How Can I Refuse Lyrics & Chords By Martin Short

Preminger: 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 am 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 can 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 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: Right...except for this one, uh, little problem, eh, boss
Preminger: Prince boss to you
Nack: Right, em, the Queen decided to marry her off
to the King of Belcenia...next week?
Preminger: What? Making a decision without me?
Who does she think she is?
Nick: Uh, the Queen?
Preminger: You simpering simpleton!
Nick: But she is the queen. She's got a crown and a scepter,
and she sits in her great fancy chair, and...
Preminger: Silencio!
No! I won't let go!
This peasant's son won't turn and run
Because some reckless royal
Chose another beau

Preminger: Ahh! It's a temporary setback
It's a momentary loss
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'
So the king says au revoir
The I find her, bring her back
And make the news

Then the queen will be so grateful
That she'll pledge the girl to moi
And I'll humbly tell her
"How can I refuse?"

When our ceremony's over
I will rise and take the throne
And that nitwit Anneliese
Can kiss my shoes!

For the kingdom and the castle
Will be mine and mine alone
If the crown should fit
Then how can I refuse?

All: So get ready with the roses
And stand by with the champagne
When you've got a brilliant plan
You never lose

Yes, before this chapter closes
I'll be big as Charlemagne
It's a thankless job, but how can I refuse?

How can I refuse?

Preminger: Hahahahahaha!