I'M ASKING

They tell me you can help us,
They tell me you are wise.
Perhaps then you can help me clear my mind.
My teacher and the girl say
You can see with inner eyes.
Now I need your sight - my role is ill-defined.

So tell me now - I'm asking.
Is this what I have to do?
Will it make life any better
For the common folk like you?
The only skill I've ever learned
Is how to rhyme and sing.
So tell me now - I'm asking:
Will you have me as your king?

My grandsire and his father,
They made our nation great,
And my own sire gave us peace until he died.
But none of them could see you
From the prison of their state,
But I have walked these streets - have heard their children cry...

So tell me now - I'm asking.
How would you have me rule?
If I try to help the helpless
Does that make me just a fool?
There have always been poor people
And I suppose there'll always be,
So tell me now - I'm asking:
What would you ask of me?

For help that you have offered
I'd cover you with gold,
Though not a single copper would you take.
I ask you now again to tell me
What may be foretold:
Will I be king this night - 
And what king will I make?

So tell me now - I'm asking,
As my grandsires never could:
If I help the greatest number
Will I do the greatest good?
Tomorrow I may be the king
Or in battle I may fall,
So tell me now - I'm asking,
Don't turn away - I'm asking,
Don't laugh at me - I'm asking...
I'm asking you.