Benny Andersson, Tim Rice, and Bjorn Ulvaeus
MOLOKOV:
The man is utterly mad -- you're playing a lunatic --
THE RUSSIAN:
That's the problem. He's a brilliant lunatic and you can't
tell
which way
he'll jump -- like his game he's impossible to analyse --
you
can't dissect
him, predict him -- which of course means he's not a
lunatic at
all.
MOLOKOV:
What we've just seen's a pathetic display
From a man who's beginning to crack
He's afraid
He knows he isn't the player he was
And he won't get it back
THE RUSSIAN:
Nonsense!
Why do my seconds
Always want to believe
Third-rate propaganda --
MOLOKOV:
My friend, please relax
We're all on your side
You know how you need us --
THE RUSSIAN:
I don't need my army of so-called 'advisors'
And helpers to tell me
The man who's revitalised chess single-handed
Is more or less out of his brain
When it's very clear
He's sane
MOLOKOV:
Listen, we don't underestimate anyone
We won't get caught in that trap
After all, winning or losing reflects on us all --
THE RUSSIAN:
Oh don't give me that crap!
I win -- no one else does
And I take the rap if I lose
MOLOKOV:
It's not quite that simple
The whole world's tuned in
We're all on display
We're not merely sportsmen --
THE RUSSIAN:
Oh please don't start spouting that old party line
Yes I know it's your job but
Just get out and get me a chess-playing second
In thirty-six hours we begin
That is if you want to win!
Who needs a dream?
W