In the Presence of Enemies Pt.1

Dream Theater

[I. Prelude - Instrumental]
[II. Resurrection]
I saw a white light shining there before me
And walking to it, I waited for the end
A final vision promising salvation
A resurrection for a fallen man
Do you still wait for your God
and the symbol of your faith?

I can free you from this hell and misery
You should never be ashamed, my son
I can give you power beyond anything
Trust me you will be the chosen one

I was forgotten, a body scorned and broken
My soul rejected, tainted by his blood
Beyond redemption, a sinner not worth saving
Forever taken from the one I loved
Do I still wait for my God
and a symbol of my faith?

I can lead you down the path and back to life
All I ask is that you worship me
I can help you seek revenge and save yourself
Give you life for all eternity

Servants of the fallen fight to pave the way
for their savior's calling on this wicked day
Through a veil of madness, with a vicious blade,
one man rises up standing in their way

(Redemption) Redemption
(For humanity) Redemption for humanity


Lyrics submitted by Idan, edited by JucaOPastor, Octavarium64

In the Presence of Enemies Pt.1 song meanings
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  • +2
    Song MeaningWell, the bulk of the lyrical content comes from a Korean comic (manhwa) called "Priest." Part 1 is mostly the first half of volume one, where we learn of Ivan Isaacs, a priest who falls in love with a woman. The two of them are sentenced to execution by the Church (which is being misled by a fallen angel.) In the final moments of his life, he strikes a deal with another Demon who seeks revenge on the Church. If you doubt this, take a stop into your local Borders, Barnes and Noble, or better yet, Independently Owned Comic Shop with a decent selection of Manga and Manhwa. Find Priest, Volume 1 and read the back cover and the first few pages. It's right there. Plus, I read somewhere that Petrucci admitted to it, which is pretty cool of him, as opposed to other songwriters who might act dodgy about such things.

    Some snobbish types out there might call it plagiarism, but I just call it awesome :D I like it when musicians take inspiration from fiction (a la Rime of the Ancient Mariner.) If a prog metal or power metal group did a song based on Berserk! (a Japanese series,) I think my head would explode (and happily so.)
    Travataron June 10, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General CommentPts. 1 and 2 are INCREDIBLE!
    sdpdton May 20, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentGreat song!
    Edmanson May 14, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentWouldn't "One man rises UP" make more sense? Instead of "One man rises on".
    HoiYanton May 20, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI haven't think so much about the lyrics yet... just to say that this song is great. Maybe I like pt2 a little more because James sings better than in this part, but the song is great... I think this is one of the best DT albums!! (Anyway, for me Awake will be always the best because was where I discovered them)... See you
    Nandoon May 25, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment"Why I believe Jesus will return after a return to world government"

    google commercial explains everything:)
    neekoon May 25, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Commentwow I'm not a huge fan of dream theater, I like some songs, when I heard this CD was coming out, I had to download it. I listen to about 5 minutes of the first track(this song) and I was blown away, if the rest of the songs are going to sound like this, then I will be amazed. :)

    -Aaron
    Aaronxcoreon June 02, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentMinor corrections:

    "Resurrection" has one "s"
    The second part should be "Do I still wait for my god?"
    ApexGTon June 05, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentBought it as soon as I could today. Trying to figure out what song the very start is from. I hear a bit of sacrificed sons in there.
    agm_ultimatexon June 06, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentListened to some stuff, I think it's Another Dimension, the part before the song dials down, then has the accordian sound.
    agm_ultimatexon June 06, 2007   Link

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