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lyrics

The wives usher Quelch into a decorative gaming room with marbled jade floors and beautiful oriental rugs. The windows stretch across the room presenting an aquamarine ocean surrounded by bright colored, extraordinary vegetation. The Monkey King sits at a throne, intricately carved from a banana tree. Shelves on both sides of the throne reach the ceiling, housing an array of board games from around the world. The Monkey King raises his chin and beckons Quelch to a seat across from him.
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Monkey King:
Come in, sit down. A little wine will clear your mind.
But, oh, too late. I drank it first and that to you is negative three,
And three for me.

Is everything fine? Maybe so, but not like mine.
Do you have all you need? Perhaps, but not as much as me.
Scorekeeper please, add another three.

So you want to go free, well, that's another penalty.
You're falling behind. Well, I've got something else in mind...

Life is a game, and I'm usually the winner.
I can see between you and me, who's the angel and the sinner.
Life is a game, and you're usually the loser.
I can see between you and me, who's the servant and the master.

Prepare the cards, a little game for us to play.
My finest boat, if you should win, you're free to go,
But if you should lose.... too bad for you.
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Scorekeeper:
"Let's begin. Deal the cards, five a piece. A cutthroat hand and a super prize.
One eyed Jack opens, his Highness takes the point - Suicide King ends his life.
Point to Quelch's side. Queen charms the Ace, and Quelch gains the lead.
Two trips the King of Clubs, and the game is tied. The next play wins.
Tempers are thin. His Majesty throws the Joker's heart - Quelch makes the catch.
It's a Black Queen! The sailor beats the King! His Royal Highness has lost the match!”

Animal court: (Somebody's got to take the fall.)
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Monkey King:
Well, what do you know - it's rarely so, you're free to go
I'm a little in shock. I can't imagine your good luck
But, lucky or not, take what you've got.

Somebody's price has got to be paid, I'm not happy at all,
But what else can I say?

Life is a game, and I'm usually the winner,
But you have beat my game now sailor, take your things and sail away.
Life is a game, and you're usually the loser,
But you have beat my game now sailor, take your things and sail away.

credits

from Adventures from the Ocean of the Dead, released June 9, 2015
Piano and vocals – Michelle Cross
Drums – Henry Jansen
Upright Bass – Shawn Sommer
Guitars and Mandolin – Mathew Prock
Voice of Scorekeeper: Ted Hazelgrove

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Michelle Cross Chicago, Illinois

Michelle is a musician and artist based in Chicago. Sprinkled with classical influences and firmly supported by strong vocals, Cross’s songs tend to have a darker, moodier feel to them. At times, there is a lot of aggression and rhythm in her piano playing, yet even at its most gentle moments her powerfully emotional and melodic piano-based songs have caused listeners to sit-up and pay attention. ... more

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