[Phantom – commanding] Veil of lies, mask on face, Hide your shame, your fall from grace. Dancing shadows, false delight— I am the truth within the night. [Ensemble – whispered echoes] Veil of lies... veil of lies... [Phantom] You wear your masks, but none deceive The darkness only I perceive. A hollow smile, a fleeting glance— The world’s a stage for this cruel dance. [Ensemble – growing] Dance the dance... wear the mask... [Phantom – furious] Behind the glitter, hear the cries! Broken hearts and whispered lies! You shun the beast, deny the pain— But I’ll return to stake my claim! [Full Ensemble – crescendo] Veil of lies! Veil of lies! The night reveals what daylight hides! [Phantom – quieter, venomous] Beneath the gold, beneath the silk, The rot consumes, the blood and milk. False laughter hides a broken soul, And I, the shadow, know it whole. [Ensemble – eerie echo] Rot consumes… rot consumes… [Phantom] You build your towers on the sand, But kingdoms fall by my dark hand. The mask you wear will crack and fall— And then you’ll hear my silent call. [Ensemble – louder] Hear the call… hear the call… [Phantom – rising fury] I am the rage you hide inside, The truth that shames your hollow pride. The beast that haunts your masquerade, The reckoning that will not fade! [Ensemble – intense, unison] Beast and truth! Rage and proof! [Phantom – defiant, echoing] Veil of lies, no more disguise, I strip away your whispered lies! Tonight the masks will fall away— And you will see the price you pay! [Full Ensemble – thunderous climax] Veil of lies! Veil of lies! The night reveals what daylight hides! [Phantom – final ominous line] Beneath your masks, I am the truth… The reckoning… The proof!
