Rest And Recreation

Ein bißchen Freude (Rest and Recreation) introduces us to Phoebus. Like the movie, Phoebus has been relieved of military duty and has been promoted to Captain of the Guard. Unlike the Disney movie, Phoebus here acts more like he does in the book. He just wants to indulge in vices and have lots of “wine, women and song” you know A bit of Joy. He also flirts with a random girl during the course of the song. It also gives us some basis for character development with Phoebus seeing him start out as more of a member of the “common, weak, licentious” crowd to becoming a more righteous person later at the end of act one.

Musically the song uses the Phoebus’ Lemotif from Disney (you know that march music you hear when Phoebus is first introduced). It’s a good introduction to Phoebus as a combination with Disney and the book. The song has good energy and a bit of fun and it’s nice to hear Phoebus get a song to himself.

Lyrics
PHOEBUS Four years at the front Gives a man a zest For a little rest And recreation For the chance to hunt For the spiciest In the way of rest And recreation

Give me your girls of pleasure Your grapes of merlot Show me your wares and measure One large sample Sample 'em at my leisure This three-day furlough Should be ample

MONIQUE Come on, Colette.

COLETTE Wa-wa-wait! What do those stripes mean?

PHOEBUS Captain.

COLETTE Captain?!

PHOEBUS Darling, to be blunt You are with the best That's why I've been blessed With this promotion I've been working hard Now I'm gonna be Captain of the Guard Ain't that a notion?

Like other true knights I've got ambition But for a few nights Fun is my mission So what do you say? Care to share a day Of rest and recreation!