Legacy of Rosebud

In a grand abode known as Xanadu, A sprawling estate in Florida, it's true, Lies Charles Foster Kane, elderly and frail, As he clings to life, his story to unveil. With a snow globe in hand, his final breath near, He whispers "Rosebud," a word so dear, And with that, he departs from this worldly plane, Leaving behind a legacy, shrouded in fame. A newsreel obituary spreads the news, Of Kane, a powerful man who made his dues, A newspaper tycoon, rich beyond measure, His life's tale captivates, becoming a treasure. Jerry Thompson, a reporter bold and keen, Is assigned the task to uncover the mean, The meaning behind "Rosebud," a mystery untold, A quest that will unravel secrets, so bold. Thompson embarks on a journey profound, To interview those who knew Kane, renowned, He seeks out Susan Alexander, his second wife, A woman broken, haunted by her strife. Yet Susan, lost in her own despair, Refuses to speak, a burden she can't bear, Thompson then turns to Thatcher's archive, To discover the truth and Kane's life's drive. In eighteen seventy one, gold was found, A mother's deed that would astound, Mary Kane, his mother, entrusted her wealth, To Thatcher's care, ensuring Kane's stealth. While discussions took place in that boarding house, Young Kane played in the snow, gleeful and rouse, But when introduced to Thatcher, his sled in hand, He struck him, a defiance hard to withstand. At twenty-five, Kane gained control, Of his trust, a fortune ready to enroll, The mine's success and Thatcher's wise investment, Made Kane the epitome of wealth and achievement. With the New York Inquirer newspaper in his grasp, Kane delved into yellow journalism's clasp, Scandalous articles, attacking all in sight, Including Thatcher's interests, with all his might. [screaming electric guitar solo, high notes] Thompson seeks insight from Mister Bernstein, Kane's business manager, wise and stern, He recalls how Kane assembled a team, Of skilled journalists, to achieve his dream. Kane's rise to power, manipulating the masses, Through public opinion, cunningly surpasses, And his marriage to Emily Norton, so grand, Niece of the President, a union unplanned. Jedediah Leland, Kane's estranged friend, Reveals the cracks that began to rend, Kane's marriage to Emily, over time, An affair with Susan Alexander, a chime. Running for Governor, Kane's life took a turn, The scandal erupted, causing him to yearn, For a political career that was now no more, His downfall, a public spectacle to endure. Kane married Susan, forcing her to pursue, An operatic career, though talent was few, He built a grand opera house as a display, Of his power and control, come what may. Leland, once a loyal friend by his side, Began to write a review, a tide, Of negativity towards Susan's debut, Kane, enraged, fired him, the friendship through. Susan, trapped in a life she never desired, The opera career, her dreams now expired, She attempted suicide, a cry for release, And Kane relented, allowing her peace. After years of hardship and abuse, Susan made the decision, no longer to excuse, She left Kane behind, seeking a new start, Escaping the clutches that held her heart. Raymond, the loyal butler, shares a tale, Of Kane's wrath, as Susan's room did assail, But when he stumbled upon a snow globe, Kane's anger subsided, his emotions in probe. "Rosebud," he uttered, a moment of calm, A glimpse into the past, a soothing balm, Thompson, perplexed, fails to solve the enigma, The meaning of "Rosebud," forever a stigma. In Xanadu, Kane's belongings are sorted, Cataloged or discarded, memories distorted, The sled, once a symbol of childhood delight, Burns in the furnace, its revelation ignites. Through the flames, the trade name appears, "Rosebud," in bold letters, quelling all fears, But the true significance, forever unknown, A secret of Kane's, to the world never shown. [end song]