(Once,) a pact was formed among the valley’s kings.
(Their goal:) to move the world with what they’d play and sing.
(Risk) and sacrifice were all that they had known.
(For years,) they fought with hope to see their legions grow.
(Then) one day a chain within the link had loosened.
(The fear) of resignation from the throne had heightened.
(One) by one the heroes gave up and departed.
(Nothing) could reignite the fire they had started.

Just when it seemed (just when it seemed)
Like the ending of a dream, (up from the ruins)
Up from the ruins I arose: A new regime!

I am your new stepfather, I’m your black president,
And when your boss leaves, I will be the company’s replacement.
Whether or not you like it, things will be rearranged.
I’m unavoidable; I am change!

(Met) with scrutiny by those who knew it well.
(I knew) this sound would never be an easy sell.
(They) won’t always welcome you with open arms,
(So now) I hope that I can win them with my charms.
(Stress) is building up with all these expectations.
(So much) depends upon me for our reputation.
(Now) I worry that my choices must be perfect.
(I have) but only one chance to appease our subjects.

And though it seems (and though it seems)
Like there’s nothing to redeem, (I’ll keep my head up)
I’ll keep my head up and devise a winning scheme.