1. Formosa was a synthpop… Read Full Bio ↴At least 2 artists share the name Formosa:
1. Formosa was a synthpop band mostly known for their album 'Sungod', released on March 15, 1993 through Ariola Records. Although their repertoire is mostly poppy electronica, some of their music can also be classified as house or electronic rock.
2. Formosa was a 90s-era alternative rock band best known for the single "I Must Have Done Something Right", which was used in the popular romantic comedy film 'Down to You'. The aftermentioned tune was written by Chris Glenn and Fred Spigelman.
3. Formosa is a band from Essen, Germany. Since 2015 they play hard rock.
Masquerade
Formosa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I′m drunk and high, lost everyone
I walk in a girl, no it's a man
I couldn′t tell
She's an angel from hell
Take my hand
Be who you want
We all are born this way
Red light bar and the smell of sex
I wanna leave, can't make the step
The kingdom of wonder is more than a dream
You live how you want and be who you wanna be
Lay back and treat yourself
Take my hand
Be who you want
Masquerade
We all are born this way
Come join the party
Put on the mask
A ride to your heart
A roller coaster back
Lose control
Live Rock′n′Roll
Lay back, treat yourself
It is time for masquerade
Forget the other world
Live here and now
Take my hand
Be who you want
Masquerade
We all are born this way
Come join the party
Put on the mask
A ride to your heart
A roller coaster back
Lose control
Live Rock'n′Roll
The song Masquerade by Formosa discusses the concept of masking one's true self in order to fit in with society, with particular emphasis on the LGBTQ+ community. The opening lines, "Heart of Phnom Penh Street 51, I'm drunk and high, lost everyone" sets a melancholic mood that reflects a sense of feeling lost and alone. As the singer walks into what they thought was a girl, but turned out to be a man, they couldn't tell the difference anymore. The theme of confusion is emphasized when they describe this individual as an "angel from hell".
The chorus, "Take my hand, be who you want, masquerade, we all are born this way" suggests the idea of acceptance and trying to fit in. They are pleading that one should not feel ashamed of who they intend to be, and fittingly referencing Lady Gaga's anthem "Born This Way". The mention of a "red light bar" and "smell of sex" are in fact references to the nightlife and sex industry that can be found in the specific location of Phnom Penh Street 51. However, Formosa is not trying to overly focus on the industry itself, but rather how the industry provides a safe space to those who may feel lost and want to be themselves without fear of judgment.
Closing off with "live here and now" and "lose control, live Rock'n'Roll," the song encourages the idea of embracing the moment and enjoying the thrill of life even if for a short while. Overall, Masquerade is a call to action for anyone who feels lost or out of place in society, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community, to embrace their true selves and not be limited by society's expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Heart of Phnom Penh Street 51
The song's setting is at Street 51 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
I'm drunk and high, lost everyone
The lyricist is under the influence and feeling lonely.
I walk in a girl, no it's a man
The singer sees someone who appears feminine but later realizes it's a person who identifies as male.
I couldn't tell
The artist is still confused about the person's gender identity.
She's an angel from hell
Despite the initial confusion, the person the artist met is a wonderful individual regardless of their gender identity.
Take my hand
The singer is extending an invitation to someone to join them.
Be who you want
The singer is urging the listener to be themselves.
Masquerade
The song centers around the idea of people hiding behind masks.
We all are born this way
The lyricist is implying that everyone is born with their true selves and should embrace it.
Red light bar and the smell of sex
The setting of the song is a seedy bar with a strong scent of sex in the air.
I wanna leave, can't make the step
The singer wants to leave but is struggling to do so.
The kingdom of wonder is more than a dream
Despite the current situation, the artist believes in the beauty of the world and sees it as more than just a dream.
You live how you want and be who you wanna be
The lyricist is emphasizing the importance of living authentically.
Lay back and treat yourself
The singer is urging the listener to relax and indulge in themselves.
Come join the party
The singer is inviting the listener to join them in a celebration of themselves.
Put on the mask
The song is emphasizing the idea of hiding behind a mask or persona.
A ride to your heart
The artist is inviting the listener to open up and explore their emotions.
A roller coaster back
The emotions experienced during this journey may be intense and unpredictable.
Lose control
The singer is urging the listener to let go and fully experience the moment.
Live Rock'n'Roll
The song is urging the listener to embrace the wild side of life.
It is time for masquerade
The artist is emphasizing the importance of embracing personal identity even if it is not accepted by society.
Forget the other world
The artist is urging the listener to focus on the present moment, and not their worries or problems outside the current situation.
Live here and now
The song is encouraging the listener to enjoy the current moment for what it is.
Writer(s): Jakob Dammert, Martin Diego Furia
Contributed by Abigail B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.