Song Ten — Elias’s Beaten Song

[Elais is beaten and bruised, dropped off at the door of the LE PALAIS MODERNE, making his way to the stage to sing this song.] They tried to tell me who I must be, They tried to carve their truth into me. But I am not clay, I am not stone— I am a man who stands alone. They said, “Deny it, hide it, lie,” They said, “Be silent or you will die.” But I have lived too bright, too long, To dim my flame for someone’s wrong. I will not yield, I will not bend, I will not break for foe or friend. I am who I am, and I will not hide— Even if the world divides. I know the cost, I know the price, I’ve seen the fear behind their eyes. But I would rather bleed tonight Than live a lie to save my life. I will not yield, I will not bow, If this is the end, then let it be now. I am who I am, and I will not fall— Even if they take it all. [Elias, after this song begins to falter, almost fall, but Count Adrian Von Falkbruk appears and whispers "Not here, not on stage" and helps him to his feet. The band plays a reprise as they leave the stage, where Elias collapses off stage and out of sight]