It is about
SYSTEMATIC CHAOS
Several years ago In a foreign town
Far away from home I met the Count of Tuscany
A young eccentric man bred from royal blood
Took me for a ride across the open countryside Let's ignore the foreign town part. And the far away from home part.
Systematic Chaos was recorded several years before. Count Of Tuscany really means Systematic Chaos. It was a young eccentric album, it was all brand new material, and didn't follow a certain idea or concept like previous albums. It was the first of that type since Falling Into Infinity.
It was bred from royal blood as in it was written by Dream Theater.
It took the listener for a ride, the open countryside meaning the listener had no clue what each song would bring, every track a new surprise.
Get into my car, let's go for a drive
Along the way I'll be your guide, just step inside Meaning that the narrator (In this case John Petrucci) wants the listener to hear this album
Maybe you'll recall a cannibal curator
A character inspired by my brother's life...is talking about Repentance. It is a song inspired by Mike Portnoy's personal life.
Winding through the hills, city far behindAs the album goes on, it gets more and more odd, even for a DT album.
On and on we drove down narrow streets and dusty roads Some of the songs aren't that good. (I.E. Prophets of War)
At last we came upon a picturesque estate
On sprawling emerald fields, an ancient world of times gone byThis is talking about Repentance again. It is more familiar because it is another part of the 12 Step Suite.
Let me introduce my brother
A bearded gentleman, historian
Sucking on his pipe, distinguished accent
Making me uptight, no accidentWith the arrival of Repentance, it is time to introduce Mike Portnoy... he is a creepy guy.
I wanna stay alive
Everything about this place just doesn't feel right
I, I don't wanna die
Suddenly I'm frightened for my life
I wanna say goodbye
This could be the last time you see me alive
I, I may not survive
Knew it from the moment we arrived
This album is too much for the listener to handle. He wants to forget about its existence, or it might affect his being a fan of DT, or worse, it might kill him.
Would you like to see our secret holy place?
I come here late at night to pray to him by candlelightThis is referring to In The Presence of Enemies, it is the album's centerpiece, and should be worshiped as such.
Then peering through the glass I saw with disbelief
Still dressed in royal clothes the saint behind the altarThe listener finds that there is more to ITPOE than just the opening track, part two appears at the end of the album!
History recalls during times of war
Legend has been traced back inside these castle wallsThis line is referring to Prophets of War.
The soldiers came to hide in barrels filled with wine
Never to escape, these tombs of oak are where they died The song started out good, but as it developed it got worse and worse until it fell to the bottom of the list of DT's worst songs.
Down the cellar stairs I disappear
Like the angel's share the end is nearThe listener gets to the end of the album, deeper into it.
Come and have a taste, a rare vintage
All the finest wines improve with age JP is urging the listener to give it more chances, that it improves with age.
Could this be the end? Is this the way I die?
Sitting here alone, no one by my side
I don't understand, I don't feel that I deserve this
What did I do wrong? I just don't understand
I just don't understand The listener doesn't understand why he was subjected to such a bad album.*
Give me one more chance, let me please explain
It's all been circumstance, I'll tell you once again
You took me for a ride promising a vast adventure
The next thing that I know I'm frightened for my life He doesn't think that it is his fault for listening to it, he expected a great adventurous album.
Now wait a minute man, that's not how it is
You must be confused, that isn't who I am
Please don't be afraid, I would never try to hurt you
This is how we live strange although it seems please try to forgiveJP explains that he still stands by it as a great album, but if the listener doesn't like it, well that's his problem.
The chapel and the saint, the soldiers and the wine
The fables and the tales all handed down through timeHe believes that SC is a great album of historical importance, and will stand the test of time.
Of course you're free to go, go and tell the world my story
Tell about my brother, tell them about me, the Count of Tuscany
He urges the listener to spread the album, and to tell others about Mike Portnoy, and himself, and how Systematic Chaos is actually him.
Next time I'll explain how Mike Portnoy is Black Clouds and Silver Linings.
Topic: The Truth about The Count of Tuscany (Read 27462 times)
