Masquerade / Why so Silent...
Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics

Masquerade, paper faces on parade
A visual spectacle of people disguising their true identity

Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you
People hide behind masks to conceal their true selves

Masquerade, every face a different shade
Every person has their own unique mask that represents their character

Masquerade, look around, there's another mask behind you
People are not who they appear to be and may hide their true intentions

Flash of mauve, splash of puce
A momentary burst of color in the midst of the masquerade

Fool and king, ghoul and goose
People from all walks of life participate in the masquerade

Green and black, queen and priest
People from all occupations and positions are present in the masquerade

Trace of rouge, face of beast, faces
The masks worn in the masquerade are diverse and can be animal-like

Take your turn, take a ride
Each person has the opportunity to participate in the masquerade

On the merry-go-round in an inhuman race
The masquerade is a fast-paced and chaotic spectacle

Thigh of blue, true is false
The world is uncertain and ever-changing

Who is who
It is hard to distinguish between people in the masquerade

Curl of lip, swirl of gown
The masks and attire at the masquerade have unique features and are extravagant

Ace of hearts, face of clown, faces
The masks vary in design and can be whimsical or extravagant

Drink it in, drink it up 'til you've drowned
People become engrossed in the spectacle of the masquerade until they are overwhelmed

In the light, in the sound
The masquerade is a feast for the senses

But who can name the face?
No one can tell who someone truly is in the masquerade

Masquerade, grinning yellows, spinning reds
The masks take on different emotions and colors

Masquerade, take your fill, let the spectacle astound you
Observe and enjoy the spectacle of the masquerade

Masquerade, burning glances, turning heads
Eyes constantly search for the masks and the people behind them

Masquerade, stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
People in the masquerade are smiling despite hiding their true selves

Masquerade, seething shadows breathing lies
There are people in the masquerade who are deceitful and insincere

Masquerade, you can fool any friend who ever knew you
People are able to hide behind masks and deceive even those who know them well

Masquerade, leering satyrs, peering eyes
Masks can take on different moods and themes, and some are lewd and unsettling

Masquerade, run and hide, but a face will still pursue you
Even if someone tries to hide, their true self will ultimately be revealed

Why so silent, good Messieurs?
A question directed at the audience who are listening in silence

Did you think that I had left you for good?
A rhetorical question posed by a character who believes they were forgotten

Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
A character seeking attention and affirmation from the audience

I have written you an opera
A character boasting that they have created a work of art for the audience

Here, I bring the finished score
The character presents their creation to the audience

Don Juan triumphant
The title of the character's opera

I advise you to comply
The character expects the audience to do as they say

My instructions should be clear
The character thinks that their instructions are obvious

Remember, there are worse things than a shattered chandelier
The character threatens the audience that there could be consequences if they disobey

Your chains are still mine, you will sing for me
The character has control over the audience and demands their obedience

What a night, what a crowd
A night and an event that is memorable and impressive

Makes you glad
The event brings happiness and joy

Makes you proud
The event brings about a sense of pride

All the crème, de la crème
The highest quality people are in attendance

Watching us, watching them
People are observing each other and the event

And all our fears are in the past
The event has put people's worries behind them

Three months of relief
A period of stress-free time

Of delight, of elysian peace
A sense of heavenly peace and enjoyment

And we can breathe at last
People can finally relax and breathe easily

No more notes, no more ghost
There are no more fears or worries

Here's a health, here's a toast
A celebratory offering and a wishing of good health

To a prosperous year, to the new chandelier
Best wishes for a bright and hopeful future

And may our splendor never fade (what a joy) (what a change)
Hoping that the good times will continue and not fade away

What a blessed release
A feeling of being unburdened and blessed

And what a masquerade
The whole event has been like a masquerade

Think of it, a secret engagement
A covert and private gathering

Look, your future bride, just think of it
A proposal is being made and the audience is being invited to imagine the scenario

But why is it secret? What have we to hide?
A question is posed as to why the engagement is being kept secret

Please, let's not fight (Christine, you're free)
An appeal is made to avoid a conflict, and a woman named Christine is told she has been liberated

Wait 'til the time is right (when will that be?)
The audience is being asked to wait for an opportune moment, though it is unclear when that might be

It's an engagement, not a crime
The audience is told that the secret gathering is a benign engagement, not a criminal act

Christine, what are you afraid of?
A woman named Christine is being asked what she fears or is hesitant about

Let's not argue (let's not argue)
Everyone is encouraged to avoid an argument

Please pretend (I can only hope)
People are being prompted to act as if everything is normal, but it is uncertain if that will be successful

You will understand in time (I'll understand in time)
Assurances are given that explanations will be provided at some point