Prologue
Ramin Karimloo/Siera Boggess/Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics
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Your number, sir? Thank you
Lot 665, ladies and gentlemen: a papier-mâché musical box
In the shape of a barrel-organ
Attached, the figure of a monkey in Persian robes, playing the cymbals
This item, discovered in the vaults of the theatre, still in working order
May I start at twenty francs? Fifteen, then?
Fifteen I am bid
Twenty, sir? Thank you
Twenty? Twenty-five? Thank you, madam
Thirty, selling at thirty, then
Thirty once, twice
Sold for thirty francs to the Vicomte de Chagny
Thank you, sir
A collector's piece indeed, every detail exactly as she said
She often spoke of you, my friend
Your velvet lining, and your figurine of lead
Will you still play, when all the rest of us are dead?
Lot 666, then: a chandelier in pieces
Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera:
A mystery never fully explained
We are told, ladies and gentlemen, that this is the very chandelier
Which figures in the famous disaster
Our workshops have restored it and fitted up parts of it
With wiring for the new electric light so that we may get a hint of
What it may look like when reassembled
Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago
With a little illumination, gentlemen?
The song "Prologue" from the musical "The Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber sets the stage for the story to unfold by introducing the audience to the auction that is taking place at the Opera Populaire. The lyrics describe the auctioneer's announcement of the next item up for bid, Lot 665, which is a papier-mâché musical box in the shape of a barrel-organ with a monkey figurine dressed in Persian robes playing the cymbals. The item was discovered in the vaults of the theatre and is still in working order, making it a valuable collector's piece.
As the auction continues, Lot 666 is introduced as a chandelier in pieces, which the audience is informed was involved in the famous disaster associated with the Phantom of the Opera. The auctioneer suggests that illuminating the theatre with the newly installed electric lights might frighten away the ghost of the Phantom.
The lyrics of "Prologue" effectively set the tone for the eerie and mysterious story that is about to unfold. They also introduce important elements of the story, including the Phantom's influence on the opera house and the chandelier's significance. The auction serves as a reminder of the past and draws the audience into the history of the opera house, setting the stage for the events to come.
Line by Line Meaning
Sold, your number, sir? Thank you
Asking for the purchaser's ticket number and thanking them for their participation in the auction
Lot 665, ladies and gentlemen
Introducing item 665 for bidding
A papier-mâché musical box in the shape of a barrel-organ
Describing the item for sale as a music box made of paper mache in the form of a barrel organ
Attached, the figure of a monkey in Persian robes playing the cymbals
Explaining that the music box has a figurine of a monkey dressed in Persian robes playing cymbals attached to it
This item discovered in the vaults of the theatre
Revealing that the item for sale was found in the theater's vault
Still in working order, ladies and gentlemen
Assuring the audience that the music box is still operational
May I commence at fifteen francs? Fifteen, thank you
Starting the bidding at 15 francs and thanking the first bidder
Yes, twenty from you, sir, thank you very much
Acknowledging a bid of 20 francs from a gentleman and thanking him for his participation
Madam Chagny, twenty five? Thank you, madam
Thanking Madam Chagny for her bid of 25 francs
Twenty five, I am bid if I get thirty
Announcing the current bid of 25 francs and asking if anyone will bid 30 francs
Thirty, and thirty five
Raising the bid to 30 francs and then to 35 francs
Selling at thirty francs, then, thirty once, thirty twice?
Confirming a final bid of 30 francs and asking twice if anyone will make a higher bid
Sold, for thirty francs to the Vicomte de Chagny, thank you, sir
Announcing the sale of the item for 30 francs to the Vicomte de Chagny and thanking him for his purchase
A collector's piece indeed
Highlighting that the item sold is a rare collectible
Every detail exactly as she said
Asserting that the item is in the exact condition described by the previous owner
Will you still play, when all the rest of us are dead?
Asking if the music box will remain operational even after all its owners have passed away
Lot 666, then, a chandelier in pieces
Introducing the next item for sale, which is a dismantled chandelier
Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera
Referring to the past events of the Phantom of the Opera story that took place in the same venue
A mystery never fully explained
Hinting at the unsolved mystery of the Phantom of the Opera
We are told, ladies and gentlemen, that this is the very chandelier
Informing the audience that the dismantled chandelier for sale was present during the Phantom of the Opera events
Which figures in the famous disaster
Referring to the tragic accident that occurred at the Phantom of the Opera play
Our workshops have repaired it and wired parts of it for the new electric light
Explaining that the chandelier has undergone repairs to be functional with the new electric lighting system
Perhaps we can frighten away the ghost of so many years ago
Suggesting that the illuminated chandelier may scare away the ghost of the Phantom from years past
With a little illumination, gentlemen?
Proposing that the chandelier will be effective in detecting and dispelling any ghosts with a little light
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind