(Verse 1) Stone steps swallowed by vines and time A temple lost to moonlight’s climb But in the hush, a whisper stirs— A voice too soft for mortal words (Pre-Chorus – airy, rising) They say a soul remains unseen Wrapped in ivy, cloaked in green (Chorus) The phantom of the emerald ruins Wanders through the silent ruins Eyes of gold, and breath of dust Bound by love, betrayed by trust Still he waits where moss has grown— A king of echoes, carved in stone (Verse 2) He once wore crowns of serpent fire His song could set the stars to choir But jealous hands and cruel design Left him lost outside of time (Bridge – flute solo, faint ghost vocals) (Ha-aah... ooh-ohh...) He walks where no one dares to tread Among the living, but long dead (Final Chorus – swelling, cinematic) The phantom of the emerald ruins Whispers through the jasmine ruins He cannot die, he cannot flee Trapped in song and memory So if you hear his low refrain... Turn back before you feel his pain
