dire conditions of the peasants.

The song opens with King Louis introducing himself and proudly narrating his lavish lifestyle at the Palace of Versailles. He describes the extravagant parties, gourmet meals, and his numerous romantic escapades, all while the peasants in Paris are starving and resorting to eating rats. This stark juxtaposition serves as a critique of the disconnect between the ruling class and the common people, a central theme of the French Revolution.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts to the growing unrest among the populace. Despite the escalating tension, King Louis remains nonchalant and dismissive, believing that his status as king will protect him from any consequences. The famous line attributed to Marie Antoinette, "We'll let 'em eat cake," is used to underscore the ignorance and indifference of the monarchy. The climax of the song comes when the revolutionaries storm the palace, and King Louis is finally confronted with the reality of his situation. Even in his final moments, he maintains a sense of bravado, declaring, "Ooh yes it's good to be the king," before his inevitable downfall.

Mel Brooks, known for his comedic genius and satirical style, uses this song to blend historical events with humor, creating a memorable and thought-provoking piece. The song serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of empathy and awareness of societal issues.