Saw the play by the same title at National Theater in London. Inspired to write this song, which is not meant to be a summary of the play. Geoff DeMuth provides mandolin accompaniment.
Lyrics
By R. Bain 2012
The manners of the 18th century
Called for women to behave with modesty
But then they would blush
And roll their eyes
And they were cheerfully willingly
To tell sweet lies
The manners of Georgian society
Polite conversation and civility
A dandy, a fop
A servant, a maid
Dirty white linen
Beneath the brocade
She stoops to conquer
She stoops to conquer
She stoops to conquer
Then she rises above
She plays it cool
She makes you fall in love
She sets her trap
She offers the bait
She makes you hurry
She shows up late
She makes you worry
She makes you wait
The jewel of refined society
Princess of emotional sobriety
Emulating the French
And their love of splendor
She’ll flirt with vice
But she will never surrender
She’s a masquerader
A great pretender
She stoops to conquer
Then she rises above
She plays it cool
She makes you fall in love
She baits the trap
With a piece of her heart
She makes you feel like 2X
You’re playing a part 2X