Song lyrics to The Vegetarian Written by Leslie Bricusse, Performed by Rex Harrison in Doctor Dolittle
Doctor Dolittle: The day that i became a veterinarian,
I had a sudden overwhelming wish
To be a pure and simple vegetarian –
And give up eating all that meat and fish.
Tommy: I think that’s marvelous!
Matthew: Meat’s very unhealthy for you!
Doctor Dolittle: Yes …
So now i live on healthy food instead! –
Like apple cores
And parsnip juice –
And chunks of plain brown bread!
When i see my fellow men
Consuming sirloin steak –
And i find myself enjoying tea and Dundee cake –
There is really only one conclusion i can make –
I’m a devoted vegetarian!
[feeding a pig] No, you don’t, you little pig! you’ve had yours! oh all right, then but only a little! you see what i mean? this is his tenth meal today!
When my host at dinner offers
Succulent roast beef
Proudly i refuse it. people stare in disbelief,
Lost in admiration as i nibble on a leaf
A very noted vegetarian!
I don’t even eat horseradish, in case i upset the horses!
I stay away from deviled ham on principle! –
I wouldn’t eat roast duckling if i could!
Will power has made me invincible! …
My word, those sausages do look good!
Turnip pie and peanuts –
That’s the sort of filth i eat!
Any sort of rubbish
That is wholesome and discreet!
Why don’t i admit that my hypocrisy’s complete?
If i should live to be a centenarian –
Become our most adored humanitarian –
I’ll never make a decent vegetarian! –
I’m a cheat!
I love meat
I’m a cheat
Yes, i am!
I love red-blooded juicy chunks of meat!-
Legs of lamb!
Sides of beef & chops & steak & veal!
And pork, of course! – my favorite meal!
And then i hear poor Gub-Gub squeal!
Oh me! oh my! –
A reluctant but sincere vegetarian
Am i!