The looking glass (lyrics interpretation )

[AngelBack]

That was dumb.

Ease up big guy.  Because you are a little quirky, not all here have come to a conclusion as to whether you are  a troll or just truly goose stepping to a different percussion.  I for one enjoy your posts because either you are just a little different (which is good) or you are playing a persona that is just a little outside the lines and hard to digest (in which case I also enjoy the skill at which you deploy this facade).

As for the OP, I have four teenagers and I think there is an incredible message in this song about values, decision making and the way we perceive success.  I use the song as talking points when we discuss their daily lives, school, friends, music, etc....

[chaossystem]

Last point first:

I think a lot of their songs could be used for a good purpose or purposes.

I hate to admit it, but I really don't know what a "troll" is.

I have my suspicions, but am not sure.

As for my posts,
I just write what I think or feel,
especially when it comes to the band.

I have opinions just like everyone else.

Sometimes I agree with what other people write,
sometimes I don't.

Same goes for what I write.

I also know that I'm not the only one who ever gets into arguments on here.

I see arguments between other people all the time.

I'm not playing a role,
I'm just being me,
which is all that I CAN do.

As for being different,
I'm not sure what it is that I'm supposed to CONFORM to.

I have different opinions about different things that are sometimes going to be different from that of the majority,
and of course are going to be unpopular,
but I don't think I'm the only one.

Lastly, I would like to say that my reason for posting what I said about how the song compares very closely to what I went through with someone I knew for a very long time is because it just HIT me-and I mean HARD!-recently how much the words and the message to the song REMINDED me of this guy.

So I wanted to see if anyone else had had similar types of experiences, and that we could tell each other that it wasn't just them or me that went through it.

I hope that made sense.

[hefdaddy42]

I hate to admit it, but I really don't know what a "troll" is.

EXACTLY what I would expect a troll to post.

 

[chaossystem]

You do realize that you took what I said completely out of context to make your point.

I just looked it up,
and according to the "urban dictionary" I would have to be completely ignoring everything that everyone else posts,
and writing things only for the purpose of starting arguments.

Wrong both times.

I do pay attention to what other people write.

Sometimes I react to those things.

Sometimes those reactions are negative.

Sometimes they are not.

But I do not come on here just for the purpose of starting arguments.

If I was someone who really HATED Dream Theater, as you seem to be implying, I just wouldn't bother.

Or I would also go on a rap forum, or a forum for any of these cheesy pop singers that I can't stand, if my only purpose was to stir up trouble.

Now do you think maybe we could get back to the purpose of what this thread is supposed to BE?

Which I have already addressed at great length, by the way.

[rumborak]

Actually, regarding the lyrics, when I heard them the first time (and I interpreted them like JP explains them), I kinda thought "hmm, DT, aren't you actually somewhat guilty of this yourself?".
Like, the lyrics accuse kids of taking desperate measures to become famous. Well, didn't DT drop out of college in their desire to be famous with Majesty?
Sure, in hindsight it was the right call, but so it was for Kelly Clarkson or Kerry Underwood, who jump started their careers through a TV show.
After the comparative failure of WDADU it easily could have been the end of DT, and then they would have been a bunch of college dropouts who ruined their professional careers by wanting to be famous.

[hefdaddy42]

You do realize that you took what I said completely out of context to make your point.

You do realize that I posted a smiley face with my post.  Which means it was a joke.

Good grief.

[chaossystem]

You do realize that you took what I said completely out of context to make your point.

You do realize that I posted a smiley face with my post.  Which means it was a joke.

Good grief.

I'm sorry.

Sometimes it's hard for me to tell with people.

But I'm glad you didn't mean it.

[hefdaddy42]

It's cool. 

[El Barto]

Has anybody ever thought to just email Neil Peart and ask him what it's about?

[hefdaddy42]

Has anybody ever thought to just email Neil Peart and ask him what it's about?

lol

[Prog Snob]

Has anybody ever thought to just email Neil Peart and ask him what it's about?

But he didn't write it. 

[rumborak]

Has anybody ever thought to just email Neil Peart and ask him what it's about?

If somebody does it, please ask Alex for the guitar tabs plz.

[ReaPsTA]

Geddy's bass during the solo is nice.  Could you ask what his inspiration was?

[chaossystem]

Hmmmm...

Dream Theater is really Rush under a different name..

Interesting theory.

However, it would NOT explain who the characters that we see in the videos and concert programs.

And when I went to see them live does that mean that it was some kind of mass hypnosis?

Or are they some kind of animatronic creations of Rush that are being controlled like puppets,
with Neal Peart and co. acting as puppet masters?

But in all seriousness, as good as Rush IS, I still think Dream Theater has more depth and dimension to their music, so I don't think they could be under the control of band that is not quite as GOOD as they are, or at least is not better.

[rumborak]

I nowhere near like Rush's music as much as I like DT's, but when it comes to depth and dimension, Rush clearly wins. Lyrics like Peart's DT could only dream of.

[chaossystem]

What I meant was that in my opinion at least,
Dream Theater has more VARIETY in both their MUSIC and their lyrics than most other bands,
including Rush.

But I'm including their overall body of work,
where they were not "handicapped" by having only one main lyricist.

If you want to say that you think Neal P. is the greatest lyricist in history,
I'M not going to try to persuade you to change your opinion.

But for me there are other song-writers who as good or better,
and sometimes that even includes Petrucci!

[Zook]

Please stop raping the enter button.

[chaossystem]

There's a convoluted "Beavis and Butthead" joke in that statement,
but I'll let YOU figure THAT one out...

[puppyonacid]

Off topic a bit, but does anyone else actively search out new posts by our new friend Chaossystem?

I know I do.

It's like watching a fat guy work out whilst wearing lycra. You don't know why he's doing it, but you just have to watch.

On topic - I really cant see the TLG is about Portnoy. I think the only person in the band that would have ever been so direct with lyrics is Portnoy himself ala Raise the Knife being a Kev Moore.

I can't see JP writing a song about MP - not that obviously anyway. If he were ever to do that I'm sure it would have a much more sentimental overtone to it.

[Prog Snob]

Off topic a bit, but does anyone else actively search out new posts by our new friend Chaossystem?

I know I do.

It's like watching a fat guy work out whilst wearing lycra. You don't know why he's doing it, but you just have to watch.

On topic - I really cant see the TLG is about Portnoy. I think the only person in the band that would have ever been so direct with lyrics is Portnoy himself ala Raise the Knife being a Kev Moore.

I can't see JP writing a song about MP - not that obviously anyway. If he were ever to do that I'm sure it would have a much more sentimental overtone to it.

I agree with this.  Petrucci was pretty clear on what the lyrics are about and if you know what the looking glass syndrome is, you would have a better understanding of the lyrics. Some people here are way off with their interpretation of the lyrics.  Petrucci is not petty and would not write lyrics about someone in a condescending way. 

[chaossystem]

Please stop raping the enter button.

I should have asked:

"What the HELL is that supposed to mean?"

[hefdaddy42]

Please stop raping the enter button.

I should have asked:

"What the HELL is that supposed to mean?"

Look at your post about Zook's post that you quoted.  Instead of just typing out your post,
it looks like you kept hitting your enter key,
causing you to go to a new line,
even if it wasn't necessary,
kind of like this.
See?

[chaossystem]

Off topic a bit, but does anyone else actively search out new posts by our new friend Chaossystem?

I know I do.

It's like watching a fat guy work out whilst wearing lycra. You don't know why he's doing it, but you just have to watch.

Is there some reason you felt the need to go out of your way to make a DICK statement like that about me?

Am I really the only one you feel has nothing of value to contribute, and/or doesn't always find the right words to make what you consider the "right kind of statement?"

If you would obsess over what some of the other people say and do on here as much as you do me, you find a lot of the same shit.

Also if you and some of the others would address the issue that I raised about how the song reminds me of someone I knew, and how there are probably others on here who have been through the same type of thing, you might just find that it's not necessary to go off-topic, because there's still plenty to talk about instead of talking shit about someone else to make yourself feel better about YOUR life!

[mike099]

I guess myself and gmillerdrake are in a minority about the lyrics being about MP.   

Would be interesting if someone interviewed MP about the song.

Interview:  Mike, some folks think DT wrote this song about you.

MP:  Really, I do not see it.   And by the way, F*** You!  This interview is over.

[hefdaddy42]

Off topic a bit, but does anyone else actively search out new posts by our new friend Chaossystem?

I know I do.

It's like watching a fat guy work out whilst wearing lycra. You don't know why he's doing it, but you just have to watch.

I didn't see this earlier.  No call for this kind of commentary here.

[chaossystem]

I have nothing more to ad, other than what I already said.

Now, can we get back to our regularly-scheduled topic?

Please?

And Mike099: LOL!

[gmillerdrake]

I guess myself and gmillerdrake are in a minority about the lyrics being about MP.   

It could very well be that the reason I see it that way is because I'm looking for it...like I want DT to write a scathing song about him due to what and how he did what he did to those guys for the sake of his ego. I think MP is undoubtedly a phoenominal musician....aside from AMOB I enjoy all of his music and side projects and like listening to him drum and dig his style. But for me.....the entire 'break up' revealed just how egotistical he is and how it really is all about him. When he came back with the 'I went back to DT before they announced the drummer and asked to be back in the band....they wouldn't let me....I TRIED...."..........that was the very last straw for me and any respect or admiration I had for him. Done. I'll listen to music he's involved in because it's generally collaborated with other great musicians and sounds good....but I can't listen to a single word out of his mouth now without rolling my eyes.....

[bosk1]

I have my own private interpretation of the lyrics.  I know it is not the intended interpretation, but I am okay with that.

[gmillerdrake]

I have my own private interpretation of the lyrics.  I know it is not the intended interpretation, but I am okay with that.

It's about your neighbors toy Poodle isn't it? You don't have to admit it.....I know it is......it's alright.

[bosk1]

I have my own private interpretation of the lyrics.  I know it is not the intended interpretation, but I am okay with that.

It's about your neighbors toy Poodle isn't it? You don't have to admit it.....I know it is......it's alright.

No, you're thinking of the lyrics for "You Shook Me."  Common mistake.

[puppyonacid]

Off topic a bit, but does anyone else actively search out new posts by our new friend Chaossystem?

I know I do.

It's like watching a fat guy work out whilst wearing lycra. You don't know why he's doing it, but you just have to watch.

I didn't see this earlier.  No call for this kind of commentary here.

Ah sorry. I wasn't really intending to cause offence. It was a playful jab - I'm sorry if it came across as an actual insult.

[hefdaddy42]

Sometimes it can be tough to tell the difference.

[Drinktheater]

Lol This became a happy place

[SuperTaco]

instead of talking shit about someone else to make yourself feel better about YOUR life!

This made me giggle. As much as I dislike your personality, it has some comedic value and it adds a little more spice around here (Not that we were lacking any, but.. the more the merrier right? )


I always thought of these lyrics as a basic representation of those who let fame go to their heads. I don't think too deeply when it comes to song lyrics (Unless it's very profound to me, like 8VM). Vocals are usually just another instrument to my ears. I absorb it as part of the entire sonic fabric of the song, rather than a separate entity. Strong lyrics can certainly improve my image of a song, but it doesn't make or break it. I focus more on the pitch selection, harmonies, and how the toooone of the voice blends with the rest of the music.

[chaossystem]

instead of talking shit about someone else to make yourself feel better about YOUR life!

This made me giggle. As much as I dislike your personality, it has some comedic value and it adds a little more spice around here (Not that we were lacking any, but.. the more the merrier right? )

Not only does your comment make it seem like you're just trying to keep the argument and/or exchange of insults going on, but I would like to know what is so negative or off-putting about me trying to explain how the song compares to what I went through in a real-life situation.

I thought it would make for some interesting conversation, but instead I get someone like you, who doesn't even KNOW me making smart-ass comments about my personality, and how a situation like that is only good for "comedy!"