Overture / Big Bright Beautiful World

Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek

Who lived with his parents in a bog by a tree

It was a pretty nasty place

But he was happy because ogres like nasty

On his birthday, the little ogre's parents sat him down to talk

Just as all ogre's parents had for hundreds of years before

Listen son, you're growing up so quickly

Growing up, bigger by the day

Although we want you here

The rules are very clear

Now you're seven

Now you're seven

So it's time to go away

Your Mama packed a sandwich for your trip

Your Papa packed your boots in case of snow

You're gonna make us proud, no backing up allowed

Just keep walking

Just keep walking

And you'll find somewhere to go

It's a big, bright, beautiful world

With happiness all around

It's peaches and cream

And every dream comes true

But not for you

It's a big, bright, beautiful world

With possibilities everywhere

And just around the bend

There's a friend or two

But not for you

We're ugly, son

Which means that life is harder

People hate the things they cannot understand

And when they look at us, they tend to make a fuss

Burn our houses down

And chase us

Off our land

It's important that you find a cozy cesspit

A place no one would ever dare to tread

And if they happen by, make sure you terrify them

If you don't, son

If you don't, son

Then you'll surely wind up dead

Good-bye!

Good-bye!

Watch out for men with pitchforks!

And so, the little ogre went off and found a muddy patch of swampland

Far, far away from the world that despised him

And there, he stayed for many years

Tucked away, and all alone, which was just the way he liked it

Keep your big, bright, beautiful world

I'm happy where I am, all alone

I got all I need

So read the stinkin' sign!

Keep your big, bright, beautiful world

I party on my own anyway

Doin' what I can

With a one-man conga line

Yeah, your big, bright, beautiful world

Is all teddy bears and unicorns

Take your fluffy fauna

And shove it where the sun don't shine!

I prefer a life like this

It's not that complicated

Sure, I'm fated to be lonely

And I'm destined to be hated

If you read the books, they say

It's why I was created

But I don't care

'Cause being liked

Is grossly overrated

Who needs a big, bright, beautiful world?

I got my own little patch of the world!

It's not a big, bright, beautiful world

But it's mine! Alone!

It's mine!

And it's mine!

All mine!