Denn wovon lebt der Mensch?
Bertolt Brecht| La versione inglese – sempre di Ralph Manheim e John Willett -... | |
WHAT KEEPS MANKIND ALIVE? [Macheath] You gentlemen who think you have a mission to purge us of the seven deadly sins, should first sort out the basic food position, then start your preaching! That's where it begins. You lot who preach restraint and watch your waist as well, should learn, for once, the way the world is run: However much you twist, whatever lies you tell, food is the first thing, morals follow on. So first make sure that those who now are starving get proper helpings when we all start carving. [Voice off-stage] What keeps mankind alive? [Macheath] What keeps mankind alive? The fact that millions are daily tortured, stifled, punished, silenced, oppressed. Mankind can keep alive thanks to its brilliance in keeping its humanity repressed. [Chorus] For once you must try not to shirk the facts: Mankind is kept alive by bestial acts. [Mrs. Peachum] You say that girls may strip with your permission. You draw the line dividing art from sin. So first sort out the basic food position, then start your preaching! That's where we begin. You lot who bank on your desires and our disgust Should learn for once the way the world is run: Whatever lies you tell, however much you twist, food is the first thing, morals follow on. So first make sure that those who are now starving get proper helpings when we all start carving. [Voice off-stage] What keeps mankind alive? [Mrs. Peachum] What keeps mankind alive? The fact that millions are daily tortured, stifled, punished, silenced, oppressed. Mankind can keep alive thanks to its brilliance in keeping its humanity repressed. [Chorus] For once you must try not to shirk the facts: Mankind is kept alive by bestial acts. | WHAT KEEPS MANKIND ALIVE? You gentlemen who think you have a mission To purge us of the seven deadly sins Should first sort out the basic food position Then start your preaching, that's where it begins You lot, who preach restraint and watch your waist as well Should learn, for once, the way the world is run However much you twist, or whatever lies that you tell Food is the first thing, morals follow on So first make sure that those who are now starving get proper helpings, when we all start carving What keeps mankind alive? What keeps mankind alive? The fact that millions are daily tortured, stifled, punished, silenced and oppressed Mankind can keep alive thanks to its brilliance in keeping its humanity repressed And for once you must try not to shirk the facts Mankind is kept alive by bestial acts! |
