The Prince Of The Thieves
Words and Music by Rupert Holmes (Jordan-Herman-Holmes) (ASCAP)

I’m the son of a beggar, I’m the son of a thief
And my father knew nothing, but he had one belief
That this livin’ is dyin’ and that death is a prize
And to die you must earn it, oh, my father was wise

Why must I live, why must I die
What need I give, why must I try
Why is there sand, where is the wind
What have I sinned

I was born to wear rubies, golden rings of my own
Drinking nectar of jasmine, on an ivory throne
But the gods overlooked me, Allah be with the poor
And my soul it is hungry, cannot take any more

Why must I live, why must I die
What need I give, why must I try
Why is there sand, where is the wind
What have I sinned

Yesterday in the market, stood a woman of ice
And I wanted to buy her, but I hadn’t the price
She’s the lotus of Baghdad, she’s a sword in the sky
And if I were to touch her, like a dog I would die

Why must I live, why must I die
What need I give, why must I try
Why is there sand, where is the wind
What have I sinned

So I live for tomorrow, just the same as today
What I need is so simple, and it’s easy to pray
What I need is a good robe, filled with burgundy sleeves
I’m the son of a beggar, I’m the prince of the thieves