Upon getting a post on the H.M.S. Indomitable, Billy Budd sings this exultant aria about becoming a foretopman and looking out for the ship from the crow’s nest. The other sailors are enthralled by the sight of the beautiful young man who’s so happy to work on the ship and flock to him.
Billy Budd, king of the birds!
Billy Budd, king of the world!
Up among the sea-hawks
Up against the storm
Looking down on the deck
Looking down on the waves
Working aloft with my mates
Working aloft in the foretop
Working and helping, working and sharing
Goodbye to the old life. Don't want it no more
Farewell to you, old comrades!
Farewell to you for ever
Farewell, Rights o' Man
Farewell, old Rights o' Man
Farewell to you for ever
Old Rights o' Man
Billy Budd, king of the birds! was written by Benjamin Britten & E.M. Forster.
Benjamin Britten released Billy Budd, king of the birds! on Sat Dec 01 1951.
Jacques Imbrailo
Will Hughes