The Ballad of Guiteau Songtext
von Stephen Sondheim

I am going to the Lordy
I am so glad
I am going to the Lordy
I am so glad
I am going to the Lordy
Glory hallelujah
Glory Hallelujah
I am going to the Lordy

Come all ye Christians
And learn from a sinner
Charlie Guiteau
Bound and determined
He′d wind up a winner
Charlie had dreams that he wouldn't let go
Said, "nothing to it
I want it, I′ll do it
I'm Charles J. Guiteau"


Charlie Guiteau
Never said "never"
Or heard the word "no"
Faced with disaster
His heart would beat faster
His smile would just grow
And he'd say

Look on the bright side
Look on the bright side
Sit on the right side of the Lord
This is the Land of Opportunity
He is the lightning
You, his sword
Wait ′til you see tomorrow
Tomorrow you′ll get your reward
You could be sad
Or you could be President
Look on the bright side-
I am going to the Lordy!


Charlie Guiteau drew a crowd to his trial
Led them in prayer
Said: "I killed Garfield
Don't make no denial
I was just acting for someone up there
The Lord′s my employer
And now he's my lawyer
So do what you dare"

Charlie said: "hell, If I am guilty
Then God is as well"
But God was acquitted
And Charlie committed until he should hang
Still he sang

Look on the bright side
Not on the black side
Get off your backside
Shine those shoes
This is your golden opportunity
You are the lightning
And you′re news
Wait 'til you see tomorrow
Tomorrow you won′t be ignored
You could be pardoned
You could be President
Look on the bright side-
I am going to the Lordy

Charlie Guiteau had a crowd
At the scaffold (I am so glad)
Filled up the square
So many people that ticket were raffled
Shine on his shoes, Charlie mounted the stair
Said, "never sorrow
Just wait 'til tomorrow
Today isn't fair
Don′t despair!"

Look on the bright side
Look on the bright side
Sit on the right side of the-
I am going to the Lordy
I am so glad
I am going to the Lordy
I am so glad
I have unified my Party
I have saved my country
I shall be remembered!
I am going to the Lordy

Look on the bright side
Not on the sad side
Inside the bad side something′s good
This is your golden opportunity
You've been a preacher

Yes, I have!

You′ve been an author!

Yes, I have!

You've been a killer

Yes! I have

You could be an angel

Yes I could!

Just wait until tomorrow
Tomorrow they′ll all climb aboard
What if you never got to be President?
You'll be remembered
Look on the bright side
Trust in tomorrow
And the Lord!