[Verse 1] At the palace laundry, just before the dawn, Madame Violetta found the princess yawning on. She folded up the velvet, set the silver crown aside, And brought a starched white apron with a twinkle in her eye. [Pre-Chorus] “Your Highness, hold still; the ribbon goes here. A proper young maid keeps her collars quite clear!” The princess watched the looking glass, uncertain but intrigued, While Violetta tied the bow with practiced, nimble speed. [Chorus] Step, turn, bow—now the bells announce, From the grand salon to the pantry dance! Polish the spoon and carry the tray, The little princess learns the household way! Step, turn, bow—let the bright skirts fly, With a cheeky grin and a chin held high! The crown may rest till the lessons are through— There’s a maid in the mirror, and she’s learning anew! [Verse 2] “Mind the tea, mind the stairs, keep the linen in a row; Say ‘please’ to the cook, and let the footmen go.” She swept the long gallery, then curtsied to a chair, And practiced saying “Certainly!” with regal, careful air. [Pre-Chorus] The cook gave a nod; the old butler approved, The princess found the rhythm and soon she was moved. Violetta kept teaching with a conspirator’s grin, As the palace staff all gathered for the lesson to begin. [Chorus] Step, turn, bow—now the bells announce, From the grand salon to the pantry dance! Polish the spoon and carry the tray, The little princess learns the household way! Step, turn, bow—let the bright skirts fly, With a cheeky grin and a chin held high! The crown may rest till the lessons are through— There’s a maid in the mirror, and she’s learning anew! [Bridge] “Who commands this kingdom?” Violetta asked with flair. “I do,” said the princess, “and I’ll start by helping there.” She offered tea to everyone, then bowed with royal grace; The sly maid laughed, the household cheered, delight across each face. [Final Chorus] Step, turn, bow—let the trumpets resound, The finest young helper in all the palace found! Polish the spoon and carry the tray, She’s mastered the household the princess’s way! Step, turn, bow—let the bright skirts fly, A queenly young maid with her head held high! The crown waits safely; her lesson is through— Now the whole court is dancing along with her too! [Outro] The apron was folded, the crown set in place, But she kept one white ribbon—and a grin on her face.
