On the Backs of Angels
Dream Theater Lyrics
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Destined to create
Mounting the attack
While heroes carry your weight
We spiral towards disaster
Survival fading faster
Content to feed off the machine
Bleeding us to death
The new American dream
You're blinded by your hunger
Beware your days are numbered
Tears fall from the shameless
Shelter me, guide me to the edge of the water
Selfless are the righteous
Burden me, lead me like a lamb to the slaughter
Blurring lines drawn in between
What is right and what is wrong
Victims on the radar string us along
We're on to your agenda
The dead end road to nowhere
Tears fall from the shameless
Shelter me, guide me to the edge of the water
Selfless are the righteous
Burden me, lead me like a lamb to the slaughter
Tears fall from the shameless
Shelter me, guide me to the edge of the water
Selfless are the righteous
Burden me, lead me like a lamb to the slaughter
Selfless are the righteous
Burden me, lead me like a lamb to the slaughter
In Dream Theater's "On The Backs of Angels," the lyrics convey a sense of urgency and concern regarding the state of society. The opening lines, "Standing on the backs of angels, Destined to create, Mounting the attack, While heroes carry your weight," could be interpreted as a criticism of those in power (the creators) who don't take any responsibility for the consequences of their actions (making the heroes carry their weight).
The second verse, "We spiral towards disaster, Survival fading faster," seems to paint a picture of a society in decline, with people struggling to survive. The lines, "Bleeding us to death, The new American dream," could suggest that society has become greed-driven and focused only on material success, even if it comes at the expense of others.
The chorus, "Tears fall from the shameless, Shelter me, guide me to the edge of the water, Selfless are the righteous, Burden me, lead me like a lamb to the slaughter," suggests a plea for help, for someone to guide them towards the right path. The moral ambiguity of the lines, "Blurring lines drawn in between, What is right and what is wrong, Victims on the radar string us along," could be interpreted as a criticism of the media and those in power, who manipulate and blur the lines between right and wrong to keep people in line.
Overall, "On The Backs of Angels" seems to be an observation of society's decline, with a plea for those in power to take responsibility for their actions and for individuals to stay true to their morals in the face of manipulation and greed.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing on the backs of angels
We are taking advantage of those who are selfless and virtuous.
Destined to create
Our intention is to build something great.
Mounting the attack
We are aggressively pursuing our goals.
While heroes carry your weight
We are relying heavily on the efforts of others.
We spiral towards disaster
Our actions are leading us towards catastrophe.
Survival fading faster
Our chances of survival are diminishing rapidly.
Riding out the wave
We are riding the current trend or situation.
Content to feed off the machine
We are comfortable taking advantage of the system.
Bleeding us to death
The system is exploiting us and causing us harm.
The new American dream
The new ideal is to take advantage of the system for personal gain.
You're blinded by your hunger
Our insatiable desire is blinding us to the consequences of our actions.
Beware your days are numbered
Our actions will have consequences and we will eventually face the consequences.
Tears fall from the shameless
Those who are taking advantage of others have no shame.
Shelter me, guide me to the edge of the water
Protect and guide me towards the truth.
Selfless are the righteous
Those who are virtuous are putting others before themselves.
Burden me, lead me like a lamb to the slaughter
Help me to face the consequences of my actions, even if it is painful.
Blurring lines drawn in between
It is becoming harder to distinguish between right and wrong.
What is right and what is wrong
The distinction between morality is becoming harder to define.
Victims on the radar string us along
We are being led by those who are exploiting us.
We're onto your agenda
We have discovered your deceitful plans.
The dead end road to nowhere
Your plans will not lead to success and are ultimately futile.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN MYUNG, JOHN PETRUCCI, JOHN RO MYUNG, JORDAN RUDESS, JORDAN CHARLES RUDESS
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