Leonard Bernstein — Zizis Lament

I am in love with the laughing sickness It would do me a lot of good if I had it -- I have worn the splendid gowns of Sudan Carried the magnificent halivas of Boudodin Bros Kissed the singing Fatimas of the pimp of Aden Wrote glorious psalms in Hakhaliba's cafe But I've never had the laughing sickness So what good am I? The fat merchant offers me opium, kief Hashish, even Camel juice All is unsatisfactory -- O bitter damned night! you again! must I yet Pluck out my unreal teeth Undress my unlaughable self Put to sleep this melancholy head? I am nothing without the laughing sickness My father's got it, my grandfather had it; Surely my Uncle Fez will get it, but me, me Who it would do the most good Will I ever get it?