"Merano" lyrics - BENNY ANDERSSON

[CITIZENS OF MERANO:]
O light the heart that lingers in Merano
Merano! The spa no connoisseur of spas would miss
(So healthy)
Highly recommended is this sweet metropolis
(Mental and physical bliss!)

The gods have smiled and blessed is Merano
Merano! There are no fitter burghers to be found
(Such vigour!)
Take the time to taste us
We'll give you a welcome that's typically Tirol
For then we are sure of our ground
Right now we're Italian - we used to be German -
The border keeps shifting around

[MAYOR:]
Speaking as one of the patriarchs
I don't mind taking your lira or marks

[CITIZENS:]
Oh I get high when I saunter by the mountains of Merano
Rosy-cheeked Merano, flourishing to a fault
The sparkling streams, the bracing air, the therapeutic salt
I'd have to be carried away to call a halt!

Oh I feel great in this bouncing state, o hail to thee, Merano
Hearty hale Merano. Any objections? Nein!
Where breathing in will turn you on, where water tastes like wine
Get out your get up and go and get in line
It's living your life in a show by Rodgers and Hammerstein!

O sad the soul who passes by Merano
Merano! So far no soul has ever passed us by
(They love us)
Why not stay forever?
Oh so many reasons why all those in favour say "Aye"

"AYE!"

So sing a song, let's hear it for Merano
Merano! Soprano, alto, tenor, bass agree
(We're wholesome)
What a happy haven
This is a place where your arteries soften
Cholesterol hasn't a chance
From mountain to valley the natural goodness
Is fighting pollution's advance

[MAYOR:]
So come to us and feel the force
All major credit cards taken of course

[CITIZENS:]
Oh I get high when I saunter by the mountains of Merano
Rosy-cheeked Merano, flourishing to a fault
The sparkling streams, the bracing air, the therapeutic salt
I'd have to be carried away to call a halt

Once in a while all the gods will smile on little old Merano
Humble shy Merano suddenly hits the press
And I report with all the pride and joy that I possess
Half of the world and his wife has our address
Our little town will be rife with games of chess!

[Whistling]

[CITIZENS:]
Get up your get up and go and get in line
It's living your life in a show...

[THE AMERICAN:]
What a scene! What a joy! What a lovely sight!
When my game is the big sensation
Has the mob's sporting taste altered overnight?
Have they found new sophistication?

Not yet, they just want to see
If the nice guy beats the bum
If it's East-West and the money's sky-high
They all come

You can raise all you want, if you raise the roof
Scream and shout and the gate increases
Break the rules, break the bank, I'm the living proof
They don't care how I move my pieces

I know I'm the best there is
But all they want is a show
Well that's all right, I'll be glad to oblige
S.R.O. S.R.O

[Segue]

[MAYOR & CITIZENS:]
Oh I get high when I saunter by the mountains of Merano
Rosy-cheeked Merano, flourishing to a fault
The sparkling streams, the bracing air, the therapeutic salt
I'd have to be carried away to call a halt

Oh I feel great in this bouncing state, o hail to thee, Merano
Hearty hale Merano. Any objections? Nein!
Where breathing in will turn you on, where water tastes like wine
Get out your get up and go and get in line
It's living your life in a show by Rodgers and Hammerstein!

Now for the sell
We put the ice into paradise, we are the salt of the earth
Sound as a bell
Check out the waters and check out the hygiene at which we excel
Check into an hotel and schnell
Body and soul, get well