What DT song is most personal to you?

[walmartsecurity]

Oh-I almost for got to add "These Walls"...the lyrics mean so much to me. I've been dealing with a lot of shit lately and it pretty much sums it up.

I could say the exact same thing. This was the first song I played for the new year. Now the walls have to start falling..

[robwebster]

Any song on WDADU. That album takes me to a place that is incomprehensible and can never ever be tainted by the society we live in. Whenever I listen to this album in its entirety, I have the same recurring dream that night, of that same wonderful place. It is one of the things that keeps me going from day to day.

See kids, THIS kinda stuff is what music's about.

I like posts like this because it reminds me of how posts along the lines of "ha! how can you POSSIBLY hold that poxy opinion, those transitions are nigh-on unlistenable!" are missing the point of music completely - can't see the forest for all the trees and that. The songwriting process will have signed off well over three months before we've even heard of a note of the album. It's easy to get dragged into the minutiae but really... who cares if the piano interlude is completely out of place? Once it's been put to disc you either like it or you don't. And christ that can bring out some profound feelings. Wonderful.



Not to say that there's anything inherently wrong with discussing the composition, but we focus on the "what" so much more than the "why" and the "how," and that's a bit tragic. To be expected, but dissecting the technicality is a really oafish way of analysing such an ambiguous and emotive artform. Bit of a shame it's the predominant way we discuss Dream Theater's music. It does it a massive disservice.



Incidentally, Dissecting the Technicality sounds like the title of an album an Italian band with a name like "Silicon Mermaid Syndrome" might release.

[LTE]

Ill save quoting your huge post...



I agree, although one of the things I love about Dream Theater is how I can both analyze their music very literally and technically, or by songwriting and lyrical points of view, or simply what the songs means and does to me, related or not.

[walmartsecurity]

I've always listened to music with emotion and an open mind. I'd much prefer not to become one of those people who listens to something just to pick out the imperfections. To me, this album has none. It is what it is, and it's fantastic.

The key here is imagination, and as I said, an open mind. Without those two things I probably would have either killed myself or become an impenetrable shell. I would suggest that everyone else listen to music this way, and especially WDADU, but everyone has their own way of getting out of bed every morning. Mine is metal music.

[wasp2020]

Both Surrounded and A Change of Season's themes of breaking free of depression and striving to become something more speak a lot to me. They were also the songs that got me into DT in the first place, and still hold the record for most-played on my media player.

[sonatafanica]

I'm editing mine here. I just listened to it again and found it to be even more personal.



The Silent Man.

I have never enjoyed talking to people in person really. In middle and high school I went for weeks at a time without saying even one word the whole day.

I don't know why, but a lot of things have happened to scar me in such a way that I wish everyone around me would just leave me alone. But at the same time, if I have to I can find the strength to make difficult decisions and to help anyone I can, unless it requires too much social interaction. I have been both a victim of my girlfriend (current) and my father, for reasons much too personal to say. I think I can be an open person from time to time, but there are a few questions that I pray my girlfriend or family will never ask me. Things that simply are rooted too deeply for me to even think about clearly, no matter how many years they already have been there.

I can't stop being the funny guy to anyone around me. I always know who I am: a person who doesn't know who he is. If I take off that mask of being funny and clever, I'm afraid that there simply will be nothing there. Afraid to emerge and realize that I was away too long and all that it left is someone who honestly does not care.


I didn't mean to blabber away....that song just really connects with me.

[robwebster]

I have been both a victim of my girlfriend (current)

I'm aware this is a very personal question, so I'll understand if you don't want to answer...

But surely, if she's wounded you in a way that's impacted so deeply that you don't feel comfortable being open, she should really be your ex by now?

There are worse things in the world than being single. Is it just because you don't want to be alone, or are there other reasons?

Sorry. I'm probably very out of place to comment, but that just struck me as bizarre, so I'm kind of curious as to... well, why, when you're not stuck with her as you would be with your father.

[sonatafanica]

As I said, it's very personal, but I'm not afraid at all of being single. And what impacts me from her so much is not entirely her doing, so I can't pin all, or even most of the blame on her.


You're not out of place to question.

[AwakeFromOctavarium]

Lifting Shadows Off a Dream.

One of their best song and extremely emotional IMO.

[LCArenas]

-Space-Dye Vest
Its the first DT song I cried to. I don't relate it to falling in love with a model in a magazine, though , but to a break-up in a relationship.
-A Change of Seasons
It has really beautiful lyrics that I can relate to, too; the losing of my childhood's ingenuity (Another World) or the people that I've lost along the way, not necessarily by passing away (Carpe Diem)

[nikatapi]

Space Dye Vest and Dissapear...And Vacant...
Oh wait! Wait for sleep!
It seems i can't pic only one....

[BFRedrocks]

Without a doubt, The Spirit Carries On.  I lost my mom in 2006 and I remember hearing that song around the time she passed away and it just struck a chord with me.  But, the real reason it is so personal is that one year to the day of her passing, I was fortunate enough to go to see Dream Theater in Phoenix and do the Meet n' Greet.  While I was talking to the guys, I told MP that tonight was the one year anniversary of my mom's passing, and that she would have been smiling knowing that I was spending time on this particular night celebrating her life at a concert with my favorite band, AND getting to meet them in person.  MP told me that he would dedicate The Spirit Carries On to her that night.

I was in the front row and when they started playing the song, MP looked right at me and pointed with his stick as if to say "this one's for your mom."  Good thing I was in the front row so very few people could see the emotions I was having at that moment. 

And from that point, The Spirit Carries On became one of the most personal songs to me of any song by any artist.

[King Postwhore]

SDOIT.  I was going through Chemo for Lymphoma and picked up the cd in the middle of my treatments.  It helped me get through that rough time in my life.

[ben_1112]

A Change Of Seasons

The song that got me into DT 10+ years ago when I was just 11 years old.  DT's music has been a huge part of my life, and this song is where it all started.

[Mladen]

Never enough

I can relate to the lyrics, from the way I look at them.

[sonatafanica]

You have so-called fans?! 

[Fluge]

definitely lifting shadows off a dream by far.

would have said the same thing about solitary shell a year ago.

[Dublagent66]

The Silent Man.



I have never enjoyed talking to people in person really. In middle and high school I went for weeks at a time without saying even one word the whole day.

I don't know why, but a lot of things have happened to scar me in such a way that I wish everyone around me would just leave me alone. But at the same time, if I have to I can find the strength to make difficult decisions and to help anyone I can. That song really connects with me.

I can relate.  The one I most relate to is Solitary Shell.  About To Crash is another one.  It sucks being me.   


Splent, you've been creating some really kickass threads lately.   

[Mladen]

You have so-called fans?! 

Here's my post from a while ago:

This thread made me think. I've never thought it was about the ungrateful fans - I thought it was about people not appreciating the good deed, because it's not 100% what they wanted. The way I see it, it is about man really trying to help someone, possibly his friends, but they're never truly thankful because his deed could have been better. They would appreciate him only if he walked away, because then they would realize how much he meant to them.

[Anaesthesia]

The Spirit Carries On, the first time I listened to it I was overwhelmed- I even tear up sometimes when I watch the live version on LFSNY with the choir- it's really nice to watch.

Also About to Crash and Solitary Shell.

This, really. Scenes is the record that got me into Dream Theater, and I'd listen to it on repeat while drawing in my room, and now and again switch to the Live edition of TSCO. :3 I still get chills up and down my spine when Theresa starts singing. As much as I love Score, that particular edition of The Spirit Carries on can't hold a candle to LSFNY.

About to Crash reminds me of myself, Solitary Shell of my littlebrother, heh.

Without a doubt, The Spirit Carries On.  I lost my mom in 2006 and I remember hearing that song around the time she passed away and it just struck a chord with me.  But, the real reason it is so personal is that one year to the day of her passing, I was fortunate enough to go to see Dream Theater in Phoenix and do the Meet n' Greet.  While I was talking to the guys, I told MP that tonight was the one year anniversary of my mom's passing, and that she would have been smiling knowing that I was spending time on this particular night celebrating her life at a concert with my favorite band, AND getting to meet them in person.  MP told me that he would dedicate The Spirit Carries On to her that night.

I was in the front row and when they started playing the song, MP looked right at me and pointed with his stick as if to say "this one's for your mom."  Good thing I was in the front row so very few people could see the emotions I was having at that moment. 

And from that point, The Spirit Carries On became one of the most personal songs to me of any song by any artist.

That is beautiful, I nearly teared up reading it. *hug*

[bloop]

.

[lonestar]

It's a split between Surrounded, because of how I related it to my past drug addiction, and solitary Shell, because  a lot of times in my life I feel seperated in some way from others.

[Rina]

I'm attached to "I Walk Beside You", it's kinda one of me and my other half's songs. 

[BlackInk]

I feel very connected to Solitary Shell, because I've got asperger syndrome (a form of autism).

[TheGreatPretender]

Sadly, The Best of Times. The album came out right around the time my own father passed away. Now, the reason I say sadly is because I honestly don't enjoy it musically all that much. At least not the main verse parts.
But I prefer DT songs that aren't personal honestly. I prefer songs that take me on a journey away from my own life.

[JayOctavarium]

The Best of Times. The album came out right around the time my own father passed away.

So this.

and The Silent Man... I played it on the way to my dad's funeral... woulda played it at the funeral if I could. He.... idk what it was... it just fit who he was.  

ACOS.... For many reasons. The death of a parent... plus the "Oh come, let us adore him.." lines define how I feel most of the time.

These Walls lyrically describe how I feel most of the time. It is so hard for me to open up to people...

Someone Like Him section from 8VRM....  again because my dad

"So suddenly
The only thing
I wanted
To become
To be someone just like him"

I spent years hating him and not wanting to be anything like him... now I am more like him than I ever thought possible... and become more and more like him everyday. Its a blessing and a curse

[wammabe]

Space Dye Vest
Solitary Shell
Silent Man
^ I'm a teenager that really dislikes socializing with 90% of the people out there.  

But usually, no matter what my mood is at the time, the best choice of song to listen is Take the Time. Images and Words is by far the most valuable possession that I currently have. It makes me feel like the happiest and most productive person alive! Waaayy better than anti-depressants.

[FlyingBIZKIT]

Peruvian Skies.

I went to Peru, and got my ass kicked.


Seriously, I'm not sure what song fits me. I'm trying to find it. 

[TheGreatPretender]

Someone Like Him section from 8VRM....  again because my dad

"So suddenly
The only thing
I wanted
To become
To be someone just like him"

I spent years hating him and not wanting to be anything like him... now I am more like him than I ever thought possible... and become more and more like him everyday. Its a blessing and a curse

Right back at you. That very much applies to me as well. Well, I never hated him, but I did spend a good part of my teenage hood being angsty about him never calling and stuff like that. But as soon as he was gone, being his offspring was one of the things I took the biggest pride in.


Misunderstood too, actually. I mean, the chorus pretty much sums up my existence. I have a ton of friends, but still feel very disconnected from them. "How can I feel abandoned even when the world surrounds me?" "How can I know so many, never really knowing anyone?"

[Jaffa]

If I had to pick just one, Solitary Shell.

Also Take the Time, Misunderstood, and Wither. 

[bss4life15]

These Walls and Solitary Shell.  I am always able to connect to these songs because most of the time i am detatched from everyone else and i have always had a hard time connecting with people.
Also Never Enough because i always feel like it's impossible to please anyone. 

[TheGreatPretender]

Is it just me or do a lot of DT fans feel detached from other people? Hahah. I guess that's what makes us awesome in our own tragic way.

[Jaffa]

Is it just me or do a lot of DT fans feel detached from other people? Hahah. I guess that's what makes us awesome in our own tragic way.

Well, I think part of it is that Solitary Shell is just one of the most easily relatable songs they have.  So even if it doesn't apply to someone EXACTLY, it still feels like it does, because it was written really well. 

[chrisbDTM]

These Walls. I always feel a disconnect with people, (outside of my friends), where i find it hard to have conversations, etc. i always wind up making it awkward

[wammabe]

Is it just me or do a lot of DT fans feel detached from other people? Hahah. I guess that's what makes us awesome in our own tragic way.

Kinda interesting. I know there are many "disorders" that make people more creative, but also make people more detached socially. Maybe DT attracts that kind of creative people more. That, or, since people me don't have lives, we're more common in online forums...