[Verse 1] At the edge of the velvet curtain, Madame Vesper lifts her fan; Every chandelier is turning, Every table joins the plan. The fiddles race, the trumpets answer, Silk skirts wheel across the floor; One sharp heel and all the room erupts— Then she is asking for one more! [Chorus] Raise the rafters, ring the glasses, Let the grand parade begin! Spin, my darlings, split the night air, Kick the gilded doors wide in! Viva, viva, hearts in motion, Round the room and back again! When the final curtain falls, We’ll raise the rafters once again! [Verse 2] From the balcony, the countess Drops a rose into the crowd; Even the old duke, stiff as marble, Finds his feet and laughs out loud. The floorboards drum beneath us, The brass declares the hour is ours; We whirl past clocks and solemn portraits, And leave the rules among the flowers. [Chorus] Raise the rafters, ring the glasses, Let the grand parade begin! Spin, my darlings, split the night air, Kick the gilded doors wide in! Viva, viva, hearts in motion, Round the room and back again! When the final curtain falls, We’ll raise the rafters once again! [Bridge] O fate, unfasten every ribbon! O joy, outsing the closing bell! If morning waits beyond the doorway, Let it wait—we dance too well! [Final Chorus] Raise the rafters, ring the glasses, Let the grand parade begin! Spin, my darlings, split the night air, Kick the gilded doors wide in! Viva, viva, hearts in motion, Round the room and back again! When the final curtain falls, We’ll raise the rafters once again! [Outro] One last turn beneath the candles— Madame Vesper takes her bow. The room is still, the rose is falling; Hear the last heel strike out now!
