Since the new world order
played upon our fears
Spreading accusations
of radical ideas
The brotherhood of wisdom
Strength and dignity
Its rituals and secrets
remain a mystery

Beneath an ever watchful eye
The angels of the temple fly

Turn the key, walk through the gate
The great ascent to reach a higher state
A rite of passage
The final stage, a sacred home
Unlock the door and lay the cornerstone
A rite of passage

Men of wealth and power
Influence and fame
Philosophers and leaders
All members of the trade
Bound by oath and honor
Like the rose and cross
An enigmatic union
of esoteric thoughts

Beneath an ever watchful eye
The angels of the temple fly

Turn the key, walk through the gate
The great ascent to reach a higher state
A rite of passage
The final stage, a sacred home
Unlock the door and lay the cornerstone
A rite of passage

Turn the key, walk through the gate
The great ascent to reach a higher state
A rite of passage
The seven stars, the rising sun
A perfect world, a new life has begun
A rite of passage


Lyrics submitted by Idan, edited by Octavarium64

A Rite of Passage Lyrics as written by John Petrucci John Myung

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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A Rite of Passage song meanings
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33 Comments

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  • +3
    General CommentFreemasonry. It's pretty awesome when the keyboard starts doing those nintendo sounds.
    guardiandevil305on June 17, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI can't believe even uneducated Internet trolls take "Zeitgeist" seriously.
    enarchayon October 18, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General CommentThis and sacrificed sons is probably their reaction to Metropolis 2000: Live Scenes From New York being delayed till 9/11 considering the artwork and Elektra being part of WMG
    DefiantDeath666on November 07, 2009   Link
  • 0
    MemoryBeing a younger listener, this was My very first Dream Theater song! And its what got me looking more into prog/prog metal in general. I now own every Dream Theater and listen to aleast one album religiously everyday... They are truly inspirational artists, and i love studying the musicianship/meaning that goes into each and every song. Wether it be complex or simple :)
    Heif53on March 19, 2011   Link
  • 0
    Song MeaningPretty much a ceremony of joining an association such as the Freemasons or the Illuminati.
    The Slurpee Manon April 20, 2009   Link
  • 0
    My OpinionIt's about the Freemasons. And is it me or does the main riff sound like the prechorus riff off Endless Sacrifice.

    O not to mention this is going to be a great single.
    eaglemaniac814on April 21, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment"Of radical fears" sounds like "Of radical ideas" to me.

    Also, it sounds like it should be "Bound by oath and honor" rather than "Bound by open honor" and "esoteric thought" (not thoughts).

    Great analysis LittlePrincezz!

    I wonder if they'll cut the whole instrumental section out for the single... sounds like they could the way the riff plays before and after it.

    -M.
    The Letter Mon April 23, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General CommentWhat about "The great ascent to reach a higher state".
    Does it make sense to be "a greater sense..."?
    Idanon April 24, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General CommentOh, another minor adjustment;

    Men of wealth and power,
    Influence and FAME (instead of fate)

    The brotherhood of wisdom
    Stregnth and dignity (you mispelled STRENGTH)

    And on your "greater sense" bit. I'm not completely sure. Could roll either way.

    "A perfect world(,) a new, life has begun" Interpunction?
    <--------

    Here we are, discussing a pre-released song. Mike Portnoy must hate us now 8D

    Purely out of interest, how did you get your hands on this song?
    LittlePrincezzon April 24, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment"Beneath the ever watchful eye"
    Beneath an ever watchful eye

    "Turn the key walk, through the gate"
    Turn the key, walk through the gate.


    Just nit picking. Its a good song for an attempt to be a single.
    rubber314chickenon May 08, 2009   Link

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