Quartet
Chess Lyrics

We wish, no must, make our disgust
We have a strong desire, almost a necessity, to express our intense disapproval

at this abuse perfectly clear.
regarding this mistreatment in a manner that leaves no doubt or ambiguity.

We're here for chess -- are the U.S.?
Our purpose here is to participate in a chess competition – are the United States representing their country?

If so, why foul the atmosphere?
If that is indeed the case, why do they pollute the environment with negative actions?

I must protest -- our delegation has a host of valid points to raise,
I feel compelled to object – our group has many legitimate arguments to present

Our player's sporting attitude's beyond all praise,
The behavior of our player in relation to sportsmanship is deserving of the highest accolades

as any neutral would attest
as any impartial observer would confirm

But we concede the fact his masters bend the rules is not a player's fault --
However, we acknowledge that it is not the player's responsibility if his mentors manipulate the regulations

We'll overlook their crude political assault
We will disregard their offensive political actions

and under protest will proceed
and despite our objections, we will continue

How can you make such a claim?
How can you assert such a statement?

If your man's so sweet
If your representative is so honorable

Then why his fighting talk?
Then why does he engage in confrontational language?

If he's not a cheat
If he is not dishonest

Then why on earth did he go take a walk?
Then why did he leave abruptly?

Point 17
Rule 17

No one-way screen
The use of a unidirectional screen is not allowed

Will be allowed
is prohibited

In the hall
inside the venue

Why let him loose?
Why allow him to be free?

He'll soon reduce
He will quickly degrade

This great event
This prestigious occasion

To a brawl
To a chaotic fight

It's very sad
It is profoundly disheartening

To see the ancient and distinguished game
To witness the time-honored and honorable game

That used to be
That was once

I am not surprised
I am not shocked

He wanted fresher air
He desired a change of environment

Once he realized
Once he became aware

There was no hope
That there was no possibility

Of your lot playing fair
Of your side adhering to fair play

How sad
What a sorrowful situation

To see
To observe

What used
What was once

To be
The state of being

A model of decorum and tranquillity
An epitome of good behavior and calmness

Become like any other sport
Transform into just another competitive activity

A battleground for rival ideologies
A arena for conflicting ideologies

To slug it out with glee
To fight with enthusiasm

Through the elegant yelling
Amidst the refined shouting

disgust
revulsion

Of this compelling dispute
Of this captivating argument

Comes the ghastly suspicion
Arises the horrible suspicion

are the U.S.?
Is the United States?

My opposition's a fruit
My rival is a fool

atmosphere?
environment?

We wish, no must, make our
We have a strong desire, almost a necessity

At this abuse perfectly
To express our intense disapproval

We're here for chess --
Our purpose of being here is for a chess competition

If so, why foul the
So, why do they pollute the

I don't suppose
I don't imagine

You'd understand the strain and pressure
You would comprehend the stress and tension

getting where he's got
that he had to endure to achieve his current position

For then you'd simply call him
Because then you would merely label him

highly strung and not
being emotionally sensitive and not

Imply that he was one of those
Suggesting that he was one of those individuals

Point 23
Rule 23

The board will be
The chessboard shall be

Made in Sweden
Manufactured in Sweden

Non-aligned wood
Wood that is not associated with any particular alliance

But how can you
However, how can you

Work for one who
Serve someone who

waiting here
being treated poorly here

Treats you like dirt?
Treats you with disrespect?

Pay must be good
Salary must be good

is our
is our assumption

It seems to us
We believe

There's little point in
There is little purpose in

all night for his return
waiting all night for his comeback

And since a peaceful match
And because a peaceful game

Is our sole concern
Is our only preoccupation

I'm not getting rich
I'm not becoming wealthy

My only interest
My sole focus

Is in something which
Lies in something that

Gives me the chance
Provides me the opportunity

Of working with the best
To work with the most talented individuals

We won't make an official fuss
We will not create an official commotion

In short we rise
In summary, we elevate ourselves

Above your guy's
Above your individual's

Tantrums, dramas,
Outbursts, theatrics,

Dirty tricks
Unfair tactics

I can only say
I can merely state

I hope your dream comes true
I hope your aspiration becomes a reality

Till that far-off day
Until that distant day

I hope you cope
I hope you manage

With helping number two.
With assisting the second-ranked player

Point 31
Rule 31

No game begun
No game that has started

By noon goes on
After twelve o'clock continues

After six
After six o'clock

It's very sad to see
It is profoundly disheartening to witness

The ancient and distinguished game that used to be
The time-honored and respected game that was once

A model of decorum and tranquillity
An epitome of good behavior and calmness

Become like any other sport
Transform into just another competitive activity

A battleground for rival ideologies
An arena for conflicting ideologies

To slug it out with glee
To eagerly engage in combat