Timeline

[A. The time telepathy experiment]

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'.

[A. The premonition]

A STRANGE SENSATION COMES OVER AYREON,
AS IF SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS IS ABOUT TO OCCUR.

[B. Dreamtime (words become a song)]

SUDDENLY A VISION EMERGES IN AYREON'S EVER-BLACK WORLD
AND HE FINDS HIMSELF SINGING ABOUT THE HORRID PROJECTIONS
ETCHED INTO HIS BRAIN.

[AYREON:]
a cry in the silence
a shine in the dark
like a rising star
the dream is coming
images of violence a flight through time and space
it's such a lonely place
the dream has started

the smoke is rising
the vision's getting clearer
and words become a song
in the dreamtime

I've lost control
marooned and cold
I suffer the fears
of a future untold
I cannot change
the shape of things to come

the smoke is rising
the vision's getting clearer
the hands of time are whirling around
I'm realising
the future's getting nearer
and words become a song

[C. The awakening]

ABRUPTLY THE VISION ENDS AND AYREON RECEDES INTO HIS DARKNESS.

[A. Eyes of time]

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.

THE VILLAGERS ACCUSE AYREON OF BEING THE DEVIL'S SPAWN,
BUT AYREON PERSISTS IN HIS INNOCENCE.

[VILLAGERS:]
have you seen his eyes
up in the skies
like hypnotized
and he never smiles
he never cries

have you heard his song
fierce and strong
right or wrong
should he be condemned
for he doesn't belong

[AYREON:]
what have I done
[VILLAGERS:]
you've aroused the forces of destruction
[AYREON:]
what have I done
[VILLAGERS:]
you've unleashed the rage of the gods
[AYREON:]
what have I done
[VILLAGERS:]
you've denounced the wonder of creation
[AYREON:]
what have I done
[VILLAGERS:]
you've betrayed your own,
now you have to pay

it has been foretold
in days of old
'n evil soul
will corrupt the world
to achieve his goal

he's the devil's seed
an evil breed
he's gonna make you bleed
he'll take all he needs
with uncontrolable greed

[AYREON:]
I've done nothing at all,
no nothing at all

TO ENTERTAIN THE COURT,
AYREON MAKES UP A SONG ABOUT THE BRAVE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
AND THEIR JOURNEY TO THE ISLE OF AVALON IN SEARCH OF THE HOLY GRAIL.

[AYREON:]
noble men in shining armour
knights of the table-round
go out and ride like thunder
cross the sky at the speed of

sound the horn, 'n blow the trumpets
upon the castle wall
now the quest has started
listen to the prophet's call

sail away
sail away to Avalon
the journey has begun
sail away through the night
sail away, never die
the gods are at your side
sail away through the night

ride on the road to glory
find the holy grail
and learn the ancient story
's more than just a fairy-

tale about the key to life
and all its mysteries
you'll find the grail within you
slay the dragon in your dreams

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

Sit back and relax
Crawl into the maze
Within your mind
Leave it all behind
Now allow yourself to
Slide into a world
As real as you want it to be
Actual fantasy

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

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

I overheard the elders telling each Other stories about the days when They were young back on
planet earth
I wish to learn the secrets of those Who lived before me so I program my Computer for a flight
to planet earth
Blue skies over the oceans sail on the Wind to the valley below rise high over The hills to
where the wildflowers grow

And I ride ride ride the waves of time Fly fly fly beyond the sky
We've abandoned all emotions Whether good or bad up here in this Station far from planet earth
I can't tell if I'm happy I don't know if I'm sad but I do know I'd have been at Home back on
planet earth
Black clouds over the debris storm is Raging over the land no life left on this Planet now you
will understand

And I ride ride ride the waves of time Fly fly fly beyond the sky
Blue skies over the oceans sail on the Wind to the valley below rise high over The hills to
where the wildflowers grow

[A. LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN]

[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

There is danger ahead.
But do not be afraid.
For I am with you like breath itself.
Darkness will lead to light - colour will bleed into the night.
Beautiful colours, the like of which you
have never seen. Let the dream of confusion lead you into the virgin light!
Be gone!
Be all-seeing, be brave...
Be gone!

[A. AMAZING FLIGHT IN SPACE]

[barbarian]
I'm lookin' 'round bewildered
is this some dark and evil jest?
what brought me to this cursed keep
perchance some crazy quest
god forbid I am no coward!
pitted against monster, man or ghost,
I'd wield my blade with crimson gusto
for I'm the proud barbarian host!

[hippie (chorus:)]
hey dude, you're so uncool
but hey, that's allright
like there's no need to get uptight
my eyes reflect the stars
and a smile lights up my face
we're on an amazing flight in space

[barbarian]
I shook city, walls and towers
wreaking havoc in the streets
burned palaces of cow'rdly kings
not a one stood up to me
bear bloody banners in blazing skies!
brandish battle-axe and broadsword!
let drums of glory sound like thunder!
hail!! barbaric warlord!!

[hippie (chorus)]

[barbarian]
I load my black stallion
With grim determination
I found a kingdom
Where I chose to settle down
Righteous men would hang me
But I've given hell to pay
Cause nothing is as dangerous
As a barbarian warlord

[B. STARDANCE]

[indian]
chanting

[C. FLYING COLOURS]

[instrumental]

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

At last! you enter the Electric Castle! Here in this vast hall where even shadows fear the
light - here you must confront your past. If you have killed, beware of the Gathering of Spirits
for they do fish for men. Here, the disembodied Astral World becomes flesh once more. I pity the
men of swords.
For here blood runs cold...

[barbarian]
cries from the grave resound in my ears
they hail from beyond my darkest fears
faces of the past are etched in my brain
the women I raped, the men I've slain

shades of the dead are sliding on the wall
demons dance in the castle hall

[knight]
I call upon the sword, the mighty Excalibur
grant me the skill to fulfill my quest

I call upon my king and the knights of the table round
grant me the courage to stand to this test

I call upon the seer, Merlin the sorcerer
grant me the magic to end my pain

I call upon the spirit that lives in a noble heart
grant me the passion that's within my veins

shades of the dead are sliding on the wall
demons dance in the castle hall

[repeat hall]

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?

[roman] riding on the wings of time

And so it's come to this.
Two Gates - two portals await.
Let your choice be guided by collective wisdom.
Ah, hath the prospect of freedom ever tasted so good?
One gate completes the circle;one step away from your own dimension, your cherished time.
One gate severs all connections: one step away from the dreamworld of everlasting ebony.
You call it Oblivion.
It is a brave soul who makes the first choice.

[barbarian]
behold these gates, the first one plain and old
behold these gates, the second forged of gold
the gate of old spells out disgrace and shame
the one of gold cries out my noble name
I challenge death to meet me at this gate
I challenge Odin to pronounce my fate
and if I thrive I've overcome this land
but if I fail I'll die a worthy man

[chorus]
[roman] open the gate, we're now on our own
[all] enter the gate to your destiny
[roman] will it be fortune or fate, the truth shall be known
[all] enter the gate to your destiny

[barbarian]
cowards whine beyond the olden gate
Valhalla shines beyond the golden gate
I walk alone so dare not follow me
but choose your own and die in agony

[chorus]

[barbarian (fading into oblivion)]
What evil place might this be?
Why are the heavens so black?
Eternity threatens,
Darkness crashes down upon me, ohh!!
Like a big black bat of death, it smothers my senses,
Makes me lose my sense of time,
This cannot be a dream!
I need to be wide awake, wide awake!
When Valkyries come to take me,
To my place among the warriors,
To my place at Odin's side!
Aaaahh!!!

[knight]
we have been saved, our journey has ended
but tell us why, why this ordeal?
what was your aim, or was it just some game
have we've been humbled, or did we prevail?
we've been enslaved, our wounds have not mended
and who are you, what magicians or gods?
what was your plan, we don't understand
did we pass, or did we fail?

[chorus]

"It is the 17th century. I am a noble ensign-bearer posing with my guild for the Dutch
master painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, in Amsterdam."

[Mouse, Lana Lane]

I'm standing proud
In this noble crowd
My banner raised high the coat of arms of Amsterdam
To the mystic sky a magic light enchants the land

We're marching on
The shooting company of Captain Frans B. Cocq

My uniform shines the livery of a high-born man
The Claw-guild signs immortalized by the master's hand
Light and shade with colors rich and brushwork bold
Night and day with shadows black and amours gold

We're marching on
The shooting company of Captain Frans B. Cocq

I'm standing proud
In this noble crowd
In our golden age eternalized by the artist's hand
A glorious page in the history of our tiny land

We're marching on
Up to the battlefield to where the spirits walk
The shooting company of Captain Frans B. Cocq

"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."

[Russel Allen, Damian Wilson]

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?

"It is 2800 B.C. I quietly witness the astounding secret behind the creation of a
mysterious monument in Wiltshire, England."

[Damian Wilson]

The moon sheds no light on Salisbury plain
The day turns to night and the bonfires cease burning

The druids gather round and the chants fill the air
Their echoes resound and the living world stops turning

The magic words are spoken
As we leave the plain in silence
Now the circle stands alone
And the druids turn to stone

The dawn shines its light on Salisbury plain
The day floods the night with gilded rays of sunshine

The magic words were spoken
As we left the plain in silence
Then the circle stood alone
And the druids turned to stone

The rising sun is dancing on the edges of the stones
Casting shadows, creeping down the Avenue
Into the heart of the sarsen trilithons

I marvel at this mystery, beholder of the stars
A holy temple, a sacred burial ground
Guarding well its secrets from us all

"We have reached our first destination: the black hole in the Virgo cluster of galaxies.
But what will we find inside? Its power is immeasurable. Our hopes and fears intermingle
as we stand at the event horizon. Will its
doorway transport us to our faraway planet Earth, or will its fury mercilessly tear us
apart?"

[Bruce Dickinson, Lana Lane]

[A. THE EYE OF THE UNIVERSE]

A dark sphere surrounds us
Surreal...oblivious...
In the centre of the galaxy
A hidden force has found us
Powerful...mysterious...
At the boundary of eternity

Nothing escapes, not even light
Beyond the mystical horizon
We surrender to its might
Gazing into the eye of the universe

A deep roar is sounding
Deafening...thunderous...
As if the universe were crying
My heart is pounding
Frantic...delirious...
My every nerve is dying

[B. HALO OF DARKNESS]

I hear screams of fallen souls, sad cries of agony
Within the void of this evil hole, deep inside the black

Could it be my imagination, the mirror of my fantasy?
A fear-induced hallucination
Or is there no way back from the halo of darkness?

Spirits - apparitions - misery - suffering
Horrid dreams and dire visions rising up from the black

Look away in disbelief, this cannot be happening
The end has come, I bow in grief
There is no way back from the halo of darkness

[C. THE FINAL DOOR]

Now silence devours us
Massive...suffocating...
The calm before the storm
Gravity overpowers us
Invincible...dominating...
And leads us through the final door

Feed me light, I'm the halo of darkness
Feel my might, I'm the eye of the universe

"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

[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 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] 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

[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

You're not alone
I am here dancing to your tune

[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

[Agony] I am pain
I am real. I'm not a dream
I'm the chain around your neck as you scream

Surrender now
You can't beat death at his ruthless game
Make your bow
Hang your head in shame

[Me] I can't believe there is no way out...
[Agony] You'll find you are wrong
[Me] You fill me with doubt...
[Agony] You were never that strong

[Agony] I am pain
I am the wound that never heals
It's all in vain
No compromise, no deals...

[Me] I can't believe this is the end
[Agony] It's written in stone
[Me] Where are my friends?
[Agony] You have always been alone!

[Rage] (Pain!) We lead
We hide as the pain leaves the rage inside
(Motion personified alpha)
Being here, welcomed by...a sane mind
A travelled lie

[Agony] I am pain
I am the end, I am your wraith
Nothing remains
I'm the loss of hope and faith

[Me] I can't believe there is no way out...
[Agony] You'll I find you are wrong
[Me] You fill me with doubt...
[Agony] You were never that strong

[Rage] We lead, we hide as the pain leaves the rage inside
(Motion personified alpha)
Being here, welcomed by...a sane mind
A travelled lie
All the time, I had waited with rage
All the time, I was promised my salvation

[Love] I can't accept this, we will find a way
Out of this cesspool of doom and dismay
Beyond this dejection there's beauty and grace
A glorious future we long to embrace

[Rage] (Pain!) All the time, I have waited with rage
(Motion personified alpha)
All the time, I was promised my salvation

[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

[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 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 are lying here in a hospital bed
Disregard the emotions inside your head
Concentrate on the real world beyond your mind
It's not to 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 been through life of deprivation
She depends on you, her only son

[Passion]
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 is no one there, to catch her now she's falling
Why should you care, you are doing fine

[Passion]
She won't let you go
Keep you down below
Dark crypts of your soul
Locked inside your head
You're better off dead

[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 been through?"

Then you hear his voice, cold and merciless
"You're worthless fool, you let her die!"
And deep within yourself, you must confess
Your ways cannot be justified

[Pride]
By now you realize, you have to be
Relentless to survive
Repress your memories,
Bury all emotions and thrive!
It's your life!

[Reason]
Now she's at rest, she found her peace
[Fear]
You hear her voice, from the 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

[Pride]
By now you realized, you have to be
Relentless to survive
Repress your memories,
Bury all emotions and thrive!
It's your life!

[Father] Look at you, lying there, defenceless and alone
See I am 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, cause me? I never fail, loser!

[Rage] NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!
You're killing it from afar, go tell it in a bar
You're killing it from afar my father!

[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 all 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 all 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 paralyzed

[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 all alone!
Love wrecked you, I am the oldest friend you known!

[Tom Englund:]
We never saw this coming
Pride comes before a fall
We never heeded the warnings
Buried deep within us all

[Chorus:]
[Steve Lee:] The age of shadows has begun
[Daniel Gildenlöw:] Giant machines blot out the sun
[Steve Lee:] Frozen minds becoming numb
[Daniel Gildenlöw:] The age of shadows has begun
[Steve Lee:] The age of Shadows has begun
[Daniel Gildenlöw:] I won't accept what we've become
[Steve Lee:] We stand to lose more than we've won
[Daniel Gildenlöw:] The age of Shadows has begun

[Tom Englund:]
Our quenchless thirst for knowledge
Our urge to change and grow
Our need to expand the nation
Made us rise from the depths below

[Chorus]

[Hansi Kursch:] No more aggression
[Floor Jansen:] No more initiative
[Hansi Kursch:] No more suppression
[Floor Jansen:] No more emotions
[Hansi Kursch:] No more resection
[Floor Jansen:] No more of all the feelings that shaped our hearts and made us who we are
[Hansi Kursch:] No more possessions
[Floor Jansen:] No more suspicious
[Hansi Kursch:] No more obsessions
[Floor Jansen:] No more sensations
[Hansi Kursch:] No more depression
[Floor Jansen:] No more of all the passions that shaped our hearts and made us who we are

[Jonas Renkse:]
Time (time, time) but a passageway (a passageway, a passageway)
The beginning of the end (of the end)
An end that never was (was, was, was)
Time (time, time) but a curve in space (curve in space, curve in)

We are forever (we are forever, we are forever) eternal prisoners in time (in time, in time)
We are forever (we are forever) caught in our cold inertia

Longing, hoping, waiting, for no one...

[Anekke van Giersberg:]
Forever we yearn, forever we learn
Forever we live a lie, forever sleeping by and
Forever we flee (forever we flee), forever we will be,
Forever is but a dream, forever is but a scream and
Forever we try, forever we die,

The spell of love wore off
The zest for life not enough

Longing, hoping, waiting, for no one

Never enough

Zero (one) one (zero) one (zero) zero (zero)
zero (one) one (zero) zero (one) zero (one)
zero (one) one (zero) one (one) zero (zero)
zero (one) one (one) zero (zero) zero (zero)

Zero (one) one (zero) one (zero) zero (zero)
zero (one) one (zero) zero (one) zero (one)
zero (one) one (zero) one (one) zero (zero)
zero (one) one (one) zero (zero) zero (zero)

off (on) on (off) off (on) on (off)
off (on) on (off) on (on) on (on)
off (on) on (on) off (off) on (off)
off (on) on (off) off (on) off (on)
off (on) on (on) off (on) on (off)
off (on) on (off) off (on) off (on)
off (on) on (on) off (off) on (off)

no (yeah) yeah (yeah) no (no) yeah (yeah)
no (yeah) yeah (no) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
no (yeah) yeah (yeah) no (no) yeah (yeah)

no (yeah) yeah (yeah) no (no) yeah (yeah)
no (yeah) yeah (no) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
no (yeah) yeah (yeah) no (no) yeah (yeah)

Longing, hoping, waiting, for no one

Forever we try, forever we die, forever, forever
Forever we try, forever we die, forever, forever
Forever we tie, forever we die, forever, forever

[Jonas Renkse:] Longing... hoping... waiting... for no one...

[Jorn Lande - ad libs in last chours of Age of Shadows:]
No more aggression
(No more initiative)
No more suppression
(no more emotions)
No more resection
(no more of all the feelings that shaped our hearts and made us who we are)
No more possessions
(No more suspicious)
No more obsessions
(No more sensations)
No more depression
(no more of all the passions that shaped our hearts and made us who we are

The age of shadows has begun
(Giant machines blot out the sun)
Frozen lands becoming known
(The age of shadows has begun)

The age of Shadows has begun
(I won't accept what we've become)
We stand to lose more than we've won
(The age of Shadows has begun)

The age of shadows has begun
(Giant machines blot out the sun)
Frozen lands becoming known
(The age of shadows has begun)

The age of Shadows has begun
(I won't accept what we've become)
We stand to lose more than we've won
(The age of Shadows has begun)

We never heeded the warning
Buried deep within us all

[Jorn Lande:] Find your way home, little extremophiles
[Floor Jansen:] Fly, beloved sons
[Tom Englund:] Find your way home, donors of life
[Floor Jansen:] Fly, my chosen ones
[Jonas P. Renkse:] You're on your own, little extremophiles
[Floor Jansen:] Ride your frozen ark
[Bob Catley:] You're on your own, cleaving the skies
[Floor Jansen:] Ride into the dark

[Chorus]:
[Magali Luyten:]
Carry out your dangerous task, sail uncharted spheres
Live out our dreams, ride the comet
Journey on the Migrator trail, cross the new frontiers
Pass on our genes, ride the comet

[Jorn Lande:] You are the future, little extremophiles
[Floor Jansen:] Fly towards the sun
[Tom Englund:] You are the future, you know what to do
[Floor Jansen:] Fly, it has begun

[Chorus]

[Glimmer Of Hope]

[Anneke van Giersbergen:] Through their eyes we will see
[Bob Catley:] With their hands we will create
[Anneke van Giersbergen:] In their world we will be free
[Bob Catley:] With our minds we'll shape their fate

[Steve Lee:]
Now the die is cast, the first step taken
A glimmer of hope lights up our lives
Visions of the past, dreams forsaken
Forming right before our eyes
We're alive

[Anneke van Giersbergen:] Through their pain we'll learn to live
[Bob Catley:] Remember all life has to give

[Jorn Lande:]
Now the die is cast, the first step taken
A glimmer of hope lights up our lives
Visions of the past, dreams forsaken
Re-ignite the sparkle in our eyes
We're alive! So alive!

[World Of Tomorrow Dreams]

[Tom Englund:]
I see a planet, perfect for our needs
Behold our target, a world to plant our seeds
[Steve Lee:]
There must be life, first remove any trace of doubt!
They may all die, don't you think we should check it out?
[Daniel Gildenlöw:]
We have no choice, we waited far too long
This is our planet, this is where they belong
[Jorn Lande:]
We may regret this, is this the way it's supposed to be?
A cold execution, a mindless act of cruelty!

[Bob Catley, Hansi Kursch:]
In the World of Tomorrow Dreams, our future lies
In the World of Tomorrow Dreams, our hopes will rise

[Tom Englund:]
I see mainly reptiles, a lower form of intelligence
Mere brainless creatures with no demonstrable sentience
[Jorn Lande:]
What makes us superior, we did not do so great ourselves!
A dying race, imprisoned in restricted shells

[Bob Catley, Hansi Kursch:]
In the World of Tomorrow Dreams, our future lies
In the World of Tomorrow Dreams, our hopes will rise

[Derek Sherinian: Synth solo]

[Collision Course]

[From The Ashes]

[Tom Englund:] And as the smoke slowly rises
[Jonas Renkse:] Our planet's bare and cold
[Tom Englund:] But as the black sky brightens
[Jonas Renkse:] A wondrous world unfolds

[Daniel Gildenlöw:] We're at the dawn of a new age
[Bob Catley:] As we hear the final cries
[Daniel Gildenlöw:] Ready to enter the next stage
[Bob Catley:] From the ashes we will rise

[Steve Lee:] And as the smoke slowly rises
[Hansi Kursch:] Our planet's bare and cold
[Steve Lee:] But as the black sky brightens
[Hansi Kursch:] A wondrous world unfolds

[Floor Jansen:] We're at the dawn of a new age
[Jorn Lande:] As we hear the final cries
[Floor Jansen:] Ready to enter the next stage
[Jorn Lande:] From the ashes we will rise!

[Glimmer Of Hope Reprise]

[Daniel Gildenlöw:]
Now the die is cast, the first step taken
A glimmer of hope lights up our lives
Visions of the past, dreams forsaken
Re-ignite the sparkle in our eyes
We are alive

[Jonas Renkse:]
Life, imagination
Missing link in the chain
We'll fuel your minds
Color your thoughts
Come to you waking dreams

Fire, inspiration
Missing branch on the tree
We are your roots, we are your blood
Come to you in waking dreams

[Anneke:]
Sail the stream as I dance upon the waves of a waking dream
As it passes you by.
Ride the beam as I rise upon the wings of a waking dream
As it fades in the sky.

[Jonas:]
Mind transformation
You were chosen
Live the the dream that we have been dreaming
Now is a time to come together and make it come true
Oh me and you

[Anneke:]
Sail the stream as I dance upon the waves of a waking dream as it passes you by.
(Dancing on the waves)
Ride the beam as I rise upon the wings of a waking dream as it fades in the sky.

[solo keyboard: Tomas Bodin]
[solo guitar: Arjen]

[Anneke:]
Sail the stream as I dance upon the waves of a waking dream as it passes you by.
(Dancing on the waves)
Ride the beam as I rise upon the wings of a waking dream as it fades in the sky.

[1. Echoes On The Wind]

[Tom Englund:]
It's the calm before the storm
It's the quiet before the war
It's the time when all will be decided.
[Steve Lee:] All will be decided
[Tom Englund:] If nobody hears the echoes on the wind

[Tom Englund:] It's the end of the chain
[Steve Lee:] Destruction of the fittest
[Tom Englund:] It's the end of our reign
[Steve Lee:] We've seen it all before
[Tom Englund:] It's the end of man's evolution
[Steve Lee:] The end of evolution
[Tom Englund:] For nobody heeds the echoes on the wind

[2. Radioactive Grave]

[*]
[Hansi Kursch:] Do you hear the sirens?
[Daniel Gildenlöw:] Do you see them burst?
[Steve Lee:] Do you feel the fire?
[Jonas Renske and Floor Jansen:] All the world's a radioactive grave!
[Tom Englund:] I can hear them crying
[Bob Catley:] I can see the fear
[Jorn Lande:] I can see them dying
[Jonas Renske and Floor Jansen:] Washed away by deadly gamma waves!

[Hansi Kursch:] Do you hear them calling?
[Daniel Gildenlöw:] Do you see them hurt?
[Steve Lee:] Do you feel them falling?
[Jonas Renske and Floor Jansen:] All the world's a blazing funeral pyre!

[Tom Englund:] I can hear the wailing!
[Bob Catley:] I can see the wrath!
[Jorn Lande:] I can see them failing
[Jonas Renske and Floor Jansen:] Washed away by a scorching sea of fire!

[repeat *]

[3. 2085]

[Jonas Renske:] 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

[Bob Catley:]
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

[Steve Lee:]
The meaning of life is to give life meaning
Go too fast, move too slow.
Restore the balance between thinking and feeling
Open up and let it flow

[Jonas Renske:]
No side has won, struggle to... survive
Our quest here is done
2085
All our hopes have disappeared
Our race will... not thrive
Time will not recall the year
2085

[Daniel Gildenlöw:]
Don't give in, remember all we learned
The spark of life if did ignite
We regained the rage for which we yearned
We regained our will to fight

[Jorn Lande:]
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]

[Tom Englund:] He's the last man alive
[Steve Lee:] Searching for the answer
[Tom Englund:] Knowing he won't survive
[Steve Lee:] To the mystery of live
[Tom Englund:] Relives the past, and dreams of the future
[Steve Lee:] Dreaming of the future
[Tom Englund:] And soon he'll set free
[Steve Lee:] And the sleeper will awake
[Tom Englund:] 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
The way I'll show, complete the circle [x2]

[Hansi Kursch:]
Send back visions
Into the past
Of war and decay

[Floor Jansen:]
Hear the final cries!
I can see the fear
In a world without walls

[Anneke van Giersbergen:] Through their eyes

[Tom Englund:]
I see them dying
We have to teach them
Migrator soul

[Daniel Gildenlöw:]
We will gain our will to fight
We're at the dawn
We found a way

[Steve Lee:]
I know we'll make it in the end
Listen to the one man

[Bob Catley:]
We gave them language
What did they say?
What did they learn?

[Jorn Lande:]
We have no choice
We are the future
We are the pain
Complete the Circle!

[Steve Lee:] AH!!!!

[The last human on the Mars Colony had died, but his consciousness is transformed into the New Migrator. He follows the Migrator Trail to Planet Y, where he breathes life into the comatose Forever race by rekindling their emotions, thus ensuring that the spirit of man will live on. In the end, Mankind's brief existence has served a purpose after all.]

A) Epilogue

(Instrumental)

B) The Memory Remains

And in the end, when all the dreams are dreamt
All your desires have long dissolved
A feeling free, surreal serenity
A desperate search for truth resolved
All hope dispelled, forgotten dreams unquelled
The frailest link within the chain
Once brisk with life, too fragile to survive
A barren world devoid of pain
But the memory remains

Starlight breaks, the sleeper is awake
You understand your timeless quest
A dormant waste, a cold, forsaken place
Their bodies numb, their minds suppressed
You've felt the screams, you have dreamt the dreams
But most of all, you've lived the pain
They will revive, you will make them thrive
Your hopeless life's not lived in vain
For the memory remains

Can you feel them cry inside
Can you feel them die inside
You can still the screams in you
You can make their dreams come true

[Dream Sequencer system offline]

Remember forever...