About the song
“This Masquerade” by The Carpenters is a beautifully crafted ballad that exemplifies the duo’s musical and emotional depth. Released in 1973, the song was part of their “Now & Then” album, which features a mix of both original songs and cover versions. This album marked a turning point for The Carpenters, as they began to explore more complex and sophisticated arrangements, moving slightly away from their earlier pop hits to a more mature, jazz-influenced sound.
Written by the legendary Leon Russell, “This Masquerade” is a heartfelt song about love and the emotional complexities involved in a relationship. The lyrics describe the bittersweet experience of pretending everything is fine when, in reality, the person is deeply hurt. The imagery of the “masquerade” reflects the emotional facade that is put on to hide the pain of unspoken truths. Karen Carpenter’s voice, with its signature warmth and vulnerability, brings a haunting quality to the song, making it feel both intimate and universal. Her performance perfectly conveys the melancholic yearning that the lyrics evoke.
This song stands out in The Carpenters’ catalog due to its jazzy influences and its departure from the more conventional pop and soft rock that the duo was best known for. The musical arrangement of “This Masquerade” is smooth and sophisticated, with a gentle piano introduction, complemented by lush strings and a subtle rhythm section. These elements, combined with Karen’s tender delivery, create an atmosphere of longing and reflection that resonates deeply with the listener.
As for the cultural impact, “This Masquerade” became one of The Carpenters’ most beloved tracks, and its popularity has endured over time. While the song never reached the heights of some of their biggest hits like “Close to You” or “We’ve Only Just Begun,” it gained significant airplay and remains a favorite among fans and critics alike. Its blend of jazz and pop helped pave the way for a more expansive view of what pop music could achieve, particularly in the 1970s when artists were experimenting with different genres and incorporating complex musical structures into mainstream pop.
The song also speaks to the broader emotional struggles that many people face in relationships, particularly the idea of hiding one’s true feelings to protect oneself or others. “This Masquerade” was, and still is, a reflection of the emotional landscape of the 1970s, an era that saw a rise in introspective and vulnerable songwriting. The track’s lasting influence is evident in how it continues to inspire artists today, with many citing Karen Carpenter’s powerful yet delicate vocal performance as a model of emotional expression in popular music.
In conclusion, “This Masquerade” remains a timeless gem in The Carpenters’ extensive discography, showcasing not only their ability to perform sophisticated music but also their capacity to connect emotionally with audiences. The song’s universal themes of love, pain, and the need for emotional honesty continue to resonate, making it a standout track in the duo’s remarkable career.
Video
Lyrics
Are we really happy with this lonely game we play?Looking for the right words to saySearching but not findingUnderstanding anywayWe’re lost in this masqueradeBoth afraid to say we’re just too far awayFrom being close together from the startWe tried to talk it over, but the words got in the wayWe’re lost inside this lonely game we playThoughts of leaving disappear each time I see your eyesAnd no matter how hard I tryTo understand the reasons why we carry on this wayWe’re lost in this masqueradeWe tried to talk it over, but the words got in the wayWe’re lost inside this lonely game we playThoughts of leaving disappear each time I see your eyesAnd no matter how hard I tryTo understand the reason why we carry on this wayWe’re lost in a masqueradeWe’re lost in a masquerade