I traced the footsteps through the multi-colored avenues That wind their way down to the sea I see the birds that fly beneath the darkened sky They are the messengers of dreams Mandalay, now I know what you try to be Mandalay, now I wish you were here with me Pages filled with science fiction Without fear of contradiction Walking through the fields of evergreen I see a turn and walk away And from the east there comes a breeze That flows up high into the blue Mandalay, now I know what you try to be Mandalay, now I wish you were here with me The sound of retribution In total disillusion, Mandalay Mandalay, now I know what you try to be Mandalay, now I wish you were here with me Admidst the confusion The only conclusion Mandalay of the misty eyes have gazed into the coming door The leaves that turn to gold and brown I've watched them falling to the ground Mandalay, now I know what you try to be Mandalay, now I wish you were here with me