Masquerade / Why So Silent [The Phantom of the Opera (Original London Cast)]

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

Flash of mauve, splash of puce
Fool and king, ghoul and goose
Green and black, queen and priest
Trace of rouge, face of beast, faces

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