Charles Aznavour - The Ham

I am only a ham
It's the way that I am
I was born just to play
On a stage cold and bare
In a spotlight's great glare
It's my life it's my way

I'm a ham look at me
On a stage I am free
Every moment is mine
Give me time to prepare
Get an audience there
And my talent will shine
It will shine

In shady rooms and smoky light
I bare my soul most every night
… … … … …
It's both my torment and my risk

It's in my blood
It's in my soul
I live to act
To play my role
The final challenge burning bright
I talk I laugh I know it's right

Though I'm only a ham
… … … … …
It's my life it's my story
It's a world of my own
I can stand up alone
In my moment of glory

And when the stage lights dim
My cup fills to the brim
I feel I can't go on
Until the moment comes
My heart pounds like a drum
I watch my execution

The curtains rise at last
A side my fears are cast
… … … … …
I'll enter make-believe
And watch me as I weave
The web of my illusion
Illusion

Though I'm only a ham
Let me be what I am
I have chosen my fate
I knew right from the start
That I'd master my art
And I'd live to create

You may think I'm insane
And am foolish or vain
But I'm true to my cause
Set the stage
Light the light
You'll see genius tonight
Here in my tour de force
Tour de force

Full make-up on
With natural face
With clumsy movements
Or with grace
I wish I thought
In even bursts
I feel drunk
I feel cursed

I'll play the king
I'll play the fool
I will be tender or be cruel
I live I die
… … … … …
I lie to you
And I believe

Some will envy or scorn
But it's why I was born
I am proud of my story
I must be what I am
I am only a ham
In his moment of glory.