Prophets of War | |
Systematic Chaos | |
Length | 06:00 |
Working title | Carpet Babies |
Release date | June 4th, 2007 |
Lyrics | James LaBrie |
Music | Dream Theater |
First live performance | 2009.07.25 - Rock Hard Live - Orlando, FL (Black Clouds and Silver Linings Tour - 1st North American Leg) |
Total live plays | 31 |
Recorded | Avatar Studios |
Other appearances | Chaos in Motion |
Previous song | Repentance |
Next song | The Ministry of Lost Souls |
Prophets of War is the sixth song on Dream Theater's ninth studio album, Systematic Chaos. It was the third song to be written during the writing process, and the title is a play on words, where 'prophet' could also refer to monetary 'profit' from war.
Personnel
- Mike Portnoy - Drums, percussion, backing vocals
- John Petrucci - Guitar, backing vocals
- John Myung - Bass
- James LaBrie - Vocals
- Jordan Rudess - Keyborads
Lyrics
It burns deep down inside of me, We have ourselves to blame. Not questioning, accepted as the truth. Debate this fight it's just cause The facts do not support theirs To liberate a people And rid them of tyrant rule Is it time to make a change? Are we closer than before? Can we help them break away? Are we profiting from war? It's time to make a change. Intrigued Got your attention - deceived Since the inception - our brave Fight for what reason Compelled Can we clean up this mess? The loss of loved ones A perverse request They continue the same rhetoric These derelicts that profit Win or lose Is it time to make a change? Are we closer than before? Can we help them break away? Are we profiting from war? It's time to make a change Time for change Fight the fear Find the truth Time for change The only thing That I believe Will help us see this through is faith. Pray they will forgive, Forgive our arrogance, So we can make it right, Right what they have wronged. See you sweat Unexpected, controversial Get used to it Things are gonna get personal Your sympathy A pitiful display you stutter Your empathy Means nothing if there is no honor Responsible Of this you are incapable We implicate Incriminate - Exacerbate - Too much at stake Our Fathers, Mothers Sisters, Brothers Sons and Daughters Forced Perpetuating their ideals A mindless act To stay the course Is it time to make a change? Are we closer than before? Can we help them break away? Are we profiting from war? Is it time to make a change? Are we closer than before? Can we help them break away? Are we profiting from war? Is it time to make a change? A change from what it's been Can we help them break away? Is our patience wearing thin? It's time to make a change Time for change Fight the fear Find the truth Time for change
Tone
One of the most poppy songs on the album.
Analysis
The lyrics are about possible ulterior motives for the Iraq War.
Appearances
- Systematic Chaos - Original recorded version
- Chaos in Motion - Live version