Dream Theater | Lyrics | Only a Matter of Time

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, legalizes, 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 walls

To the practical observer
It's just a matter of time
You can deviate from the common place
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 the 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
Is fearless faith in destiny

Even when plan 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've already reached it
And if spirit's a sign
Then it's only a matter of time
Only a matter of time