Only A Matter Of Time - Dream Theater

A suited man smiled, said: It’s just a matter of time

You can have the world at your feet by tomorrow

Just sign on this line

Hold tight, limelight!

Approaching the paramount with the sun in our eyes

Fearing family ties, legalies compromise

In a dimly lit room with a stool as his stage

A dream-stricken prince of a pauper’s descent

Haunts the eavesdropping silence that presses his window

As he sweats a performance to an audience that ticks on the wall

To the practical observer it’s just a matter of time

You can deviate from the commonplace only to fall back in line

I understand mine’s a risky plan and your system can’t miss

But is security after all a cause or symptom of happiness?

Brave, yet afraid, his eyes on horizon

In a steady-set gaze

A mariner soon from an open cocoon

Takes a moment to summon his courage

To stifle his grave apprehension and trembling, approaches the surf

A father’s benediction as his hopeful son departs

To brave the sea of rage and conquer at all costs

Lingers in his memory and visions still surviving in a logic-proof shell

That should have been held sacred, safe and hidden well

Are compromised in usury

With every rising sun that yields no sight of land

The hesitation cultivates within the tired man

And rumors spread of mutiny

And though the time will come when dream and day unite

Tonight the only consolation causing him to fight

Is fearless faith in destiny

Even when plans fall to pieces

I can still find the courage with promise I’ve found in my faith

Likely or not, it’s a dream that we keep and at odds with our senses we’ll climb

But if faith is the answer, we’ve already reached it

And if spirit’s a sign, then it’s only a matter of time

Only a matter of time