Masque of the Red Death, Edgar Allan Flow

[Intro – Spoken] Once upon a midnight dreary, while the world outside grew weary, through the gates of gold and ivory echoed laughter in the night. Plague outside the castle walls, death was knocking through the halls… but inside? They danced. Edgar Allan Flow. [Beat Drop] [Verse 1] Prince Prospero built a palace high Locked the gates while the people died Feasts and wine under chandelier glow Masked faces at the midnight show Silk and velvet in a twisted parade Every color of the rainbow displayed Seven rooms like a fever dream maze Golden laughter in the candle haze Outside the wind carried sickness and dread Inside the nobles danced with the dead Ignoring the cries that haunted the night While the rich drank deep under lantern light Tick of the clock in the ebony frame Every hour striking fear into fame Yet when the bell rang none would breathe For a second… they remembered the Red Death. [Hook] Clock strike — doom in the masquerade hall Masks and shadows on the midnight wall Gold can't hide when the darkness calls Death walks in… and he takes them all Clock strike — hear the iron bells cry Laughter fades when the plague draws nigh Run or hide but the truth stands tall When death wears a mask he fools them all. [Verse 2] Through the crowd walked a stranger slow Crimson robes in the candle glow Blood-red mask with a hollow stare Like a corpse that learned to breathe the air Nobles whisper in frightened tone “Who dares mock us inside our throne?” Prince rose furious, rage like flame “Seize that devil! Reveal his name!” Through the seven rooms the shadow fled Prince chasing close with a blade of dread But the final chamber held its breath Where the clock struck twelve… and revealed The Red Death. [Hook] Clock strike — doom in the masquerade hall Masks and shadows on the midnight wall Gold can't hide when the darkness calls Death walks in… and he takes them all Clock strike — hear the iron bells cry Laughter fades when the plague draws nigh Run or hide but the truth stands tall When death wears a mask he fools them all. [Final Verse] Blade in hand but the prince stood still Fear froze deeper than iron will Reached for the mask with trembling breath But touched… nothing. Only death. One by one the dancers fall Silk and crowns in the silent hall Gold and power could not defend When the midnight clock declared the end Candles flicker then fade to black Empty throne and no turning back Through the halls the silence crept For the Red Death ruled where the proud once slept. [Outro] No crown… no gold… no fortress wall… Can stop the shadow when death calls.