The One-Line Lyric Challenge

Tragic Kingdom

This popular song, written by keyboardist Eric Stefani and performed by Gwen Stefani, is actually a play on Disneyland's Magic Kingdom. The intro is the safety announcement for the Matterhorn. It's in reference to a tragic incident in 1984, when someone stood up on the ride and was decapitated. I find it still relevant today.

Lots of imagery to work with, so happy writing.

Song Prompt: "Tragic Kingdom" by No Doubt



Lyrics: ▼

Once was a magical place
Over time, it was lost
Price increased the cost
Now the fortune of the kingdom
Is locked up in its dungeon vaults
The castle floor lies in traps
With coiled wires set back
Decoyed by old cheese
Now the drawbridge has been lifted
As the millions, they drop to their knees

They pay homage to a king
Whose dreams are buried in their minds
His tears are frozen stiff
Icicles drip from his eyes

The cold wind blows as it snows
On those who fight to get in
On heads that are small
Disillusioned as they enter
They're unaware what's behind castle walls
But now it's written in stone
The king has been overthrown by jesterly fools
And the power of the people
Shall come to believe they do rule

They pay homage to a king
Whose dreams are buried in their minds
His tears are frozen stiff
Icicles drip from his eyes

Welcome to the tragic kingdom
Cornfields of popcorn have yet to spring open

Have they lost their heads
Or are they just all blind mice?
We've heard all their stories
One too many times
Hypnotized by fireflies that glow in the dark
And midgets that disguise themselves as tiny little dwarfs
The parade that's electrical
It serves no real purpose
Just takes up a lot of juice
Just to impress us

They pay homage to a king
Whose dreams are buried in their minds
His tears are frozen stiff
Icicles drip from his eyes
Ooh, they drip from his eyes into the night
They drip from his eyes
They're paying homage to a king
A king who's buried, buried in their minds
They drip from his eyes

Welcome to the tragic kingdom
Cornfields of popcorn have yet to spring open

Welcome to the tragic kingdom

Write a poem or story inspired by the song. No need to incorporate any lyrics.

Due: Midnight, June 30th.