Constant Motion

Album: Systematic Chaos (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the debut single from the Systematic Chaos album. It's named "Constant Motion" due to the feel of the song, in which there seems to be no stop in movement. The song is about mental disorders; Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). In a 2010 Songfacts interview, Portnoy explained that he "does everything is excess," which led to a problem with alcoholism that nearly killed him.
  • The lyrics, "Impulsive Laced Profanity" are a reference to Tourette's Syndrome. "Controlling My Thoughts, Obsessing Me" refers to OCD. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Liam - Macclesfield, England

Comments: 4

  • Dino from Bandung, --Song #2 a.k.a Korma Chameleon was the working title of the song
  • Devon from Westerville, Ohthis song is awesome. when i saw dream theater recently they opened with this song and it was awesome.
  • Bill from Winnipeg, CanadaThis song's good, the fast-pace is nice when I'm in the mood for it. I noticed that there's a lot of use of back-up vocals in this one.
  • Arthur from Pittsburgh, PaMAN GREATEST DREAM THEATER SONG EVER HAVE YOU HEARD THE GUITAR PLAYING IN IT I WANT TO SEE SOME! TRY TO IMMITATE JOHN PETRUCCI'S PLAYIN
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.