Love: Fate has come to warn that you’ve far too long forsaken her heart
Move to the truth breathe the sunlight burning in her open arms
Break the chains that bind you to a past that feeds these bitter days
Seize your only chance follow the stars that beckon you through blackened skies
Wife: Can you feel me touch your aching heart I can sense how much you’re missing me…
Give me a sign, show me you’re there I am sure you’ll find a way back to me
Me: I can’t believe I turned so vile How could I’ve ignored her smile? She was always there to ease my pain I’m so ashamed…
I wonder why she stayed with me How she endured my vanity I wish I could go back and mend my ways Is it too late?
Wife: Can you see, I swear it’s true, a teardrop trickling down his cheek? Best Friend: Yes indeed, I see it too, could it be he’s hurting inside? Wife: Don’t you think we should be glad he feels anything at all? Best Friend: It could well be he cries because of us Wife: Does it matter why he cries? Best Friend: What’s going on in his mind? Wife: Has he given us a sign?
Wife: Can you see, I swear it’s true, him clenching his right hand into a fist? Best Friend: Yes indeed, I see it too, could it be he’s raging inside? Wife: Don’t you think we should be glad he has any thoughts at all? Best Friend: It could well be he’s angry cos of us Wife: Does it matter if he is? Best Friend: What’s going on in his mind? Wife: Has he given us a sign?
Fear: It’s time to leave your sheltered cage Face your deepest fears The world is against you You’re fighting back the tears
Me: All the kids were watching me I felt very small I could hear the laughter As I stumbled down the hall
Rage: (human) Seeking to find, deep in the trauma as it leaves you behind (human) Bleeding it gone into the profit of the competition (human) Loving today, all of the feelings are they going away (human) Ending it now, I’d rather hear about the where and the how
Agony: The bigger boys they beat you up Out here you cannot hide No friends to help you No father at your side
Me: I swore that I’d get back at them But I was just a kid One day I’d show them I wouldn’t rest until I did
CHORUS 1: Rage
Pride: You gotta prove you’re not like the rest Reason: There’s no need if you know you’re the best Pride: That’s not enough, let the other kids know Reason: What’s the use, go with the flow
[Chorus 2] Pride: Be a man, give in to hate Reason: You better learn to communicate Pride: Better to learn to protect yourself Reason: That’s not the way to get out of this hell Pride: See that kid, wipe the smile off his face Reason: He’s just like you, feeling out of place Pride: I don’t care, let’s show him who’s boss Reason: That’s not the way to get your message across
CHORUS 2
Passion: Don’t rack your brains , let it all go Savour the moment and feel your blood flow
Me: Then I got back at them Still acting like a kid Then I showed them But when I had, I could not quit…
Reason: You’re driving home, it’s one PM You cannot function, you’re a broken man Your past is catching up with you Only her tenderness can help you through
you see her smile at another man
Wife: did you see me smile at another man? It was only us, please understand…
Reason: you see him hold her in his arms
Wife: did you see him hold me in his arms? We needed warmth, we meant no harm…
Agony: love left you, without me you′re alone!
Reason: Tears of sorrow fill your eyes Your cold and wretched life flashes by Is that your father standing there? You turn the wheel, you no longer care…
you saw her smile at another man
Wife: did you see me smile at another man? It was only us, please understand…
Reason: you saw him hold her in his arms
Wife: did you see him hold me in his arms? We needed warmth, we meant no harm…
Agony: love left you, without me you′re alone! love wrecked you!
Passion: you saw her smile at another man now you finally understand he held her in his arms you’ve nothing left, it’s gone too far…
Agony: your memory begins to clear now you see what brought you here you try to open up your eyes but the doubts leave you paralized
Wife: I smiled at another man please understand… he held me in his arms we meant no harm…
Agony: love left you, without me you′re alone! love wrecked you, I am the oldest friend you know!
Father: Look at you, lying there, defenceless and alone See I′m no fool, I always knew you wouldn′t make it on your own Cos you′re just like your mother, well where is she now? You′ll end up like her soon, 6 feet under ground, loser!
I came here to watch you bleed, oh how I love to gloat if you had any balls at all, you′d grab me by the throat You don′t even look like me, ha! Not even close! You′re an aberration, some freak...I suppose, loser! I had my fun, I′m going back to the place I don′t call home There′s no one there who waits for me, but you won′t hear me moan My ex-wives all sue me, and with half my kids in jail I′ll still come out laughing, coz me? I never fail, loser! Rage: NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! Killing it from afar, go tell it in a bar You′re killing it from afar my father!
THIS IS THE VOICE OF MERLIN. LISTEN WELL, FOR IT CONCERNS YOU. THIS CHRONICLE COMMENCES IN THE YEAR 2084 A.D. MANKIND HAS VIRTUALLY DESTROYED ITSELF. IT′S SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON ′THE FINAL EXPERIMENT′. SCIENTISTS FROM THE 21ST CENTURY HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW COMPUTERPROGRAM CALLED ′TIME TELEPATHY′. BY USING THIS TECHNIQUE THEY HAVE SENT VISIONS OF HUMANITIES′ DECLINE BACK IN TIME. THESE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE MIND OF A BLIND MINSTREL WHO LIVES IN 6TH CENTURY GREAT BRITAIN. HIS NAME .... IS ′AYREON′.
[B. Overture]
[C. Ayreon′s quest]
IT SHALL BE AYREON′S QUEST TO SING OF THESE VISIONS AND THUS WARN THE WORLD OF ITS IMPENDING DOWNFALL IN ORDER TO CHANGE ITS FUTURE IN A LONG AND PROSPEROUS ONE. LET US GO BACK TO ′THE DARK AGES′.
Agony: You’re alone in your bedroom Hiding from the world, staring at the ceiling
Me: Mother said ‘he’ll be home soon’ But he never was, and I knew how she was feeling
Fear: You always let him down; ‘you’d never be like him’ He’d always break you, never let you win No matter what you said, he’d always disagree You swore that one day you would be …better than him…one day you’d win
Agony: You’re hiding out in the cellar Aching and ashamed, covering up the bruises
Me: And then he would tell her How I tripped and hurt my head, how I’d always be a loser
CHORUS: Fear
Agony: You’re all alone in your bedroom How could you learn to care, when nobody cares for you
Me: Mother said he’d be home soon But he never came, as for me…he didn’t have to…
Reason: Think hard, you’re lying here in a hospital bed Disregard the emotions inside your head Concentrate on the real world beyond your mind It’s not too late to leave your burdens behind
Fear: We won’t let you go Take you down below Dark crypts of your soul Locked inside your head… You’re better off dead
Agony: Locked away, she lives in isolation It’s been that way since he has gone She’s been through a life of deprivation She depends on you, her only son
Passion: [chorus]She won’t let you go Keep you down below Dark crypts of your soul Locked inside your head You’re better off dead
Agony: Where are you, can’t you hear her calling? Nothing you can do, you have no time There’s no one there to catch her now she’s falling Why should you care, you’re doing fine
CHORUS: Passion
Reason: Now she’s at rest, she finally found her peace There’s no need to blame yourself You must let go or the pain will never cease It’s time to crawl out of your shell
Your mother died, the day your father left A part of you died as well Feelings of guilt will haunt you ‘til the end You must fight hard to break this spell
But it hurts…
Fear: You hear her voice, from beyond her grave “Where were you, son, when I needed you Is this your thanks for all the warmth I gave Did you forget what I’ve been through?”
Then you hear his voice, cold and merciless “You worthless fool, you let her die!” And deep within yourself you must confess Your ways cannot be justified
Pride: [chorus] By now you realise you have to be relentless to survive Repress your memories, bury your emotions and thrive! It’s your life!
Reason: Now she’s at rest, she found her peace Fear: You hear her voice from her grave Reason: You must let go or the pain won’t cease Fear: “Is this your thanks for all I gave” Reason: A part of you died as well Fear: “You worthless fool, you let her die!” Reason: It’s time to crawl out of your shell Fear: Your ways cannot be justified
Once a world, endless and free Horizons unbroken Now a world of bounded frontiers The elders have spoken (our home)
Once a world, eternal and blue Floating, escaping Now a world that′s blinding my view Shadows shaping (our home)
[Chorus:] Liquid eternity crosses through our veins Liquid eternity nourishes our brains Liquid eternity, a world that does not live Liquid eternity, a life that does not yield
Once a world of fear and dismay Of fleeing and hiding Now a world that′s peaceful and safe So caring and providing, our home...
[Chorus]
Would you prefer the pain and suffering we had Would you prefer to be in peril, even dead Would you prefer to live the life we′ve learned to dread Would you prefer to live a mortal life instead (our home)
I′m losing my reason to live The essence of life
But the system′s got so much to give Or would you rather die...
I′m losing my pride and my joy My will to believe
Why would you come back and destroy What we have achieved
[Chorus]
Would you prefer the pain and suffering we had Would you prefer to be in peril, even dead Would you prefer to live the life we′ve loved to play Would you prefer to live a mortal life instead
[Chorus]
Would you prefer the pain and suffering we had Would you prefer to be in peril, even dead Would you prefer to live the life we′ve loved to play Would you prefer to live a mortal life instead (our home)
Me: I can′t move, I can′t feel my body I don′t remember anything What place is this, how did I get here? I don′t understand, what′s happening
Am I alone?
Fear: You′ve been deserted, everyone has left you You know it′s always been that way Those frantic years, the people you′ve neglected Now the time has come to pay
You′re alone No one here is dancing to your tune
Me: Is this a dream or is it real? Reason: Sometimes the dream becomes reality Me: But I don′t know what to feel Reason: Then I will guide you through this haze Me: But who are you, why are you here? Reason: I am you and you are all of us Me: I can′t think, my mind ain′t clear Reason: Then I will free you from this maze
Passion: Can′t you feel it burn Deep down inside? Won′t you ever learn Don′t try to hide
Can′t you feel that fire Scorching your soul? A wounded man′s desire Out of control
Pride: I can′t believe you′re giving up That′s not your way I can′t believe you′d pass the chance to make them pay
You′ve always had complete control Never thinking twice You always called the shots, a heart as cold as ice
Me: You′re all delusions of my mind Reason: And so we are, we′re all a part of you Me: Am I a part of some design? Reason: The one design is in your head Me: How can it be, you look so real Reason: We are as real as you imagine us Me: I can touch you, I can feel Reason: Then take my hand and follow me
Passion: chorus 1 Pride: chorus 2
Love: Close your eyes, listen to your heart beat Surrender to its soothing pulse Silence the cries, gentle and carefree Good or bad, true or false
You′re not alone
You′ll find me here whenever they oppose you I am the strongest of them all No need to fear these feelings that enclose you I′m here to catch you when you fall
A black shadow is crawling like a Deadly spider we′re all waiting in Silence for the lonely rider fore he will Lead the way for he will save the town We have to leave today before the Moon is down
I′m haunted by dreams of a holy Mission I follow the signs of my magic Vision We have to dig a hole and he will be Our eyes we have to reach a goal Before the sun will rise
Journey to the farside of the world no One will catch me when I fall follow the Trail of fire no one will hear me when I Call journey to the farside of the world A distant place a future time we′ll Climb the tallest spire I will raise the Cross and the bells will chime
We′ll pass over the river to the silver Tower run before the clock strikes the Final hour He saw it in a dream he knew he had To die we never heard him scream we Never heard him cry Journey to the farside of the world Make them believe the dream is true Follow the trail of fire the moon came Down my time is through journey to The farside of the world this is the way It was meant to be we′ll climb the Tallest spire the shadow is gone the Town is free
Be joyful, my friends! You will now enter the Tunnel of Light. Let brilliance suffuse your souls! Make your choice. Your path is incandescend.
[highlander] don′t offer me the light, when I only know the darkness thats where I want to hide there′s a chill in my bones, that I recognise from another life that′s why I′m heading home
[egyptian] ra - heliopolis, ka - anenti [roman] into Elysium! [knight] the isle of Avalon! [egyptian] in the tunnel of light
[highlander] don′t tempt my heart with hope, in the shadows of broken promises I guard my dreams in the bend of a swollen river, in the roots of weeping willows I choose to lie
[egyptian] ra - heliopolis, ka - anenti [roman] into Elysium! [knight] the isle of Avalon! [indian] the legend has begun! [futureman] our one and only sun! [egyptian] in the tunnel of light
[egyptian] ra - heliopolis [highlander] I rest my broken heart, where the willows weep [egyptian] ka - anenti [roman] into Elysium [knight] the isle of Avalon! [indian] the legend has begun [egyptian] in the tunnel of light
[highlander] I will lay me down I will rest my head I will close my eyes
Reason: Now you know the truth, what will you do? Me: I still can’t believe it’s true… Passion: You better believe it, and make them pay! Me: There has to be another way…
Pride: You cannot take this lying down! Me: I gotta stand up, can you show me how? Love: You must forgive them and open your heart Me: It’s all my fault, it tears me apart!
Agony: It would have been better if you would have just died! Me: No, I’ve got to win this fight! Fear: But can you face them after all you did? Me: I gotta reveal the feelings I hid
Best Friend: See him fight, he’s all on his own… Me: I need your help, can’t do it alone! Wife: Listen to me, can you hear me shout? Me: Let me out!!
It′s the calm before the storm It′s the quiet before the roar It′s the time when all will be decided. (All will be decided) But nobody hears The Echoes on the Wind
It′s the end of the chain (Destruction of the feelings) It′s the end of our game (We′re seeing as before) It′s the end of man′s evolution (The end of the evolution) But nobody hears The echoes on the wind
[2. Radioactive Grave]
Do you hear the sirens? Do you see them burst? Do you feel the fire? (Grunt)
I can hear them crying I can see their fear I can see them dying (Grunt)
Do you hear them calling Do you see them hurt? Do you feel them falling? (Grunt)
I can′t think of waiting I can see their hearts I can see them fading (Grunt) Do you hear the sirens? Do you see them burst? Do you feel the fire? (Grunt)
I can hear them crying I can see their fear I can see them dying (Grunt)
[3. 2085]
Silence′s so loud Not a soul left alive Darkness′s a shroud 2085 All our dreams have disappeared They burned down, tree of life Confirming all that we feared 2085
Don′t give up Remember how we felt Fire rushing through our veins
Now it′s the time To rise up from our hell Now it′s the time to free our brains
The meaning of life is to Give life meaning Don′t you fast, move too slow.
Restore the balance Between thinking and feeling Open up and let it flow
No side has won Struggled to survive Our quest here is done 2085 All our hopes have disappeared Our race will Not describe Time will not bring color here 2085
Don′t give in Remember all we learned The spark of life if did ignite
We′re again, The rest for which we earth We′re again, A wealthy fire
We must resolve this human equation We′re already dead if we don′t try To welcome challenge, genetic variation Stop the machines, prepare to die
[4. To the Planet of Red]
[Instrumental]
[5. Spirit of the Wind]
He′s the last man alive (Searching for the answer) Knowing he won′t survive (To the mystery of live) He lives the past, and dreams of the future (Dreaming of the future) And soon he′ll set free (And the sleeper will awake) The Spirit of The Wind
[6. Complete the Circle]
Make us whole Migrator soul Follow you home Complete the Circle We must survive Restore our lives Always be sure Complete the Circle [x2]
Send back visions Into the past Of war and decay Hear the final cries!
I see them dying We have to teach them Migrator soul
We′re gain over to fly We′re already die We found a way
I know we′re knocking at the end Listen to the One man
We gave them a language What did they say What did they learn
We have no chance We are the future We are the pain Complete the Circle!
He′s a stranger I don′t know Where he′s coming from Is he a danger to me or just Another man He knows magic or maybe He′s a charlatan Is it a sly trick he plays does He have a plan
He said he came from a World beyond my dreams From the depths of my mind He said he′d burn like star And disappear But leave his spirit behind
He′s a stranger a man with a Destiny A rearranger of fate a Changer of lives They will erase him for they Are all afraid of him They′re gonna trace him and Then cause him to die
He said he′d cure me I do Not have to die I hold my fate in my hands He said he′d always be there Everytime I′d cry One day I would understand
He was a stranger they shot Him and now he′s dead I′m out of danger he lives on Inside my head
He said he came from a World beyond my dreams From the depths of my mind He said he′d burn like star And disappear But leave his spirit behind
He said he′d cure me I do Not have to die I hold my fate in my hands He said he′d always be there Everytime I′d cry One day I would understand
Last night I had that dream again My world was black as night Plagued by visions of a future world Mr L, did you take your meds?
I sang about these dreams Warning man of his demise Wasted words that no one heard Won′t you please relax? I′ll make your bed
Today I had that dream again I roamed among the stars On the wings of an amazing flight Mr L, do you feel OK?
To a place beyond our time Where the sunlight doesn′t warm And colour bleeds into the night We may have to increase your dose today
I know the truth is out there Didn′t you want to see? I know the truth is in here Why should we believe you? Didn′t you want to flee
Now I have that dream again I live beneath the waves In a ground of grace and majesty Mr L can I ease your mind In the distant shadows loom Cold machines rise from the deep In a world once proud and free Would you free your thoughts, let it all abide
I hate to have that dream again They live inside my head Feeling everything I feel inside Mr L can you please be still?
They speak to me in dreams They can see all I can see They have always been my guide Gotta hush now, please have another pill
I know the truth is out there Why should we believe you? Didn′t you want to see I know the truth is here Why should we deceive you? Didn′t you want to feel?
We are all alone There′s no one there You don′t have to be afraid
Can′t you see through this masquerade? We are all alone We are all clones There′s no one there I am so scared You don′t have to be afraid
Last night I had that dream again My world was black as night Plagued by visions of a future world Mr L, would you take your rest?
They speak to me in dreams They could see all I can see They have always been my guide Won′t you please relax? I′ll make your bed
I know the truth is out there Why should we believe you? Didn′t you want to see Why should we deceive you? I know the truth is in here Why should we believe you? Didn′t you want to feel?
Lost in a world created by Man I can′t recall how it all began Tell me who am I?
Fictional stars in lost Galaxies Synthetic dreams and false Memories Is it all a lie?
There is no escape There is no way out of here I′m locked in this universe The real world will disappear Where fantasy dies You will see our dreams Material lies Materialize Computer eyes Computerize
Virtual reality - computer Override Actual fantasy locked away Inside Am I no more than a Program An artificial dream A river of electrons flowing With the stream A parallel dimension battle Simulations Mind over matter brain Stimulation I don′t know if I exist I think Therefore I am Without emotions I′m but a Hologram There′s no escape I′m locked In this universe Where fantasy dies material Lies Computer eyes
There is no escape There is no way out of here I′m locked in this universe The real world will disappear Where fantasy dies You will see our dreams Material lies Materialize Computer eyes Computerize
[highlander] what heathen place is this that I′ve arrived in is now the time I pay for all my sins I can′t believe that this is God′s creation this realm was fashioned by the Deil′s ane hand
[indian (chorus)] no it has been foretold, in our legends of old wake the spirit within, let the journey begin
[highlander] this quest you speak of is for redemption how can we travel when our souls are lost you think we find ourselves at gates of new salvation when I can only sense the end is here
[indian (chorus)]
[knight] we′re at the gates of Avalon, the island of spirits, we′re at the gates of Avalon, in search of the grail
[B. THE HALL OF ISIS AND OSIRIS]
[roman] there′s no way out, slaves for eternity down in the underworld, the jaws of Orcus I call on Jupiter, the ruler of the gods show us the way, from damnation to salvation
[egyptian (chorus)] the fields of Yaaru lie waiting for us all rejoice! the judges have ruled we have been chosen to enter the great hall of Isis and Osiris
[roman] no you′re wrong, we′re trapped here in darkness among departed souls, and mislaid spirits I call on Mars, the ancient god of war grant me the power, to free me from this evil
[egyptian (chorus)]
[C. STRANGE CONSTELLATIONS]
[highlander] can you see the stars? can you recognize the constellations? if I could only see the hills that we′re supposed to climb even the sunlight.....it doesn′t warm.....doesn′t wam how are we gonna find our way? if we can′t recognize the stars, if we can′t recognize the constellations where do we go?
[D. REPRISE]
[highlander] the quest you speak of, it isn′t bound for glory no grail exists within this heathen land you think we find ourselves at gates of new salvation when I can only sense...the end is near
[futureman] from the cities underseas to the skyways in the east from the stations on the moon to the planet of neptune I′m a sophisticated man and you would say I′d understand is it a virtual design? are we launched into a time beyond time space beyond space we are lost here in this cyberworld is there no way out?
[knight] I don′t understand your words they strike as hard as steel I′m sworn to the sacred quest on the isle of Avalon to retrieve the magic chalice which holds the power to heal only the pure of heart are received into the realm
[roman] just look around you now and tell me what you see a world full of treachery skies of silver and seas of gold the past is young and the future old we′re closed in by iron gates beyond them Elysium waits far away on the edge of the world in a time beyond time space beyond space we are lost here in the underworld is there no way out?
[futureman] from the birthcry of our race to the mysteries of space I′m an educated man and you would say I′d understand
"It is the 16th century. I am Queen Elizabeth sending out the brave Sir Francis Drake to defend the English realm against the invading armada."
[Lana Lane]
Times are dark now, our empire′s gone astray Forces from down south, armada on the way So we call our greatest men to run the barricade Shine your light where shadows fall and wash the night away
Sail on for your queen Sail into history You will never be the same Sail on for country Into our memory Time will remember your name Dragon on the sea
Fires burn now in once our tranquil bays Tall ships that rain down thunderbolts and flames Go and raise your pirate flag, cast the lines away Take your fleet where darkness falls and turn the night to day
The sun never sets on the empire won But wise men say never say never It slips through our hands just like sand in sun We thought it would go on forever
Dragon ships they keep on sailing, on to Nova Albion While the waking world is sleeping, dragon ships are sailing on
I hugged the wife and drove to work today It was only a few miles Was in a hurry but the lights were changing up ahead So I stepped on the gas
I checked the web and left it on over night Downloading all the latest files Fear, revere, the torrent flows into my lap And I disconnect
[Chorus:] We all know no need to remind us We all know we won′t connect the dots We all know locked away inside us We are dying for tomorrow We are living for today
I rushed back home to my family I got my son a brand new game No need to cook, I picked up fast food on the way And it′s finger-licking good
Have you seen little Steve today Guess he′s still up there in his room But if he comes down to I′ll be right here just staring at the tune Playing his game
[Chorus]
Don′t you think it′s rather warm tonight Especially for the time of year I turn up the air pull the sheets up to my chin And I close my eyes
Can′t relax, can′t fall asleep Should I take another pill? I turn up the lights, light up a cigarette and smile I′ve got it made
"It is 50000 B.C. The world is almost empty; nature is still untouched by man. Off in the distance, a clan of ape-like creatures gather near a cliff side. But I am the first to stand. I must be..."
[Neil Morse, Mark McCrite]
In fields of green, vast as the oceans Is this a dream, is it evermore? A million years, fast as a notion I stand alone here on the silent shore
I′m after prey in the fields Shelter in a cave from the cold and lonely nights And now it all seems so real Warming at the fireside beneath the pale moonlight
This is the dawn of time I am the first to stand Looking through the eyes of the primal man This is the dawn of time Witnessing the birth I am the first man on earth
The skies of blue reach to the heavens They go on and on forevermore No avenues, no city sidewalks Planet Mars is but ancient lore
This place has all that I need No computers glowing screens, no industrial machines Somehow it all seems surreal Memories of days gone by, a slowly fading scene
No one here to blame me No one here to hurt So much space here to occupy my mind I can breathe the breath of virgin land
The firefly at nighttime The sounds of nothing known And I belong here like I never have before The wandering child returning home
When twilight falls, red is the sunset Planets appear across the colored sky No prison walls, no war, no bloodshed Hard to believe this new world will die
I wish that I could stay for a while In the dream world that the sequencer creates And though it all seems so real Now I fear the time is gone, I feel its heavy weight
Hold on to this moment in time Savor a life how it used to be Hold on to the world in its prime Breathe in the air, feel the energy
AYREON WARNS THE PEOPLE THAT IF MAN DOES NOT MEND HIS WAYS, MAN WILL CONTAMINATE THE SKIES, SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE AIR TO BREATHE, HE WILL POISON THE SEAS, SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE WATER TO DRINK AND HE WILL POLLUTE THE LAND, SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE FOOD TO LIVE ON.
[AYREON:] all the trees have fallen the soil is scorched and dry I can′t respire a storm of fire is raging in the sky
where is all the wildlife extinct from pole to pole the hunt for skin a deadly sin took it′s heavy toll
the seas are red, the skies are grim the soil is filled with graves the earth is dead, the sun is dim listen to the waves
we befoul the air and burn a hole in the sky deadly rays from outer space cause our race to die
standing at the crossroads a choice of life and death we′ll take more care and clear the air or take our final breath
"The Big Bang has created one soul, the Universal Migrator. The Universal Migrator divides itself, and each Migrator flies off independently in search of a habitable planet in order to breathe life into it. I follow the migrator that will eventually reach our planet Earth."
At the birth of time, the beginning of beginnings One cosmic soul was created A bringer of life, a universal migrator Born to sow its seeds in all the galaxies
Like a cell dividing, it spreads in all directions Creating life among the stars I′m struck with awe as I join the great migrator Now it takes flight to the brightest star of all
On a quest for life, through the sable skies What a show! behold! The dawn of a million souls
On a bold crusade, in the realm of shade What a show! behold! The dawn of a million souls
Through the glowing mist, like a fog of radiation I can see the forming of new planets I′ve been struck by thunder as I witness all the splendor And I realize how small we really are
Ooh, I can see forever On the wings of dreams I fly Is this real or is it just a fantasy? What awaits me now at the end of this ride?
SOMEHOW AYREON SENSES THAT HIS FATE IS UPON HIM, AND HE IMPLORES, NO HE COMMANDS HIS FUTURE TORMENTORS TO GRANT HIM ONE LAST MOMENT OF SPLENDOUR IN PLACE OF ALL THE MISERY THAT HAUNTS HIS MIND. BUT NO ONE HEARS HIS PLEA...
[AYREON:] I sense a fear deep inside the end is near I cannot hide blood is spilt my quest is unfulfilled
there′s still so much I long to see I need to touch I wish to be I can′t believe this is all I can achieve
hark me now and let me go to far-away lands and distant shores an angel at my side no evil plans or future wars take me high on a magic ride
did you ever care how I could feel as you dreamt up this one-way deal my lords of time don′t you understand
my life′s been rough I was born to lose I′ve had enough of them future-blues grant my wish my wish is your command
THE GREAT MERLIN, ARTHUR′S MAGICIAN AND PROPHET, HAS OBSERVED AYREON′S ENDEAVOURS ARGUS-EYED, BUT NOW HE BELIEVES THE MOMENT HAS COME FOR HIM TO INTERVENE.
"For the first time during my journey, the Migrator communicates with me. He speaks to me directly, but without words. The Migrator tells me that my corporeal body inside the Dream Sequencer has died. While my body will now sleep forever, my conciousness must awake to eternity that lays before me ... for I am the new Migrator!"
[B. SLEEPER AWAKE]
Atomically into existence A creator of life was born This universal migrator In his celestial form
Astronomical segmentation A division from which I came To go forth with a task bestowed me And seek out new worlds for all
Fly up into the skies A sea of blue has crossed thine eyes A quest to save mankind is made Just one earthly being his soul shall remain
My power of thought calls you Sleeper...sleeper awake, oh you sleeper Open your mind hear me sleeper Sleeper awake, come alive Our spirits they can never die
Sleeper...sleeper awake, oh you sleeper Dormant inside, hear me sleeper Sleeper awake, come alive Your body is dead not your mind
A cataclysmic end for many Annihilated Earth to the core But one soul survives in stasis A colonists spirit the source
You′re the one not I, the chosen With visions, a bright new dawn To cross the starlit systems A place where new planets are born
Rise up, you must awake The here and now shall separate The body frees the soul and mind Your spirit will join me in time
Sleeper awake there′s a world waiting for you to find!
Behold: the Star Towers of the Electric Castle! See how it embraces the sky! How insignificant the mere mortal, dwrfed by the majesty of its electric edifice! But first, my seven searchers - you must meander through the verdant vines of the Garden of Emotions. Succomb to its allure. Breathe deep the intoxicating aroma of endless, entwined emotions...
[A. IN THE GARDEN OF EMOTIONS]
[hippie] it′s kinda groovy in this world of fantasy where no one else can go within these boundaries I′m shielded from reality without a care or woe
[egyptian] Amon-ra, have you come to seal my fate? in the garden of emotions free my ka, how much longer must I wait? in the garden of emotions
[hippie] I roam the universe in cosmic meditation to find my inner me I′m getting high on love and spiritual vibrations to set bad karma free
[egyptian] Amon-ra, have you come to seal my fate? in the garden of emotions free my ka, how much longer must I wait? in the garden of emotions
[B. VOICES IN THE SKY]
[roman] take up arms and follow [barbarian] hey, who are you to take the lead? [roman] I will keep you all from harm [barbarian] so what kind of god do you think you are? [roman] a warrior is what I am [barbarian] no I′m the wolf and you are but a lamb [roman] if you doubt my force you′ll live no more [barbarian] you will end your war upon my sword
[indian] "and voices in the sky shall cause the soul to die"
[roman] we′ll break away by my command [barbarian] no we′ll crush our foe and quell this land [roman] you cannot kill what′s already dead [barbarian] whoever rivals me will lose his head [roman] you′ll endenger all our precious lives [barbarian] well I don′t care, I will survive [roman] I′m the only one who can set us free [barbarian] go and chase your ghosts and leave me be
[indian] "and voices in the sky shall cause the soul to die"
[C. THE AGGRESSION FACTOR]
[indian] fury and fear
[futureman] it must be feeding on our negative emotions
[knight] chivalrous and bold pitiless and cold
[indian] destiny′s near
[futureman] we′re at the mercy of some vile computerscheme
[knight] valiant and true treacherous and cruel
[indian] spirits appear
[futureman] we′ll have to try to hide our antagonistic notions
[knight] chivalrous and bold pitiless and cold
[indian] the legend is here
[futureman] if we ever want to end this future dream
[knight] valiant and true treacherous and cruel
[indian] fury and fear
[futureman] we have to free our minds from anger and aggression
[knight] chivalrous and bold pitiless and cold
[indian] destiny′s near
[futureman] it′s the only way to defy this cold machine
[knight] valiant and true treacherous and cruel
[indian] spirits appear
[futureman] if we′re to stand up to to this emotional oppression
[knight] chivalrous and bold pitiless and cold
[indian] the legend is here
[futureman] we had better stand together as a team
[knight] valiant and true treacherous and cruel
[egyptian] Amon-ra, have you come to seal my fate? in the garden of emotions
It is time to reflect upon your "ego-self". Nowhere to hide when the walls echo the you that we all see. Ah, the smiles dissolve! The pulse begins to race; the face a flush of fear so plainly painted. The Mirror World - the Mirror Maze: Confrontation...
[A. INSIDE THE MIRROR MAZE]
[hippie] mirror mirror I can see a lonely child, he kinda looks like me staring out into infinity his father lies, his mother cries, his spirit flies up in the skies wandering off to another galaxy
[futureman] secret fears we all try to hide lie dormant deep inside us defy the ghosts of long forgotten days here inside the mirror maze
[hippie] mirror mirror I can see an angry boy, oh well I guess he′s me rising up to the society he′s aware that no one cares and life′s unfair so he growa his hair and takes a trip into eternity
[futureman] secret fears we all try to hide lie dormant deep inside us defy the ghosts of long forgotten days here inside the mirror maze
[B. THROUGH THE MIRROR]
[roman] I see a man, who′s unable to withstand his fears inside [knight] inside we′re all but frightened men but we have to fight until the end is here [roman] hear what I say: I am doomed, I have to pay, I can′t go on [knight] go on and persevere for we have to make it out of here alive [roman] a life is but a dream, for in the mirror I have seen what lies within [knight] within this armour cold and bright lies a noble heart with the will to fight the pain [roman] the pain cannot be healed, I′m surrounded by this shield I cannot break [knight] break through the mirror now follow me, I will show you how
[roman] we′ve reached the other side, I have overcome my pride and made it through [knight] we threw aside our darkest fears and stepped across these new frontiers of time [roman] time can only tell what awaits us in this hell full of deceit [knight] deceit, guile and treachery will they ever set us free again?
From the wind-torn ramparts of the Tower of Hope we survey a thousand futures. Release your dreams from this electric pinnacle. You must have hope...
[hippie] we′re climbing up the stairs and hope is flowing through our veins
[futureman] there′s magic everywhere we′ve been released of all our chains
[hippie] we′re taking in the view oceans of blue, fields of green
[futureman] I fear this can′t be true we′re still inside this dream machine
[chorus] [hippie] I only felt what I wanted to feel [futureman] I only saw what I wanted to see [hippie] I′m at the end of my rope [both] lost in the tower of hope
[hippie] I see a brand new age where peace and harmony prevail
[futureman] but we′re still in this cage destined to die here if we fail
[chorus & repeat second verse]
[hippie] I only felt what I wanted to feel [futureman] I only saw what I wanted to see [hippie] I only went where I wanted to go [futureman] I only knew what I wanted to know [both] and we became who we wanted to be [hippie] I only felt what I wanted to feel [futureman] I only saw what I wanted to see [hippie] I′m at the end of my rope [both] lost in the tower of hope
The future′s doored ingress! What lies beyond? One of you - ah, survived so much! - are you man enough to force this door upon its golden hinge? You craved the answer - but can you bear the truth? The door --! The Future --!
[futureman] our hope′s dissolved for man′s evolved into another state of being have we "progressed" beyond the need of feeling?
a cyber-brain the last in the chain of man/machine allience have we become the victims of our science?
evil devolution is this an illusion out here in space
human humiliation this mutation of our human race
is this the end will we transcend the need for human pleasures? will we abandon all our earthly treasures?
will mankind yield on the battlefield of natural selection to an inorganic digital perfection?
evil devolution is this an illusion out here in space
IT SLOWLY DAWNS ON AYREON THAT THESE VISIONS HE IS EXPERIENCING ARE VISIONS OF THE FUTURE BUT HE DOES NOT FULLY COMPREHEND THEIR IMPORTANCE YET.
[AYREON:] I cannot see with these eyes my world is dark like a cold eternal night
I could not tell you no lies my words are lost in a shroud of mysery
[VILLAGERS:] tell me what you see [AYREON:] I cannot tell you now I see the world through the eyes of time [VILLAGERS:] tell me what you feel [AYREON:] I wouldn′t know how I cannot free my mind from the eyes of time
I do not know where I am I′m lost in time drifting in eternity
I cannot tell if it′s real or fantasy or a view of things to come
I′m still trying to understand why do I see the things I see could it be a future world that′s warning us through me I′m still trying to understand why do I know the things I know doe it mean I′m a god will nobody tell me so?
[B. Brainwaves]
IT ALL GETS TOO CONFUSING FOR AYREON AND THE THIN LINE BETWEEN ILLUSION AND REALITY FADES.
Best friend: My good friend, I hope you hear my voice I must alleviate this ache I’ve thought about this and found I have no choice I have to tell you this for conscience’ sake
I felt alone, forsaken and afraid Out of work and out of love I needed someone to ease some of the pain And she was there for me when times were rough
CHORUS Wife: My sweet love, my heart belongs to you But I was lonely and the need for passion grew You were never here, and even when you were Most of my words would go unheard
Best friend: I’d be there to comfort her Wife: We’d share our distress Best friend: But we were never in love Wife: Can you forgive us?
Best friend: My good friend, well maybe I am wrong I think you saw us on that day I want you to know, she loved you all along I hope that this will help you in some way
Chorus
Love: Don’t be afraid, her heart belongs to you Passion: Don’t be afraid, don’t keep her waiting Love: It’s time to rise, and tell them what you feel Passion: You have to let them know Love: Here the dream ends, this is real
Me: I’ll be there to comfort her Passion: I know you will be! Me: I’ll come back to life Love: I know that you can!
"It is the 20th century. I am a little boy peacefully asleep. My father comes to wake me so that I can witness an historic event in the finite story of mankind."
[Edward Reekers, Lana Lane]
On an early summer morning, July ′69 As I dream of the planets I hear a voice softly whisper: ′son, it is time It′s happening soon′
It′s a quarter to four now and he carries me down To our place by the telly I see lights on in houses all over town For the man on the Moon
One small step for man But a giant leap for mankind The mighty Apollo prevailed The Eagle has landed
I go back to my warm bed, back to my dreams But not the one of the planets I decided this morning I don′t want to be The man on the Moon
As I lie here in this cold tank, living a dream I′m the last on the planets I decided this morning I don′t want to be The man on Mars
"It is the 22nd century. I am the last of the Mars Colonists. The air supply has almost run out on this desolate Mars colony, and the food supplies from Earth have stopped arriving since the final war of 2084. I am walking through the tunnel towards our recreation machine called the Dream Sequencer. I hope it will sweeten my final days..."
[Lana Lane (voice)]
(Dream sequencer system online) Good morning colonist. You have selected the Universal Migrator program. Please lie down in the energy tank and place the electrodes on your temples. Think of your designation number and drink the fluid from the vessel at the left terminal.
(Program loaded, commencing U.M. preincarnation protocol) Now focus on the music as I take you back to your chilhood......and beyond.....
"As we continue on our journey, we dive into a black hole -- a spiraling wormhole. As it sucks us in, time slows and images become distorted. Reality itself twists and bends. We leave the galaxy where our journey began, headed for the unknown. Where will it take us?"
Hold on tight, we′ve reached the gate that leads us to the mystic zone What a sight! I cannot wait to cross the bridge to the unknown
Defy the laws of relativity, gravity will be our guide Surrender to the sea of energy that drives us to the other side
Faster than light, we′re traveling time through the wormhole Out of the night, into a vortex of fire Time slips away as we plunge into unknown dimensions A brilliant display, quenching my deepest desires
Will it take us where we want to be? Will it show us what we want to see?
Through the wormhole
We′re crashing down to our goal that lies beyond this cosmic gate Spinning round this spiral hole towards a cold and lonely fate
"It is the 6th century. This is where it all began. My tired body has passed away, but my once-tortured spirit is finally free now. My name is ... Ayreon."
[Arjen Lucassen]
I′ve crossed the edge where time disappears My life has been taken by the charm of the seer My conscience is clear, I committed no sin My spirit roams free now, carried by the wind
My mission has failed, the spell has been cast I wasn′t the first one and I won′t be the last This can′t be the end, so let it begin My message will reach you, carried by the wind
Out here on Mars I now realize Mankind has vanished, tears fill my eyes There must be a world I can live in My spirit will find it, carried by the wind
Best Friend: No, I can’t seem to figure out what happened On the brightest hour of day, no car in sight No, I can’t seem to accept these strange conditions No matter what they say, it doesn’t feel right
Wife: Do you think he’s seen it? Best Friend: I don’t think he did Wife: Do you think he knows it? Best Friend:: I don’t think he knows Wife: Do you think he’s been there? Best Friend: I don’t think he was Wife: Do you think he’ll die? Best Friend: I don’t think he will
Wife: No, could it have been a moment of distraction? A creature on the road, a plane in the air…
Best Friend: Do you think he’s seen it? Wife: I don’t think he did Best Friend: Do you think he knows it? Wife: I don’t think he knows Best Friend: Do you think he’s been there? Wife: I don’t think he was Best Friend: Do you think he’ll die? Wife: I don’t think he will
Wife and Best Friend: No, will we ever understand what happened Will the mystery be unveiled, or die with him
CHORUS Wife and Best Friend:
Passion: Do you think you’ve seen it? Me: I don’t think I did Pride: Do you think you know it? Me: I don’t think I know Love: Do you think you’ve been there? Me: I don’t think I was Agony: Do you think you’ll die? Me: I don’t know!
"We come out of the white hole into the M31 galaxy, which is also known as Andromeda. We see a planet that looks much like Earth. Could it sustain life? And if, who lives there?"
[A. M31]
And out of nowhere we materialize From a blaze of fire to a world of ice We folded space to a distant sun Inside the heart of M31
On a steady course to the planet Y Circling round a star in Sirrah′s eye The search for life has now begun In the constellation M31
Light years away, beyond our Galaxy I see a planet like our own A golden sun is shining down on me Could it be that we are not alone?
We′re passing Sirrah in Alpha Pegasi Into the atmosphere of planet Y What will we find? chances almost none.. Will there be life in M31?
[B. PLANET Y]
We′re diving through the nebulae and arrive on planet Y A hundred thousand hollow eyes are gazing at the sky
There seems to be no motion, no pleasure and no pain No symptoms of emotion, no loss and no gain
Solar screens and cold machines are covering up the ground Crystal covered fields of green and oceans underground
Countless different entities but they all look the same But then one of the entities is crying out its name:
Forever... Remember Forever...
[C. THE SEARCH CONTINUES]
It′s time to leave and carry out our quest Miles to go and things to see before we rest We came in vain, our search is not yet done For there′s some kind of life in M31!
Once upon a time as in Ancient history High upon a hill in a shroud Of mystery Loomed the abbey as we Journeyed through the night And wended our way Towards the light
As we entered through the Gates We heard the silent calls There was something evil That lurked within these Walls As I relive my days in this Godforsaken place All that appears before me Now...is her face
Another man died today like The ones before With blackened tongue and Blackened finger Within the labyrinth behind The bolted door Lies the answer to our Mystery
Heed the book that kills - It holds an evil power Those who turn the leaves Wither like a flower Well guarded by the seer Inside the abbey tower For laughter kills the fear Within The abbey of synn
We found the secret path That led us here to you Give us the deadly book of Laughter Too many men have died for A teaching of the few Open up your heart reveal The mystery
Heed the book that kills - It holds an evil power Those who turn the leaves Wither like a flower Well guarded by the seer Inside the abbey tower For laughter kills the fear Within The abbey of synn
And then she came 2 me Like a creature from the Dawn Enchanting as the moon - Radiant as the sun She took the boy in me and Gave me back the man With a force I could not Withstand
The seer burned the abbey Down and perished in the fire We couldn′t save the book The flames were rising Higher So many died in vain for an Ancient discipline Laughter kills the fear within The abbey of synn
Heed the book that kills - It holds an evil power Those who turn the leaves Wither like a flower Well guarded by the seer Inside the abbey tower For laughter kills the fear Within The abbey of synn
"I am the last human being alive. I am inside a machine called the Dream Sequencer on a deserted Mars colony. I have selected the program called "The Universal Migrator". This program creates a form of hypnosis which allows me to return to the very beginning of life itself. From the safety of the energy tank in which I lie, I travel all the way back to the period before The Big Bang where matter, energy and time itself all intermingle in the chaotic unformed vacuum of proto space."
Dream Sequencer system online I will now take you back to the time before the big bang and the birth of the very first soul called the Universal Migrator. However, system protocols require confirmation of risk factor. No user has ever preincarnated back this far before. Are you sure you want to continue?
And now this Rainbow Bridge: an iridescent span of tears - so fragile and yet so strong. Will it support your mortal shells? Or will you fall into the fiery brine below?
[knight] I hark back to olden days to her and her magic ways two souls in harmony in an endless sea the cruel wings of destiny carried you away from me and left a heart unstilled that never will be filled
[roman (chorus:)] beyond these stygian skies our fortress lies across the rainbow bridge we′ll span the sea of tears and conquer all our fears (inside) forsake this mourning field and drop your shield across the rainbow bridge run to the other side where all our dreams abide
[knight] I′d sacrifice my very life to have you at my side like a dream I see your face through the misty haze we were one amid the stars and time never healed my scars deep inside the sadness burns I must return!
[roman (chorus)]
[hippie] scarlet crimson rosy red I must be dead or stoned out of my head orange yellow tangerine the acid queen in a psychedelic scene ochre chestnut chocolate brown I′m upside down on a cosmic eiderdown
ivory milky chalky white, the stars ignite, I vanish in the light - that burns so bright
Step forward. Beyond lies your goal: the Electric Castle! The past is gone! Do you wish to lapse in limbo forever? No! Be resolute.. There are trials ahead - and rewards for those who strive: the Surreal Search endures...
[roman & knight] run run the past is gone, it cannot be undone run run the future is here, our fate is drawing near
"It is the 8th century. I am a Mayan girl heading for the Jaguar Temple in Tikal on the central American continent."
Shine down on me, Sun of the Underworld Set me free, chase away the night Proud Jaguar, king of the Mayan Gods Shining star, light up the sky
And guide me to the Temple of the Cat
Heart-of-Sky, Maker and Hurricane Mighty eye, harvester of life We were born solely to speak your name Bring the dawn, we′ll praise the sky
Here inside the Temple of the Cat
Upon his throne the High priest addressed the crowd Now carved in stone his holy name Beads of jade adorn his cotton shroud His silvery blade on a golden chain
He lies here in the Temple of the Cat, dead He will rise again from the Temple of the Cat
AYREON UNDERSTANDS THAT HE WAS NOT INDIVIDUALLY CHOSEN FOR THE ′TIME TELEPATHY EXPERIMENT′, BUT THAT HE UNINTENTIONALLY RECEIVED ITS TRANSMISSIONS. THIS COULD BE BECAUSE OF A MORE DEVELOPED SIXTH SENSE AS A RESULT OF HIS BLINDNESS. HE ALSO REALISES THAT HE CAN NEITHER ACCOMPLISH HIS MISSION, NOR STOP THE VISIONS FROM PENETRATING HIS MIND. HIS SOLE ESCAPE IS TO SUBMIT TO THE MAGIC CHARM OF THE GREAT SEER MERLIN.
[AYREON:] I′ve been lost in the valley of nightmares I′ve been found in the garden of dreams speak thy charm, I know you are out there cast thy spell and silence the screams
but as I poise on the edge of life where time disappears I bow in fear to the charm of the seer
I′ve seen fear in valiant faces I′ve seen hope in desperate eyes lead me home to familiar places lead me back to crystalline skies
and as I poise on the edge of life where time disappears I bow in fear to the charm of the seer
I have failed, I have been forsaken I′ve been scorned and misunderstood I have lost, my life has been taken I′d surrender if only I could
More than a million years ago it came To earth out of the sky from whence it Came is still unknown and still we Don′t know why
Way beyond infinity where time is lost And life has ceased to be there′s a Cosmic entity a bringer of life for all Eternity is this how it all began? the Dawn of man
More than a million miles from earth Somewhere in outer space behold a Planetary birth making way for a brand New race
Fear: This is what you dreamt about Director of the firm Will it be you, or your best friend? He’s always been the better man and He fits all their terms
What will you do to gain your end…
Agony: You remember he once told you He tampered with the books When he lost out on the deal You’re digging up the evidence …no one looks You leave it there for all to see
[CHORUS] Reason: This memory burns inside You can’t forget, you cannot fight or erase it
Passion: Let it go, try to unwind
Reason: You have to tell and set it right You cannot run, you cannot hide so face it!
Passion: Wake up, free your mind!
Fear: You’ll never talk, he’ll never know What you have done But can you live with this betrayal?
Agony: They found him out and let him go I guess you’ve won But one day the truth might be unveiled…
CHORUS Reason and Passion (2x)
Me: I have to talk and let him know What I have done I cannot live with this betrayal He’s always been the better man I never won Now the truth must be unveiled
Pride: I hear voices, they’re talking about you Can you hear them, do you know what they mean? Try to remember, what have you been through What do you know and what have you seen?
I can read the thoughts they’re conveying So intense, can you feel them too? I can’t believe it’s true what they’re saying You’re far too strong, it couldn’t happen to you
Me: But what if there’s truth in the words that they speak What do they signify?
Pride: You worry too much
Me: And what are the questions to answers I seek What will they clarify?
Pride: You’re losing your touch
Me: Help me out, this means nothing to me…
Reason: Who are these voices, where do they come from? Should we try to understand? Mere illusions, hallucinations? They might be vital to our plan
Love: They sound familiar, they must be here to help you All this confusion’s tearing you apart You must be patient, time is the healer Open up and let them in your heart
Fear: Their guilty sighs I think you understand it all You were afraid to live, now you’re afraid to die…
You fool yourself You rose so high, you were bound to fall Longing for the truth, you lived a lie…
Reason: I am convinced now, they are essential They must be our way out of here
Love: Listen and learn, let your heart lead you And you will find the solution’s near
Fear: Their guilty sighs I think you understand it all Longing for the truth, you lived a lie…
Pride: If they are right, we’ll fight for survival Look to the future, but learn from the past Confront the danger, face up to your rival Take a deep breath, we have to move fast
Me I think there is truth in the words that they speak What do they signify?
Pride: You worry way too much
Me: I will find the answers to questions I seek What will they clarify?