Only a Matter of Time

Dream Theater

When Dream and Day Unite



Music: Dream Theater

Lyrics: Kevin Moore



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 com-monplace

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

In 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're already reached it

And if spirit's a sign

Then it's only a matter of time



Only a matter of time