[Lyric] My Story (Danny Abosch, John Maclay)

[THE PHANTOM (to BROOKE, as Esmerelda)]
My story is a sad one
Tragic, one might say
It begins long ago, when I, like you
Was cast in a scary play

The play was to be on this very stage
I was to lead a first-rate cast
It should have been the best night of my life!
Instead, it would be the last!

For my trapdoor was left ajar
And in the dark, I stepped too far
And I plunged down a deep and narrow hole

I became a real phantom, but never wanted
To make this place seem haunted
Just my chance to perform my starring role

And now, I've
Done what I've been waiting for
Yet I’m torn once more
For I didn't еxpect to find
Someone who makеs me feel
The way you do
All at once
I'm old, and yet brand new
Dead, but so alive
And it's all because of… you
Esmerelda
'Cause you're kind and smart and silly
And when you smile, even a really
Ghostly wind seems not so chilly

So many lonely years it took until we met, and yet
Meeting you, my Esmerelda
Was worth the terrible price I had to pay
And though I wish that I could stay
I fear I really must be going
I've found my peace, at last, just knowing
I've finally played the part that I was born to play
Said the lines I've waited years to say

And until you and I may
Meet again, some distant day
Thank you
For giving me an ending
To my tragic play

(To BROOKE alone) Goodbye, Esmerelda

(THE PHANTOM backs off the stage and disappears in a burst of smoke and fog. Thunderous applause. BROOKE stands there, stunned. Blackout as applause rises.)