(Reynold D. Philipsek)
My Roman Catholic upbringing and 12 years of parochial education still shows some resonance.
This verse recalls the congregational recitation of a Rosary or Novena where the priest would intone a short prayer and the congregation would reply with a repeated response in a low monotone.
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Gone the halcyon days I trod the boards to mighty cheers
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears
These days the music of my youth only brings a ringing to my ears
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears
And ennui’s no longer assuaged by copious whiskey shots and beers
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears
And self-image upheld by vampire-like avoidance of all mirrors
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears
As fine young girls return wry smiles with condescending sneers
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears
And every little ache and pain stirs some primal mortal fears
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears
It’s hard to resign yourself to the accumulation of the years
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears
So let’s devise some slick diversion as the grim reaper slowly nears
More trials and tribulations in this quaint old vale of tears