Prelude.
What if I stutter, what if I fail?

Stanza I.
Is this one for the nation? is this one for Quebec?
Or must I fight the Tory noose that hanged around the neck
Of Riel and his buddies in 1885?
I do not know if I will come out of this mess alive.
I must make this oration now 'cos my English is good
Enough, but I don't know how it could never be stewed!

Refrain I.
What if I stutter, what if I fail?
What if I lose Quebec and I wrongly tip the scale?
Will my term continue if I must out of it bail?
What if I stutter and what if I fail?

Refrain II.
What if I stutter, what if I fail?
What if I lose all my friends on my tail?
What if I stutter, what if I fail?

Stanza II.
Please forgive my fears now 'cos I cannot compose
A bill of legislation that will ease my Tory foes.
My home in Arthabaska is attacked by bishops too;
God, just forgive me of my wrongs, that my work may please You!
Do they see this land's destiny, or are they just teasin'?
This time, I don't think they see all of my just reasons.

(Refrain I)

Bridge.
What if I stutter...
Every executive in his office must take his painful lumps
And then pay the price.
Every executive in his office...(2x)
I hear they want me once again (once more)
But they did not say where or when, where or when!

(Refrain I 2x)

Tag.
What if I stutter, what if I fail?
What if I lose all my friends on my tail?
What if I stutter, what if I fail
And my bills end up in garbage pails?
Is this one for the nation, is this one for Quebec?