I’ve been bowing, I’ve been scraping,
I’ve been lying like a rug,
And for ten long years I’ve had to pay my dues.
But today I’m escaping, for the last gold has been dug!
It was waiting there so
How could I refuse?

I’m returning home a hero
Who’s discovered mighty wealth,
And what better husband could a princess choose?
I’m the suitor who will suit her,
Bring the kingdom back to health,
And I’ll wear the crown for
How could I refuse?

Raise every glass and rouse every cheer!
Praise that the reign of Preminger is here!
Master in charge of all that I see!
All hail me!

And by marrying the princess
I get all that I desire,
Like a moat, an ermine coat,
And palace views.
Even though she treats me coldly,
It’s a sign of inner fire,
For inside she’s thinking
“How can I refuse?”

Nack (speaking):
Right, except for this one little problem, boss...

Preminger (speaking):
“Prince Boss”, to you!

Nack (speaking):
Right, the queen decided to marry her off to the King of Dulcenia next week.

Preminger (speaking):
What? Making a decision without me? Who does she think she is?

Nick (speaking):
Uh, the queen?

Preminger (speaking):
You simpering simpleton!

Nick (speaking):
Well, she is the queen. She’s got a crown and a sceptre and sits in her big fancy chair, and always got on—

Preminger (speaking) :
Silencio!
No! I won’t let go!
(Singing) This peasant son won’t turn and run
Because some reckless royal chose another beau!

Ah! It’s a temporary setback,
It’s a momentary lapse,
But conveniently my ego doesn’t bruise!
And the moment that I get back
I will show them who’s the boss!
You can bet your bullion there’ll be no “I do’s”.

Yes, suppose the girl goes missing,
And the king says, “Au revior”,
Then I find her, bring her back
And make the news!
Then the queen will be so faithful that she’ll
Pledge the girl to moi,
And I’ll humbly tell her,
“How can I refuse?”

Nick (speaking):
Yeah!

Preminger (singing):
When our ceremony’s over
I’ll arise and take the throne
And that nitwit Anneliese can kiss my shoes!
For the kingdom and my castle will be mine and mine alone,
If the crown should fit, then
How can I refuse?

Preminger // Nick and Nack (all singing):
So get ready with the roses and // So get ready with the roses
And stand by with the champagne, // And stand by with the champagne,
When you’ve got a brilliant plan you never lose! // When you’ve got a brilliant plan you never lose!
Yes, before the chapter closes // Yes before the chapter closes
I’ll be big as Charlemagne, // He’ll be big as Charlemagne,
It’s a thankless job but // It’s a thankless job but
How can I refuse? // How can he refuse?
How can I refuse? // How can he refuse?