Eartha Kitt \”An Englishman needs time\”
‘n Parodie, Eartha Kitt, and you thought an Englishman needs time…
as you’ve guessed I’m continental
Romantic and sentimental
And I look on theatre as something of an art
But I’ve found that nationalities
Have different formalities
When dealing with affairs of this art
Now the Spaniard needs a soft guitar
And a balcony to climb
While the Portuguese needs
the breeze in the trees
But South Africans need time
The Italians long for an operatic song
Or a soft Sicilian wine
Well, the French deal in love
At the drop of a glove
But South Africans need time
They’ll admit to an attraction
But show no reaction
Your submission ends in a D
What goes on in Their heads
Is completely suppressed
What else do you expect from the NAC?
The Viennese need a waltz by Strauss
or a glockenspiel’s sweet chime
While the Dutch like to sing and theatre is king
South Africans need time
A New Yorker’s needs is variety and speed
and to be found at the drop of a dime
At Hollywood though, they need nothing at all
But South Africans need time
They’ll meet you maybe Monday night
But unless it’s quite unique
They’ll call you up around Wednesday noon
You’ll get answers Thursday week
Though you’ll have to wait
They may work up to a date
But if their really mad for you
They will tenderly say :
You look smashing today
And dissapear into the loo
When you think is all over
The Arts Council arrives in a very purposeful way
But if they mention sponsors
No, it’s not what you thought
they want you to work for no pay
Now in Australia, build their opera house
for a soprano in her prime
While an Eskimo play needs a whole lot of snow …
But South Africans need time
Now, I love all South Africans
but you must admit, they are terribly
post-everything…
But after all, it’s said and done
and the battle is finally won
artists…
let’s contemplate …
Who wouldn’t wait
for a Council …
to take their …
… time.
