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 places.

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.

You'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 pitch-forks!

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 was 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 fun
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!