Crying Down to Rio

[jgou...@panix.com]

Death, destruction: 5 signs Rio's not ready for the Olympics
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/06/22/5-bad-omens-ahead-rio-olympics/86239710/

To: "The Carioca" [Vincent Youmans, music; Edward Eliscu and Gus Kahn,
lyrics; from the film "Flying Down to Rio", 1933]


Watch ""Carioca" from Flying Down to Rio - Alice Gentle, Movita and Etta Moten" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/HA2zuZON5fo

Watch "1933 RKO Studio Orchestra - Carioca (instrumental) (restored)" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/KqB4-2JEhrs


VERSE

The whole Olympiad in Rio,
Now has attenuated brio.
It isn't even fully open, yet they're hopin' it'll jell.

The budgetary situation,
Along with dire sanitation,
Will very likely guarantee that it'll be straight outta hell.

BRIDGE

The call that was Copacabana's,
Was once irresistibly strong.
But sprawl that would foil any planners,
Is so emblematic of the things that can go wrong.

INTERLUDE

From Ipanema the subway line is to run.
It takes a dreamer to think the work'll be done.
You see the city is in calamitous state and on the verge,
Of a catastrophic and complete collapse.
Some urge certain younger folks not compete perhaps.

VERSE

The Zika virus is awaiting,
The athletes participating,
And there are women who are torn when doctors warn they keep away.

The Russian team is now forbidden,
Because of doping they have hidden.
For Putin it's a noisome black eye he must just try to down-play.

BRIDGE

The lure of the summer Olympics,
Is bound to hold some in its sway.
The cure for a bummer Olympics,
Is holding the games at one standard venue some day.