The Phantom of the Bwahpera
"Phantom of the Bwahpera," titled "Phantom's Theme" in the museum's music list, is a song with lyrics in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. The title is a reference to the musical The Phantom of the Opera. This song is sung by the Phantom, and it was used in the game's second trailer. He sings the first verse at the beginning of his boss battle and the third verse at the beginning of his third phase.[1] The second verse he sang, however, was unused for the second phase.
The song is sung opera style, and it is most notable for its lyrics, something mainly absent from other Super Mario games. In the song, Phantom tries to dissuade Mario and company from fighting him, and tells him that he is ready to "reign."[2][3] As he does so, he repeatedly derides various aspects of the Super Mario franchise, such as making use of the Toads' catchphrase from Super Mario Bros., "Your Princess is in another castle.", Mario's physique and limited dialogue, the Spiny Shell from the Mario Kart series, and the Mushroom item. The song was composed by Grant Kirkhope, written by Ubisoft employee Cristina Nava,[4] and sung by Augustin Chemelle,[5] a French baritone opera singer.
Lyrics
Underlined lyrics are spoken and not sung.
Act 1:
Bwah...
Hum...ah-ehm
Bwaaaah-Bwah-Bwah
BwaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Bwah
Ahem-har...
Humph!
You think yours is a real moustache?
Who's done me a thousand wrongs
Ever since Donkey Kong?
Slithering down every pipe
Despite his plumb-shaped body type!
Who's gonna run in fear
While screaming 'Mamma miaaaaaaaaaa'?
Who leaves me gray and grim?
Oh, what does Peach see in him?
MARIO!
With great joy in my heart
Each time I watch Mario Kart!
You're first and doing so well
But here comes the Spiny Shell! (Ha ha ha!)
And now you and your Rabbid friends
Have finally met your ends!
Just let me catch my breath
Then I'll 'high C' you to death!
Act 2 (unused):
So that is all you've got,
You didn't hurt me a lot!
I'll help you to recap:
Between you and me, There's a gap!
Mario, you're such a bore...
Your blows just make me snore!
You haven't hurt me a single bit (Ha ha ha!)
Prepare for my greatest HIT!
Act 3:
Who do you think you are?
You should kneel, I’m the STAR!
You are nothing but a parody
I’ll find you a good role in a TRAGEDY. (Hahahaha!)
“It’s-a me!” “Let’s-a go!”
The only words you know!
My art will touch your princess’s HEART
And you will be pulled APAAAAART!
You think you’ll win this tournament?
I’ll send you to retirement!
You’re so NOT worth the hassle!
Your princess is in another castle!
Mushrooms won’t end the pain...
Time for the Phantom to start his reign!
Media
 Act 1 - Act 1 of Phantom of the Bwahpera | File info 0:30 |
| Act 2 - Act 2 of Phantom of the Bwahpera | File info 0:37 |
| Act 3 - Act 3 of Phantom of the Bwahpera | File info 0:30 |
Trivia
- Earlier in the game's development, the team intended for the Phantom to change musical style in each phase; one phase would have an opera song, another a rap song, and the final one a metal song. However, this was scrapped due to the other styles not working very well.[6]
- The concept of the Phantom changing musical styles throughout his battle was eventually implemented in the Rayman in the Phantom Show DLC in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope with him beginning with jazz, then switching to heavy metal, and finishing off with opera.
References
- ^ GameXplain (August 28, 2017). Amazing World 3 Boss Fight Cutscenes in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. YouTube. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
- ^ Ubisoft (August 1, 2017). Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - The Phantom of the Bwahpera Trailer. YouTube. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
- ^ Ubisoft US (August 1, 2017). Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - The Phantom of the Bwahpera Trailer. YouTube. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
- ^ Grant Krikhope on Twitter (August 9, 2017). Retrieved August 31 2017
- ^ Augustin Chemelle on his Opera Music's profile page (August 3, 2017).
- ^ Grant Kirkhope (January 29, 2018). Let's Interview: Banjo-Kazooie and Mario + Rabbids Composer Grant Kirkhope. Gaming Reinvented. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
