Masquerade
The Cast of the Phantom of the Opera Lyrics
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Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade, every face a different shade
Masquerade, look around, there's another mask behind you
Flash of mauve, splash of puce
Fool and king, ghoul and goose
Green and black, queen and priest
Take your turn, take a ride
On the merry-go-round in an inhuman race
Thigh of blue, true is false
Who is who
Curl of lip, swirl of gown
Ace of hearts, face of clown, faces
Drink it in, drink it up 'til you've drowned
In the light, in the sound
But who can name the face?
Masquerade, grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade, take your fill, let the spectacle astound you
Masquerade, burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade, stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Masquerade, seething shadows breathing lies
Masquerade, you can fool any friend who ever knew you
Masquerade, leering satyrs, peering eyes
Masquerade, run and hide, but a face will still pursue you
What a night, what a crowd
Makes you glad
Makes you proud
All the crème, de la crème
Watching us, watching them
And all our fears are in the past
Three months of relief
Of delight, of elysian peace
And we can breathe at last
No more notes, no more ghost
Here's a health, here's a toast
To a prosperous year, to the new chandelier
And may our splendor never fade (what a joy) (what a change)
What a blessed release
And what a masquerade
Think of it, a secret engagement
Look, your future bride, just think of it
But why is it secret? What have we to hide?
Please, let's not fight (Christine, you're free)
Wait 'til the time is right (when will that be?)
It's an engagement, not a crime
Christine, what are you afraid of?
Let's not argue (let's not argue)
Please pretend (I can only hope)
You will understand in time (I'll understand in time)
Masquerade, paper faces on parade
Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade, every face a different shade
Masquerade, look around, there's another mask behind you
Masquerade, burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade, stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Masquerade, grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade, take your fill, let the spectacle astound you
Why so silent, good Messieurs?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
I have written you an opera
Here, I bring the finished score
Don Juan triumphant
I advise you to comply
My instructions should be clear
Remember, there are worse things than a shattered chandelier
Your chains are still mine, you will sing for me
The lyrics to "Masquerade/Why So Silent" from The Phantom of the Opera delve into the themes of deception, masks, and hidden truths. The first part of the song paints a vivid picture of a lavish masquerade ball, with attendees donning elaborate masks to conceal their true identities. The imagery of "paper faces on parade" and "hide your face so the world will never find you" speaks to the idea of putting on a facade to fit into societal expectations and to mask one's true self.
As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to a sense of unease and mystery as different characters and their masked personas are described, such as "fool and king, ghoul and goose" and "trace of rouge, face of beast." The masquerade becomes a metaphor for the complexity of human nature, where individuals may present different facades depending on the situation or desires.
The repetition of the word "masquerade" throughout the song emphasizes the theme of masks and deception, with the chorus urging listeners to immerse themselves in the spectacle while acknowledging the underlying falsehoods. The lines "But who can name the face?" pose a poignant question about the true identity and intentions behind the masks everyone wears.
In the final part of the song, the Phantom reemerges with a sense of power and control, reminding the attendees of the masquerade that they are still under his influence. The Phantom's ominous presence and the reference to "Don Juan triumphant" foreshadow his manipulative plans and thirst for control. Through this song, The Phantom of the Opera explores the complexities of human nature, the allure of masks and illusions, and the consequences of hiding one's true self.
Line by Line Meaning
Masquerade, paper faces on parade
A facade, different personas put on display
Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you
Conceal your true identity to evade scrutiny
Masquerade, every face a different shade
Each mask represents a varied charade
Masquerade, look around, there's another mask behind you
Beware, deception lurks everywhere you can view
Masquerade, burning glances, turning heads
Curiosity sparks interest, everyone turns to see
Masquerade, stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Engage in the false pretenses, witness the abundance of deceitful grins
Why so silent, good Messieurs?
Why the sudden quiet, gentlemen?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
Did you assume I had permanently departed?
Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
Have you longed for my presence, gentlemen?
I have written you an opera
I have penned a theatrical piece for you
Here, I bring the finished score
I present to you the completed musical composition
Don Juan triumphant
Celebrating the victory of Don Juan
I advise you to comply
It is in your best interest to follow my guidance
My instructions should be clear
The directions I have given are straightforward
Remember, there are worse things than a shattered chandelier
Do not forget, there exist greater perils than a broken chandelier
Your chains are still mine, you will sing for me
You are still under my control, you will perform as I desire
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Charles Hart, Richard Stilgoe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@susannajackson137
"it's a secret engagement, Raoul...so lets sing loudly next to people and no one will know!"
@tomasthegreen
I love this song so much, and especially when Madame Giry says "And what a Masquerade!" She has a beautiful voice and I wish she had a longer song than that and "Keep your hand at the level of your eyes"
@Bananianiown
"I hope no one notices this gorgeous engagement ring I've stealthily hidden right around my neck."
@wickedpheonix1995
I love this song. It's my favourite scene/song from the whole musical/film. The choreographers are just amazing. The costumes are beautiful and the dancers are so precise!! This is why I love this scene so much!! :D
@kellypleitez249
I want a party like this....
@mikantangerines
I like this version of Masquerade better than the play, the costumes here are just elegant and eye-friendly because everything blends.
@mikenzieschwalger4244
i wish my school could do a masquerade like this!
@ronnymickle3457
Anyone else notice how everyone is wearing black white or gold and then Christine shows up in pink! Hahaha
@AngelWivABentHalo
The chandelier crash is moved to create a difference between opera production and movie production and probably for dramatic effect when - SPOILERS - the theatre is burned down because of the candlelit chandelier. The phantom also kills in that scene so it makes him appear more menacing and fearsome. They also cut the line "remember there are worse things than a shattered chandelier" from Phantom's speech. Personally, I like the difference so that we can appreciate both interpretations :)
@randwilliams7184
We should get 6000 pple to walk down in the Macy's parade yelling, "MASQUERADE!"