Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Trial lyrics

{BURGE} Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: Was this life of Ward's led for fun, or profit? That is the key to this case: Was he conducting a business? There's a very, very wide gap between a man with an artistic temperament and obviously high sexual proclivities leading a dissolute life, and saying he has committed these offenses. Can you really imagine this man has been living on the earnings of prostitution? On a fair and impartial view, I will ask you to say that these charges have not been made out, and to find him not guilty (He resumes his seat, to be replaced by the towering figure of the Crown Prosecutor, MERVYN GRIFFITH-JONES.) {GRIFFITH-JONES} Here's a monster Of depravity Who went hunting Fresh and tender game Picked up two young Semi-prostitutes Promised them A first-hand taste of fame If so minded One might well infer Profit was His motive and his goal When he first set foot in Murray's Club Seeking victims that he could control So-called "Dr. Ward" went to endless lengths Making sure Keeler was succumbing to his influence Even went as far as visiting Her little people in Staines To reassure them If so minded One could well conclude This is evil In its purest shape Preying on the weak and vulnerable Once the trap closed, there was no escape You have heard what the accused Made Vickie Barrett do Offering her to all his friends Hard to believe, but true Holding back the money that She thought he would repay Clearly money from immoral earnings, you may say {WARD} (unable to help himself) No! {JUDGE} This is not the first time you have interrupted, and I shall take action if you do it again! {WARD} ...I'm sorry, My Lord. It's a great strain (GRIFFITH-JONES's eyes light up and he seizes his opportunity.) {GRIFFITH-JONES} Of course it's a great strain for a guilty man to hear the truth at last (He allows himself a small triumphant smirk.) If so minded One might well assume This defendant Should not be set free To resume His filthy way of life Of seduction And debauchery {JUDGE} Members of the jury... (In a mild, neutral tone) You have here in front of you A man of many parts A successful osteopath And patron of the arts A highly distinguished healer A true artist, not a fake These are very hard decisions You are called to make (Suddenly, his tone changes: he turns to look at Ward, his expression fierce, and delivers a ferocious, almost gloating attack) Yet he led a life of infamy! And now he's alone, as you can see! Quite abandoned And left to his fate By his many friends of high estate! (WARD is powerfully affected by this; he shades his eyes to try to hide his devastation. The lights fade on everyone in the court except WARD, shattered. Slowly, he rises to his feet.) {Chorus} (offstage, while WARD speaks) You've never had it so good You've never had it so often Go and do what you never could A brand new brother and sisterhood You've never had it so good {WARD} ...the judge was only halfway through his summing-up... but I could see it was all up with me. I realized that this case was not brought because of some undue interest in my sex life: it was a political revenge trial... and I had quite enough (as we move into the next scene) There's no other way to Heaven Seems you have to die I thought Heaven could be found This side of the sky