Working on the Land

Working on the Land Lyrics

Working on the Land Song Lyrics

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Pierre
Bertrande is the best you can hope for here
Martin
Uncle it's too soon, can't I choose next year?
Pierre
Martin we can't wait, let me make it clear
Every man plays his part, here's the plan
Win her heart and hand
Men
When you do, thanks to you, we will save this land.
Villager
You must save the land that we're born to live for
Martin
Can't you understand that I need more time?
Pierre
Marry for the land, it is all we have
Villagers & Pierre
Land to last, as it's passed, man to son
When it's done as planned
Then we'll pray it will stay as good Catholic land
Martin
Uncle, I can't lie just to make you richer
Pierre
It's not just for me, it's for Artigat
If she doesn't marry, then we'll lose the land
Her cousin is a Protestant
Villagers
The next in line's a Protestant
Pierre
She must have an heir soon, don't you understand?
Men
Working on the land that we're born to live for
Loving for the land, it is where we're blessed
(Working on the land)
Dying on the land, it is where we rest
Land to last, as it's passed, man to son, when it's done as planned
Then we'll pray it will stay as good Catholic land

(Bertrande is surrounded by the women of Artigat, who are
fixing her dress. Guillaume is lurking in the background.)

Bertrande
Mother, is it true that Martin's asking for my hand?
Mme de Rols
Of course he loves you Bertrande, with your beauty and your land
Bertrande
All the girls in Artigat, and yet he chooses me
Guillaume
What do you expect when he can get her land for free?
Mme de Rols
Planning for the land that we're born to die for
Bertrande
Loving for the land that the good Lord gave
Mme de Rols
Giving all our land to a man once more
Bertrande
It's my turn
Three Crones
She'll soon learn
Bertrande
Fate has smiled
Bertrande & Mme de Rols
Living for the land and a Catholic child
Villagers
Living for the land and a Catholic wedding
Loving for the land now she's ripe for bedding
Drinking for the land and the seed he's spreading

(The villagers begin to dance. Martin stands aside, then
Pierre drags him over to Bertrande and Mme de Rols. Martin
and Bertrande sit on chairs, not facing each other, Bertrande
facing the women and Martin facing the men. Bertrande is
giggling like a schoolgirl)

Pierre
We have come to...
Mme de Rols
Bless my soul, Martin, you've grown, you look so strong and supple
Bertrande (to Pierre)
Welcome, sir
Pierre
If Martin marries Bertrande it would be most beneficial
Martin
Not to me
Mme de Rols
But Martin, everybody knows you'll make a perfect couple
Pierre
And when they're wed we'll do the same and make our love official
See Martin, it's easy
Mme de Rols
He's lovely
Pierre
And she's such a beauty
Bertrande
He's lovely
Martin
Uncle, I'm not ready
Pierre
Martin, it's your duty!
Villagers
Do it now for Artigat or we'll lose the land!
The next in line is Protestant, don't you understand?
Mme de Rols It's a deal then, Martin?
Martin Well, I...
Pierre He agrees! It's a deal

(Guillaume has been watching the deal. When it is official,
he walks away in disgust and does not join in the dancing.
Martin and Bertrande are blindfolded. Mme de Rols and Pierre
place wreaths of flowers around their necks and on their heads.
They are led into the church and kneel facing the audience,
with the villagers kneeling behind them)

Villagers
Working on the land that we're born to live for
Loving for the land, it is where we're blessed
(Working on the land)
Dying for the land, it is where we rest
Land to last, as it's passed, man to son
When it's done as planned, then we'll pray it will stay as good Catholic land
(The action pauses)
Guillaume
All my days, all my nights, all I dream of is you
What is this? Just a deal
I know my love is true
Please Bertrande, can't you see how this farce makes me feel?
You'll regret this! Don't forget this!
There are scars that never heal!
(Father Dominic arrives, and the blindfolds are removed)
Father Dominic Do you, Bertrande Suzanne de Rols, take
Martin Antoine Guerre to be your lawfully wedded husband?
Bertrande I do.
Father Dominic Do you, Martin Antoine Guerre, take Bertrande
Suzanne de Rols to be your lawfully wedded wife?
(silence)
Pierre Martin...Martin!
(he smacks Martin's arm)
Martin I do.
(Father Dominic sings in Latin, Martin and Bertrande take hands.
After the ceremony is over, Martin pulls his hand away from Bertrande.
Mme de Rols and Pierre Guerre congratulate the married couple and the
villagers dance in celebration. Guillaume stands apart.)
(Martin storms into his house, pulling off his wreath. Bertrande
follows him. They stand at the window, while the villagers dance in
their yard)
Villagers
Working on the land that we're born to live for
Loving for the land, it is where we're blessed
(Working on the land)
Dying for the land, it is where we rest
Land to last, as it's passed, man to son
When it's done then we'll pray it will stay as good Catholic land
(the villagers begin to give advice on sex to Martin and Bertrande)
Three Crones
He'll start to groan and start to shake
You'll feel the rushing of the tide
The morning comes and when you wake
There's a baby inside...
Men
First of all make sure your rod's nice and hard
You'll blow out the candle then quick grab your chance
If you doubt don't despair we're down here in the yard
If it shrinks just think of the future of France
(the villagers laugh)

(Bertrande turns to Martin, but he moves quickly away from her)
Three Crones Winter's past, spring at last yet she seems so pale and lean
Have you heard? Not a word
I was told their sheets are clean
Table's spread except for bread, perhaps the dough has failed to rise
Why so long? What's gone wrong?
Artigat demands its prize!
Madame de Rols
I know how she longs for a child to bear
How long can we wait for our Catholic heir?
Pierre Guerre
There's no need to worry, she married a Guerre
Villagers
Where's the child?
Just one seed he has to sow
Is there something we don't know
André
They married so young and he wasn't too sure
Catherine
She told me last night that he sleeps on the floor
He won't even talk, she can't take anymore
Villagers
Where's the child?
Just one seed he has to sow
Is there something we don't know?