Take the Time Lyrics

Lyric discussion by karmakgb 

Cover art for Take the Time lyrics by Dream Theater

I'll take a stab at who wrote what.

First verse Mike Portnoy.

Just let me catch my breath I've heard the promises I've seen the mistakes I've had my fair share of tough breaks I need a new voice, a new law, a new way Take the time, reevaluate It's time to pick up the pieces Go back to square one I think it's time for a change

Very staccato, repetitive, aggressive. Very Portnoy.

Second verse John Petrucci.

There is someting that I feel To be something that is real I feel the heat within my mind And craft new changes with my eyes Giving freely wandering promises A place with decisions I'll fashion I won't waste another breath

He tends to write these dreamy obscure lyrics. This fits the bill.

Third verse definitely Kevin Moore.

The unbroken spirit Obscured and disquiet Finds clearness this trial demands And at the end of this day sighs an anxious relief For the fortune lies still in his hands

If there's a pensive fear, a wasted year A man must learn to cope If his obsession's real Suppression that he feels must turn to hope

The best lyricist in the band (and one of my favorites of all time) he writes these beautiful little pieces full of emotion and cleverly worded. For an example from roughly the same time period, see "Only A Matter of Time."

Any doubt that this is John Myung?

I close my eyes And feel the water rise around me Drown the beat of time Let my senses fall away I can see much clearer now I'm blind

Mystical, water imagery. Just check "Lifting Shadows Off a Dream" if you doubt it.

The chorus could have been written by any of them, my guess is Moore or Petrucci.

One of the very best Dream Theater songs.