☝️ Key Points
- The song describes the complex relationship between Christine and her mysterious mentor, the Phantom of the Opera.
- Christine feels the presence of the Phantom within her and although she is afraid, she is also drawn to him.
- The Phantom demands that Christine sing with him and promises her that she will become even stronger through his power.
- Despite the general fear of the Phantom, Christine serves as his mask.
- The Phantom and Christine describe their connection through spirit and song, and live in the darkness of the labyrinth of the night.
- At the end of the song, the Phantom asks Christine to sing for him, which shows his control and appreciation for her talent.
Interpretation
The song 'The Phantom of the Opera' tells the story of a young singer named Christine and her mysterious mentor, the Phantom of the Opera. The lyrics depict the complex relationship between the two characters and the inner turmoil Christine feels.
Christine sings about how the Phantom appears in her dreams and sings to her while she sleeps ('He sang as soon as I slept, and followed me'). She feels his presence within her ('The Phantom of the Opera is very close, it lives in me') and although she is afraid, she is also drawn to him.
On the other hand, the Phantom demands that Christine sing with him and promises her that through his power, she will become even stronger ('Come, sing with me tonight, by candlelight, then my power will envelop you even stronger'). Even if she turns away from him, she will always feel his presence within her ('And even if you avert your gaze from me, the Phantom of the Opera is very close, it lives in you').
Furthermore, Christine reports that everyone who has seen the Phantom's face fears him, but she serves as his mask ('Whoever has seen your face fears you, I serve as your mask...').
The Phantom and Christine then sing together about their connection through spirit and song ('My/Your spirit and my/your song, that's how we act') and describe how they live in the darkness of the labyrinth of the night ('In the labyrinth of the night, lies my/your territory').
In the end, the Phantom urges Christine to sing for him ('Sing, my angel of the muse! Sing! Sing for me! Sing, my angel! Sing for me!'). This shows his control and power over her, as well as his appreciation for her talent.