BERTHOLDT BRECHT DOES SHAKESPEARE
by Jane Mailander
to the tune of "Mackie Messer" aka "Mack the Knife" by Kurt Weill
	(from Bertholdt Brecht's "The Threepenny Opera")

Oh, the Scots fight on the heath, dear, 
And the heath is fogged at night.
Oh, a sharp wife has old MacBeth, dear,
And she keeps him in the fight.

Mac hears forecasts by three hags, dear, 
Thane of Cawdor all his life.
Sees a dagger there before him--
Kills the king as Mac the Knife.

Lady tells him, wipe the slate clean;
Kill his friend, and all is done.
Banquo shows up at a banquet, 
Dead and bloody, not much fun.

Lady's walking in her sleep, dear,
Seeing blood-spots on her hand.
Trees are walking toward MacBeth, dear,
As he fights to hold the land.

Duffie lays on with his men, dear, 
And the thane is beaten down.
What's that thing in Duffie's hand, dear?
Looks like Mackie's lost the crown!

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