Are You Ready To Begin? (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a disorienting arrival, immediately establishing a sense of wonder and mild bewilderment. The initial exclamations about "No Horses!" and "darnedest thing" set a tone of encountering the unfamiliar, quickly shifting to a formal welcome to "America." This juxtaposition hints at a grand, perhaps theatrical, introduction to a new world or experience, orchestrated by unseen figures. The core tension arises from the characters' expectations versus the reality of their reception. Raoul and Christine are seeking a specific person, "Hammerstein," expecting a direct greeting, but instead, they are met by a trio of escorts who offer vague reassurances and directives. The repeated phrases like "Honored friends" and "We assure Mr. Hammerstein" create a veneer of officialdom, yet the underlying message is one of being led rather than directly engaged, fostering a sense of unease beneath the welcoming facade. The most striking element is the contrast between the pragmatic, almost bureaucratic escorting and the internal world of Gustave and the eventual appearance of the "angel of music." While Gangle, Squelch, and Fleck focus on the physical act of transport and assurances, Gustave's lines reveal a mind filled with "Mysteries and melodies" and "Fairy tales and fantasies." This internal richness stands in stark contrast to the external, slightly absurd, and controlling narrative being presented to him and his companions, culminating in the Phantom's dramatic self-proclamation. This lyrical construction effectively builds anticipation and a subtle sense of unease. The lyrics suggest a deliberate unfolding of events, where the characters are being guided through a staged experience. The "angel of music's" final declaration, "Come to me angel of music," acts as a powerful, almost seductive, invitation, promising a deeper, more profound encounter that transcends the initial, somewhat bewildering, welcome and escort.