The Spirit Carries On by Dream Theater

Album: Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999)

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This is "Scene Eight" in Dream Theater's concept album Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory. The album follows the character Nicholas, who goes under hypnosis and discovers a past life where he was a woman named Victoria. In this song, Nicholas is at peace, no longer frightened of dying, as he knows his spirit will live on. Victoria appears to affirm this, but makes a request: "never let your memory of me disappear."
Unusually for a concept album, different group members contributed lyrics to the various songs. Guitarist John Petrucci wrote the lyrics to this one, which follows "One Last Time," a lyric by lead singer James LaBrie.
The opening lyrics, "Where do we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go when we die?" are very similar to the title of a 1897 painting by French post-impressionist artist Paul Gauguin, Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Adrian - Malta
The Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory is a sequel to their 1992 song "Metropolis - Part I: "The Miracle And The Sleeper"." On that song, they added the "Part 1" as a lark, but when fans started asking about Part 2, they decided to deliver it. They wrote Part 2 and planned to released it as part of their 1997 album Falling Into Infinity, but that would have made it a double album, and Dream Theater's label wouldn't allow it. The band ended up reworking it in 1999, making Metropolis Pt. 2 the entire album.

Comments: 7

Reggev from Misgav, IsraelYou don't have to believe in reincarnation to like this song.
Adam from Northampton, United KingdomMy favourite song of all time, due to personal stuff.. but also because the whole concept album is amazing to the highest standard.
Tzali from Ramat Gan, IsraelThis is one song i give example of when people say that "DT are only technical and have no feel neither spirit".
this is th eproof that those guys rock every corner of music they want to
David from Baden-baden, GermanyEspecially the Live Version from New York is one of the best songs I've ever heard live.
D from Melbourne, Australiasuch a beautiful song and it captures much of dream theater's range
Bill from Winnipeg, CanadaGood song, very emotional. Especially after listen to the other songs.
Steph from Tolland, Ctthis is my all-time favorite song =)

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Scooby SnacksFun Lovin' Criminals

The Scooby Snacks in the Fun Lovin' Criminals song aren't dog treats, they're Valium pills.

Stop Your SobbingPretenders

"Stop Your Sobbing" was first recorded by The Kinks in 1964. It became the Pretenders first single 15 years later, leading to a relationship between Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde.

Year Of The CatAl Stewart

The title of Al Stewart's "Year Of The Cat" comes from Vietnamese astrology. The Year of the Cat comes every 12 Years: 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023...

My WayFrank Sinatra

According to Frank Sinatra's daughter, he hated "My Way," but had to sing it at every show when it became his signature song.

25 Or 6 To 4Chicago

The title "25 Or 6 To 4" by Chicago refers to the time it was written: either 25 minutes to 4 (3:35) or 26 (3:34).

I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)The Four Tops

The Four Tops' "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" was written by the Motown team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland. The phrase "Sugar pie, honey bunch" was something Dozier's grandfather used to say when he was a kid.