This is the first song in Mike Portnoy’s “Alcoholics Anonymous” suite, in which 4 songs depict the 12 steps people go through to recover from alcoholism. An epic opener clocking in at 13:52, Dream Theater is usually rather over-the-top with technical pyromania and melodramatic lyrics. Their middle era (this album, Tunnel of Thought, and Octavarium), though, contains a good number of songs with introspective themes. They are worthy listen if you can sift through the sonic onslaughts to pick out deeper truths.
One such moment is the third act of this song, which addresses a lesson I’ve been learning over and over.
Way off in the distance I saw a door
I tried to open
I tried forcing with all of my will and still
The door wouldn’t openUnable to trust in my faith
I turned and walked away
I looked around, felt the chill in the air
Took my will and turned it overThe glass prison which once held me is now gone
A long lost fortress
Armed only with liberty
And the key of my willingnessFell down on my knees and prayed
Thy will be done
I turned around, saw a light shining through
The door was wide open
Well said, Mike. I hear you.