Masquerade / Why So Silent
Michael Crawford Lyrics

Masquerade, paper faces on parade
The world is a stage where people hide behind masks, presenting a false image of themselves to others.

Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you
In order to protect oneself from judgment and scrutiny, individuals hide their true selves behind a facade.

Masquerade, every face a different shade
Each person wears a unique mask, representing the various personas they adopt in different situations.

Masquerade, look around, there's another mask behind you
Even though people may seem genuine, there is always another layer to their identity that remains hidden.

Flash of mauve, splash of puce
Moments of brilliant or attention-grabbing displays in contrasting and unconventional colors.

Fool and king, ghoul and goose
People from all walks of life, irrespective of their social status, can be found wearing masks.

Green and black, queen and priest
The masks worn by individuals may range from innocent and naive to mysterious and authoritative.

Trace of rouge, face of beast, faces
Hints of deception or hidden intentions can be found beneath the surface of seemingly normal appearances.

Take your turn, take a ride
Each person must play their part and engage in the game of wearing masks in society.

On the merry-go-round in an inhuman race
Society often feels like a never-ending carousel, where individuals continuously wear masks to keep up with societal expectations.

Thigh of blue, true is false
Even something that appears innocent or true may turn out to be deceptive or misleading.

Who is who
The true identity or intentions of individuals become difficult to discern due to the prevalence of masks.

Curl of lip, swirl of gown
Subtle expressions or gestures, as well as elegant attire, may indicate hidden motives or personas.

Ace of hearts, face of clown, faces
Individuals may possess both intense emotions and a tendency to conceal their true selves behind humor or playfulness.

Drink it in, drink it up 'til you've drowned
People immerse themselves in the illusion of masquerade, becoming so consumed by it that they lose touch with their authentic selves.

In the light, in the sound
The allure and spectacle of the masquerade captivate individuals through sensory experiences, overshadowing their true identities.

But who can name the face?
It becomes challenging to discern the genuine identity of someone beneath the multitude of masks they wear.

Masquerade, grinning yellows, spinning reds
The masks worn by people exhibit fake happiness and underlying emotional turmoil.

Masquerade, take your fill, let the spectacle astound you
Indulge in the masquerade, allowing yourself to be dazzled by the grandeur and theatrics of the show.

Masquerade, burning glances, turning heads
The intense gazes and attention-seeking maneuvers of individuals in masks create an atmosphere filled with desire and curiosity.

Masquerade, stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
In the masquerade, pause and observe the multitude of insincere smiles and false facades that surround you.

Masquerade, seething shadows breathing lies
Hidden behind the masks, there are individuals who thrive on deception and falsehoods, manipulating those around them.

Masquerade, you can fool any friend who ever knew you
Masks are effective in deceiving even close friends who thought they knew the true nature of someone.

Masquerade, leering satyrs, peering eyes
Within the masquerade, there are individuals with lecherous intentions and intrusive observations, disregarding personal boundaries.

Masquerade, run and hide, but a face will still pursue you
Even if someone tries to escape or conceal their true selves, their authentic identity will eventually catch up with them.

What a night, what a crowd
The masquerade event is filled with excitement and a large gathering of people.

Makes you glad, makes you proud
The masquerade brings joy and a sense of accomplishment to those who take part in it.

All the crème, de la crème
Only the most elite and sophisticated individuals are present at the masquerade.

Watching us, watching them
Everyone is observing and scrutinizing each other at the event.

And all our fears are in the past
During the masquerade, people can temporarily forget their anxieties and worries.

Three months of relief, of delight, of elysian peace
The masquerade provides a period of respite and happiness, akin to a heavenly paradise.

And we can breathe at last
Within the masquerade, individuals feel a sense of liberation and can finally relax.

No more notes, no more ghost
The haunting presence of a mysterious figure or traumatic experiences can no longer affect them within the masquerade.

Here's a health, here's a toast
Let's raise a glass and celebrate the favorable circumstances provided by the masquerade.

To a prosperous year, to the new chandelier
Cheers to a successful year ahead and the acquisition of a magnificent new symbol of opulence.

And may our splendor never fade (what a joy) (what a change)
May our grandeur and magnificence always endure, reflecting on the joyful transformation brought by the masquerade.

What a blessed release, and what a masquerade
The masquerade is seen as an enchanting and liberating experience, bringing a sense of relief and joy.

Think of it, a secret engagement
Consider the concept of a clandestine commitment or agreement.

Look, your future bride, just think of it
Imagine the person you will be marrying in the future and contemplate the significance of it.

But why is it secret? What have we to hide?
Question why the engagement needs to remain hidden and ponder if there is something shameful to conceal.

Please, let's not fight (Christine, you're free)
Let's avoid conflict and arguments, especially since Christine is now liberated from something.

Wait 'til the time is right (when will that be?)
Patience is required until the perfect moment arrives, although uncertainty lingers about when that might be.

It's an engagement, not a crime
Emphasize that the secrecy surrounding the engagement is merely a matter of personal preference, not an illicit act.

Christine, what are you afraid of?
Question Christine directly about her fears or concerns regarding the engagement and its implications.

Let's not argue (let's not argue)
Express a desire to avoid verbal disputes or disagreements.

Please pretend (I can only hope)
Request that Christine feign a certain way of thinking or behaving, even though there is uncertainty about her compliance.

You will understand in time (I'll understand in time)
Assure Christine that she will eventually comprehend and grasp the situation fully, just like the singer will.

Why so silent, good Messieurs?
Address the audience, wondering why they are silent and not responding or reacting to the artist's presence.

Did you think that I had left you for good?
Pose a question to the audience, inquiring if they believed the singer had permanently abandoned them.

Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
Ask the audience if they have felt the absence of the singer and longed for their return.

I have written you an opera
Reveal that the singer has composed an entire musical piece specifically for the audience.

Here, I bring the finished score
Present the audience with the completed musical composition in written form, ready to be performed.

Don Juan triumphant
The opera revolves around the character of Don Juan, emphasizing his victorious or dominant nature.

I advise you to comply
Urge the audience to follow the singer's advice or instructions regarding the opera and its production.

My instructions should be clear
Claim that the singer's guidance or directions regarding the opera are straightforward and easy to understand.

Remember, there are worse things than a shattered chandelier
Remind the audience that experiencing a broken chandelier is not the worst outcome or consequence they could face.

Your chains are still mine, you will sing for me
Assert the artist's control and dominance over the audience, emphasizing that they are bound to perform according to the artist's wishes.