It's the birthday of the Emperor The cream of the realm is here, kings and queens with sons and daughters It's truly a most grandiose ball, nobles fill the halls Like sheep, ready for slaughter [Pre Chorus] Oh, with rising hate I watch them dance, I watch them prance Oh, how I loathe these haughty swine I'll rid the world of this living grime [Chorus] Peasants are saying, oh not without glee, there's an aristocrat out on a killing spree A noble, thirsty for royal blood they say The Beast in Velvet I'm called by my prey Though my fee is great indeed I'd do this for free, 'cause I enjoy my work immensely [Pre Chorus] [Chorus] [Bridge 1] With wit and grace I charm these fools who think they're out of harm's way None here's aware of my sins But then again, who'd suspect a highborn prince? [Solo Both, Dahl, Both] [Bridge 2] It's been so easy to lure my prey, so to my Lord I gratefully pray as my victim dies by my blade Shape shifting is a useful trick in my dark trade [Chorus]