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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

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

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