Masquerade

Album: Pleasure Victim (1982)
Charted: 82
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about older actors and musicians who never made it in the entertainment industry, which is "the masquerade." The lyrics, "[they] knock on doors and empty halls" is a reference to the auditioning process.
  • The line, "Past eight by tens in shattered frames" references essential "headshot" photographs actors/actresses and some musicians need in the industry. The "shattered frames" symbolize shattered dreams.
  • Most Berlin songs were written by their bass player, John Crawford, but "Masquerade" was written by their guitarist, Chris Ruiz-Velasco. The song was part of their second album, Pleasure Victim, which also includes the tracks "Sex (I'm A...)" and "The Metro."

Comments: 1

  • Jim from Long Beach, CaTerri Nunn still looks great after all these years!! God Bless her!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.