This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Remember days of yesterday
And how it flew so fast
The two score and a year we had,
I thought would always last
The summer days and west coast dreams,
I wished would never end
A young boy and his father,
Idol and best friend
I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
A lifetime together
I'll never forget
Morning shows on the radio
The case of the missing dog
Lying on the fields at the only twelve
Watching Harold and Maude
Record shops, the stick-ball fields
My home away from home
When we weren't together
The hours on the phone
I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
I'll cherish them forever
The best of times
But then came the call
Our lives changed forever more
You can pray for a change
But prepare for the end
The fleeting winds of time
Flying through each day
All the things I should have done
But time just slipped away
Remember "seize the day"
Life goes by in the blink of an eye
There's so much left to say
These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day
Thank you for the inspiration
Thank you for the smiles
All the unconditional love
That carried me for miles
It carried me for miles
But most of all thank you for my life
These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day
My heart is bleeding bad
But I'll be okay
Your spirit guides my life each day
And how it flew so fast
The two score and a year we had,
I thought would always last
The summer days and west coast dreams,
I wished would never end
A young boy and his father,
Idol and best friend
I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
A lifetime together
I'll never forget
Morning shows on the radio
The case of the missing dog
Lying on the fields at the only twelve
Watching Harold and Maude
Record shops, the stick-ball fields
My home away from home
When we weren't together
The hours on the phone
I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
I'll cherish them forever
The best of times
But then came the call
Our lives changed forever more
You can pray for a change
But prepare for the end
The fleeting winds of time
Flying through each day
All the things I should have done
But time just slipped away
Remember "seize the day"
Life goes by in the blink of an eye
There's so much left to say
These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day
Thank you for the inspiration
Thank you for the smiles
All the unconditional love
That carried me for miles
It carried me for miles
But most of all thank you for my life
These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day
My heart is bleeding bad
But I'll be okay
Your spirit guides my life each day
Lyrics submitted by The Letter M, edited by Octavarium64, lourencostm, Nettacki, theniceguyhere
The Best of Times Lyrics as written by John Petrucci John Myung
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song made tears pour from my eyes. That, my friends, that kind of connection with your listener is what makes Dream Theater so great.
@sdpdt Could not agree more. In addition to their superb musical talents, they have amazing lyrics and thoughtful juxtaposition of the two - music and words!<br />
Klom, this is a simple math problem.
Mike was born in April 1967, and considering that he probably wrote the song before April of last year, the time they had together was about 41 years. They were not together before Mike was born.
Another thing that came to mind today: The part of the song right before/as the first vocals kick in remind me of Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John. There are other similarities; a very minor, Gothic beginning followed by an upbeat, almost ecstatic guitar riffs, lyrics about death, similar song length..
I was listening back and forth (Funeral and BoT). the main theme resembled the Funeral main theme. except that Love Lies Bleeding talks about failing relationship. I also mention on a youtube video about this. Glad I'm not the one.<br /> <br /> I was listening to both song while I'm back from my relative grave last year. I see the sunset over the highway and it caught me into tears as I remember them. Both song still have the similarity and it caught with the moment too. :)
The Guitar solo at the end is unbelievable
@adv666 I completely agree....one of the best riffs I have heard, and I am a rock aficionado - have been for 40 years!!<br />
This is one inspiring song, My son plays awesome guitar and I have requested him play this at my funeral I have three sons and one grandson who I love to bits and don't want to leave, but I know it has to happen. To go out on this song would mean so much.........
This is one of my favorites from this album (they all are, but whatever) I love how deep and inspirational the lyrics are.
The music was absolutely brilliant, from the opening piano/violin duet, to the "Hollow Years" theme brought in a few times throughout, to the amazing guitar solo at the end.
Simply put, this is an amazing song. What else do you expect from Dream Theater? :)
Maybe it's just me but the acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song reminds me very much of the theme song from the movie The Deer Hunter.
I find this song very touching, uplifting even, contrary to the subject. John Petrucci kicks ass with his excellent solo at the end. Gives me goosebumps.
one thing obout the lyrics. This already says:
"Morning shows on the radio The Case of the Missing Dog Lying on the pillows at the old 812 Watching Harold and Maude"
Which for me it's fine, I tell you this because I've bought the album and it has the lyrics and I also can interpretate that when I'm listening to this song.
A great one from DT by the way. One thing, sad and too bad, Mike Portnot has recently left Dream Theater!! :( :( :(
Any help on the second verse would be great!
This has to be the most touching song DT has written in years- musically and lyrically, it's probably my favorite song off the album, and will surely be a concert staple for years! I think this would make a great concert ender or even encore! Can't wait to hear it live!
-Marc.
It's about Howard Portnoy.