Music by Elton John

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Available on the album Elton John

No man's a jester playing Shakespeare

Round your throne room floor

While the juggler's act is danced upon

The crown that you once wore

And sooner or later

Everybody's kingdom must end

And I'm so afraid your courtiers

Cannot be called best friends

Caesar's had your troubles

Widows had to cry

While mercenaries in cloisters sing

And the king must die

Some men are better staying sailors

Take my word and go

But tell the ostler that his name was

The very first they chose

And if my hands are stained forever

And the altar should refuse me

Would you let me in, would you let me in, would you let me in

Should I cry sanctuary

No man's a jester playing Shakespeare

Round your throne room floor

While the juggler's act is danced upon

The crown that you once wore

The king is dead, the king is dead

The king is dead, the king is dead