Daniel Pearson (born 2 July 1982) is an English musician and songwriter fro… Read Full Bio ↴Daniel Pearson (born 2 July 1982) is an English musician and songwriter from Kingston upon Hull, England. He has released to studio albums as a solo artist, and plays guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and percussion on his releases.

Blending elements of indie rock, alt.country and classic guitar pop, Pearson's immediately accessible songs deliver the emotional connection and honesty that only instinctively great songwriting can provide. His soulful vocals and finely-crafted songs have found themselves on the airwaves of BBBC 6Music, BBC Introducing, XFM, Amazing Radio and Australia’s biggest radio station Triple J. Writers for Uncut Magazine, Drowned In Sound, Shout 4 Music, Pop Matters, R2 Magazine, AllGigs, Sabotage Times, For Folks Sake and No Depression have been quick to celebrate the arrival of a new voice and have drawn comparisons to Ryan Adams, Bob Dylan and Ben Howard in a series of rave reviews for his two albums Satellites and Mercury State.

Already a veteran of rock n' roll and punk bands by his early-twenties, Pearson had toured up and down the UK and released various singles and EPS before going solo in 2010. After deciding to maintain his artistic independence away from the machinations of a larger label, Daniel has become a very successful example of the new music industry – an artist that maintains control over every aspect of his career, has a real connection with a loyal and growing fanbase and competes for press and radio coverage with acts with huge marketing budgets through the simple strength of his music.

A compelling live performer, Pearson has shared a stage with acts like Michael Kiwanuka, One Night Only, The Bluetones, Willy Mason and Josephine as well as playing a string of headline dates of his own in the UK and USA.

Masquerade
Daniel Pearson Lyrics

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Line up all the Prince's for the Princess Masquerade
Empty pockets and open arms for the dream of the summer shade
Break out all the Angels 'cause they're souls to be saved down below
We're tearing each other to pieces 'cause there is nowhere else to go

'Better luck in the next life'
Is not what you wanted to hear
Well you can keep believing

The hopes that you have won't be hung round your neck around here
So keep them near

Cast down non-believers the congregation has arrived
They're raising their glasses and showing
Their teeth just to feel like they're alive
Lay down your arms 'cause there'll be trouble in this room tonight
A glass and a question an answer a kiss a moment a memory arrived

Well 'better luck in the next life'
Is not what you wanted to hear
Well you can keep believing
The hopes that you have won't be hung round your neck around here
So keep them near

Oh, join the Masquerade
Oh, join the Masquerade

Oh, join the Masquerade
Oh, join the Masquerade

Overall Meaning

The song "Masquerade" by Daniel Pearson is a poetic commentary on the futility of human existence in a world where people are at war with each other to survive. The first verse describes the scene of a masquerade ball where everyone is dressed up in their best attire but only the rich can afford to truly enjoy the festivities. This is indicated through the line "Line up all the Prince's for the Princess Masquerade, Empty pockets and open arms for the dream of the summer shade." The phrase "Prince's for the Princess" refers to people who are trying to win the heart of someone they desire, while the line "Empty pockets and open arms for the dream of the summer shade" points to the desperation of the people who are willing to sacrifice anything just to feel the warmth of the sun.

The second verse describes a struggle between the believers and non-believers, where the believers are represented as "Angels" and the non-believers as "non-believers." Both are trying to find salvation in a world that is slowly losing hope, and the line "We're tearing each other to pieces 'cause there is nowhere else to go" highlights the desperation of the situation. The chorus "join the Masquerade" echoes the futility of life, where everyone is just putting on a mask and pretending everything is okay rather than addressing the harsh realities of the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Line up all the Prince's for the Princess Masquerade
Gather all the eligible men for the grand ball where the princess will make her choice.

Empty pockets and open arms for the dream of the summer shade
Without any wealth, but eagerly waiting for the warmest season to make their dreams come true.

Break out all the Angels 'cause they're souls to be saved down below
Bring forth all the righteous people because there are many to be saved from the darkness beneath.

We're tearing each other to pieces 'cause there is nowhere else to go
Fighting with one another to satisfy our wants as there seems to be no other solution.

'Better luck in the next life' Is not what you wanted to hear Well you can keep believing The hopes that you have won't be hung round your neck around here So keep them near
Despite not wanting to hear optimistic phrases like 'you'll have better luck next time', hold onto your dreamy wishes and don't give up on them yet.

Cast down non-believers the congregation has arrived
Push aside any disbelievers; the true believers are here now.

They're raising their glasses and showing Their teeth just to feel like they're alive
Raising their drinks and displaying their joyous smiles while trying to feel alive and in the moment.

Lay down your arms 'cause there'll be trouble in this room tonight
Put down your weapons and avoid any conflicts as there's already a tense atmosphere surrounding us tonight.

A glass and a question an answer a kiss a moment a memory arrived
A single drink, a specific query, a response, a kiss, and an extraordinary moment all contribute to creating unforgettable memories.

Oh, join the Masquerade
Come and participate in the extravagant occasion known as the Masquerade.

Oh, join the Masquerade
Oh, join the Masquerade.

Writer(s): DANIEL PEMBERTON

Contributed by Jackson A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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