Way Back to Paradise

MARIE CHRISTINE:

We are ruled by our brothers.

We are ruled by our husbands.

We jump at the voices of our masters

and do as they say.

We are bartered and traded

along with cattle and cotton.

We have to be beautiful

and it helps to have a dowry of some kind;

We have to show humility;

And have the presence of mind

to never complain.

And they say it's our fault

We were thrown out of Eden

to be turned into salt.

But there is a way back to paradise;

There is a way;

Study all men:

Learn what they lack.

Sweeten and stroke

before you attack.

Put up a front

then slip through the back;

Be on your way back to paradise.

LISETTE:

Oui, mam-zell'

Oui, mam-zell'

MARIE CHRISTINE:

Long ago back in Eden

LISETTE:

Eden.

MARIE CHRISTINE:

when we didn't need husbands,

LISETTE:

Husbands

MARIE CHRISTINE:

We danced to the voices in the Garden

and had our own way.

LISETTE:

Ou-ye mam-zell'...

MARIE CHRISTINE:

We were taught by mothers

By the river of Knowledge;

Our Garden was beautiful

LISETTE:

Beautiful

MARIE CHRISTINE:

Until the angels came to call,

And on the wings of jealousy

they brought down the fall

and gave the Garden to men.

LISETTE:

Ah

MARIE CHRISTINE:

Put it out of our touch.

LISETTE:

Ah

MARIE CHRISTINE:

We were thrown out of Eden

LISETTE:

Ah

MARIE CHRISTINE:

for knowing too much.

But there is a way back to paradise

There is a way

Bide your time

LISETTE:

Oui, mam-zell'

MARIE CHRISTINE:

Be clever and wise

LISETTE:

Oui, mam-zell'

MARIE CHRISTINE:

When you look at a man

LISETTE:

Oui, mam-zell'

MARIE CHRISTINE:

Look him dead in the eyes.

LISETTE:

Oui, mam-zell'

MARIE CHRISTINE:

Do not be seduced.

Tell him elegant lies.

BOTH:

Be on your way

Be on your way back to paradise.