Cast of The Mystery of Edwin Drood - The Writing On The Wall lyrics

[Edwin Drood] (Spoken) I'm alive! (Sung) I am Laz'rus, risen from the grave! Quite alive you find me - This tomb behind me Is where I faced my closest shave! When I struck my head against the street I was stunned, not stricken - Our plot doth thicken - As Jasper flew me off my feet To the crypt I awoke in dark beyond belief And while all above me showed their grief I was screaming for my very breath Only moments from d**h You have no idea the sudden strength That you feel within you The steel and sinew As d**h stands smiling at arms-length I escaped! From Cloisterham I fled And I did not return here 'Til I could learn here Just who in hell would wish me dead But more than that More than what solution fits the crime What I've learned is life is bits of time And you fight for every tiny speck When you're held by the neck: I have read the writing on the wall And the greatest myst'ry Is not the hist'ry Of Jasper, Drood, and one and all! I have met my maker and returned! What advice I'm giving To all those living Is just to learn what I have learned: Life is dear There can be no vict'ry in defeat If out-numbered, beat a fast retreat To the nearest shelter and dig in! When you live, then you win! Scratch and claw for every day you're worth! Make them drag you, screaming, from life, keep dreaming You'll live forever here on earth I have seen the writing on the wall And it's clearly spelled out For those who've held out That holding on to life is all Is it clear? If you hear my voice, then you're alive What a bloody marvel we survive When you think of every risk we face In our mad human race! I have read the writing on the wall! Try to live forever And give up, never The fight - you'll need the wherewithal! Can't you heed [Ensemble] The warning... [Drood] The lightning As I plead [Ensemble] The light of morning... [Drood] Inciting you To read [Ensemble] To read... [Drood] The writing on the wall! [Ensemble] The writing on the wall, the writing on the wall! [All] On the wall!