 The page The Ballad of Guiteau contains mature content that may include coarse language, sexual references, and/or graphic violent images which may be disturbing to some. Mature pages are recommended for those who are 18 years of age and older.
If you are 18 years or older or are comfortable with graphic material, you are free to view this page. Otherwise, you should close this page and go view another. |
"The Ballad of Guiteau" is a song from the musical Assassins. It features Charles J. Guiteau and the Balladeer after the latter assassinates President James Abram Garfield.
Performers
| Character | Original Off-Broadway | London Premiere | Broadway Premiere | London revival | Encores! Off Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles J. Guiteau | Jonathan Hadary | Henry Goodman | Denis O'Hare | Andy Nyman | John Ellison Conlee |
| The Balladeer | Patrick Cassidy | Anthony Barclay | Neil Patrick Harris | Jamie Parker | Clifton Duncan |
Lyrics
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 your lightning
You used his Sword
Wait till you see tomorrow
Tomorrow you'll get your reward!
You can be sad
Or you can 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
I'll 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 tickets 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!
Other Appearances
- The original version of the song was featured in the play's soundtrack.
- The Broadway version was featured on the official soundtrack.
Gallery
Images
Videos
Trivia
- The lyrics were inspired by the poem "I am Going to the Lordy", written by the real-life Charles J. Guiteau.
