Young Cleopatra
Andy Partridge/XTC Lyrics

I see them offering you gum
I observe people offering you gum as a sign of approval

I hear the swarming schoolkids' hum
I listen to the buzz of schoolmates flocking around you

A tribe of polyester warriors spellbound
A group of people who are mesmerized by your charm

They bring you offerings to please
They present you with gifts to gain your favor

Like cigarettes or new LP's
They offer you things like cigarettes or new LPs to impress you

You'll have them on their knees and begging
Your influence is so powerful that people are willing to humble themselves in front of you

Just to play with your comb
They would do anything to get your attention, even playing with your hair

One glance from those two eyes
Your enchanting gaze has the power to enthrall people instantly

Will seal your playground empire
You have the ability to rule over your playground with just a look

My oh my, what a sight for sore eyes, young Cleopatra
You are a stunning sight to behold, like the legendary Queen of Egypt

My oh my, what a wonderful prize, young Cleopatra
You are a valuable and rare treasure

You'll never be a queen unless you do as you're told
You won't become a leader unless you follow the rules and expectations set by others

You wouldn't understand it being fourteen years old
You lack the life experience and wisdom to comprehend the complexities of leadership

Don't ever give your love for free
Don't give away your affection too easily or without reason

But then again, don't even let it be sold
At the same time, don't allow anyone to exploit your love for personal gain

You have your teachers in a trap
You have a way of manipulating and controlling your instructors

There's no age limit or no gap
You can exert your influence over people of any age or status

To who you set alight with firebombs...
You have the power to ignite passion and fervor in whoever you choose

I'm glad your father is my friend
I'm grateful to have a connection to you through your relationship with your father

And now that school is at an end
As the school day comes to a close

He's only an excuse for me
Your father is just an opportunity for me to be close to you

To wait here at your palace gates
To linger and hope for a chance to see you again

Your school uniform looks grey on others and silver on you
Your uniform appears dull and unremarkable on everyone else, but on you it shines like silver

Your yellow wooden rule a golden sceptre to prove it's true
Your yellow ruler is like a regal symbol of your power and authority

You're at the youth club near the drums
You are in a social gathering where the music is loud and the energy is high

The young guitarist buzzer strums
A talented young musician plays his guitar

Anything his royal majesty wishes
You have the power to make others obey your every desire

Your borrowed perfume fills the air
Your sweet fragrance lingers in the room

Pale nostrils start to flare
People are attracted to your scent and react to it emotionally

It's more than some can bear
Your overwhelming presence is too much for some to handle

But this is your court and they are your dogs
This is your realm where people are at your mercy and will do anything to please you