The Play’s the Thing

Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro] [Verse 1] How could he know so much? How could he bear such knowledge? How could he dare to write it in the plays? What is it Shakespeare'd say If he came back today? Surely he'd recognize these mortal coils [Verse 2] How do we carry on? No-one knows where they fit in No-one knows who they are or where they've been What does the writer mean? How do we play this scene? What didn't Shakespeare know that we do now? [Bridge] Stiffen the sinews Wear hard-favour'd rage All history's drama The world is a stage [Interlude] "There is a history in all men's lives Figuring the nature of the times deceas'd; The which observ'd, a man may prophesy With a near aim, of the main chance of things As yet not come to life, which in their seeds And weak beginnings lie intreasured Such things become the hatch and brood of time..." [Verse 3] Oh, but the show goes on On through the seven ages – That of the world must mirror man's, in fact Here comes the seventh act See how the mirror's cracked Here comes sans everything for humankind [Bridge] To capture the conscience Of nations and kings All history's drama – The Play's the Thing The Play's the Thing The Play's the Thing The Play's the Thing [Outro] How could he know so much?