| Dream Theater – Breaking all Illusions Lyrics | 14 years ago |
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Breaking All Illusions is about epiphany. I think it could be related to Far From Heaven, which is a sad song that ends with a sudden realisation that, in order to be happy, you need to just accept life for what it is, and accept yourself for who you are. "With the sun in place There's a test of faith Streams of thought awaken New realities Singularities Breaking all illusions" Now that the character's attitude to life has been rebooted (the sun is now in place, illuminating his mind), he can evaluate his own beliefs (the test of faith). His mind flows with new ideas (streams of thought). His view of the world has completely changed (he perceives the world as a new reality. He believes his new life to break his previous illusions). "Sudden burst of heat Burning source of life Masterful destruction Power's not an act It's understanding truth Changing my direction" The sudden burst of heat, and the burning source of life, are more metaphors for the reinvigoration in his mind. Masterful destruction refers to the tearing down of his old way of thinking to make way for the new. As a result of changing his direction and understanding himself better, he feels much stronger than ever. "Live in the moment Breathe in a new beginning Wisdom revealed As I unlearn to learn Life's biggest battles Often are fought alone My spirit brings me home" More words meaning essentially the same thing as before. He is now living in the moment, cherishing each day. He has unlearned everything to learn this new beginning, a much more wise outlook. He knows that his battles are his alone, and that he can face them, which comforts his spirit. "Emerald thoughts flow Through my consciousness Drawn to curses left behind Test of will the threshold to one's faith Starts a fire in the mind" The emerald thoughts could be the depressing state he was in before, being as they are "drawn to curses left behind", AKA regrets or fears. They could also be his new outlook, and they are drawn because they wish to make peace and "lift the curses". The test of will could refer to resisting the former, or taking part in the latter. Whichever of the two is more accurate, the fire that is started in the mind is quite obviously the epiphany. "Searching out Reaching in To arrive Where I began Sights remembered In the light" The chorus refers to a complete self-analysis, or meditation. The character searches for truth, and reaches inside himself for guidance in his hour of need. He arrives right back at the start, with a fresh slate, remembering the lessons he has learned as he goes into "the light", AKA his new view. "Sounds remembered Come alive" Sounds remembered has equal meaning to "Sights remembered" in the first chorus, and come alive refers to his new awakening. "Embrace the days Don't turn away Life's true intent needs patience Karma starts the signal" Carpe diem. Cherish each day, and live life to the fullest. Be patient and kind, and you will find yourself at peace. The most uplifting lyrics in a DT song since perhaps Take The Time. |
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| Dream Theater – Far From Heaven Lyrics | 14 years ago |
| This realisation at the end leads into Breaking All Illusions, which is all about taking a step back, re-evaluating yourself, and going into life with a fresh perspective, accepting yourself for who you are. These two songs combined are possibly the most uplifting story DT has told in many years. | |
| Dream Theater – Build Me Up, Break Me Down Lyrics | 14 years ago |
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Here's a possible meaning... This song is actually about the fan reaction to the Mike Portnoy/Dream Theater split... from Portnoy's point of view. "Today...a savior... Tonight, I am the new messiah you deify. When I'm no longer desired, I'll be crucified." The song could represent the reaction from some ungrateful fans when MP split. Yes, I know Petrucci wrote the lyrics, but you don't need to be Portnoy to understand what he's been put through by "fans". |
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