Bev Ross - words & music

What’s the appropriate prep when you’re tasked with writing two songs for a play about an actual, historical alligator named Saturn? Hitler’s Alligator, in fact! Well, read the script, of course. Discuss with playwright David Belke, director Alison Wells and Timothy J. Anderson, the actor playing Saturn. Then what? Imagine in a Mississippi swamp? A Berlin river? A Moscow zoo? (Such was Saturn’s long life journey.)

To a Noel Coward-esque tune with a jazzy, swing feel, here are the lyrics that introduce Saturn at the top of the play:

Saturn’s Prologue – lyrics - David Belke & Bev Ross;  music – Bev Ross

When one

Finds one’s dinner in the water

Crawdad, toad or river otter

Struggle-free, just honest slaughter

Then one knows beyond a doubt

What one’s life is all about ....

Drifting, dreaming

Sunshine streaming

Drowsy hours, passing prey

Unencumbered every day       

           Oh, so sweet to be the apex 

           Now

Watching, waiting

Contemplating

Master of the muddy creek

 At the food chain’s very peak

            Oh, so sweet to be the apex 

            Cherishing each killer reflex

            Oh, so sweet to be the apex

            Now