Ronnie Dyson - Fortune and Men's Eyes (1971)

When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes

(Sonnet 29)
William Shakespeare, 1564 - 1616

When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone be weep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee—and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings,
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

Sung by Ronnie Dyson (soul artist 1960s-1980s) Music: Galt MacDermot Lyrics: Will Shakespeare