Panic Attack

Panic Attack
Octavarium
Length	7:16
Working title
Release date	2005
Lyrics	John Petrucci
Music	Dream Theater
First live performance	Norje Havsbad, Norje, Sweden, on June 10, 2005
Total live plays	194
Recorded	The Hit Factory
Other appearances	Chaos in Motion, Romavarium (fan CD)
Previous song	I Walk Beside You
Next song	Never Enough

Panic Attack is the fifth track off of Dream Theater's eighth studio album, Octavarium.

A heavy song, written (unsurprisingly) about a panic attack. The lyrics are reprised in Intervals in the title track. The song is written in the key of C minor, to tie in with the concept of Octavarium. The interlude between this song and Never Enough is written in C#.

John Petrucci recorded this song using a 6-string baritone guitar tuned to B♭-E♭-A♭-D♭-F-B♭.

Lyrics

All wound up
On the edge
Terrified

Sleep disturbed
Restless mind
Petrified

Bouts of fear
Permeate
All I see

Heightening
Nervousness
Threatens me

I am paralyzed
So afraid to die

Caught off guard
Warning signs
Never show

Tension strikes
Choking me
Worries grow

Why do I feel so numb
Is it something to do with where I come from
Should this be fight or flight
I don't know why I'm constantly so uptight

Rapid heartbeat pounding through my chest
Agitated body in distress
I feel like I'm in danger
Daily life is strangled by my stress

A stifling surge
Shooting through all my veins
Extreme apprehension
Suddenly I'm insane

Lost all hope for redemption
A grave situation, desperate at best

Why do I feel so numb
Is it something to do with where I come from
Should this be fight or flight
I don't know why I'm constantly reeling

Helpless hysteria
A false sense of urgency
Trapped in my phobia
Possessed by anxiety

Run
Try to hide
Overwhelmed by this complex delirium

Helpless hysteria
A false sense of urgency
Trapped in my phobia
Possessed by anxiety

Run
Try to hide
Overwhelmed by this complex delirium

Trivia

• The song is featured on the music game Rock Band 2.