Dream Theater - Only a Matter of Time lyrics

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, legalies 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 wall
To the practical observer it's just
A matter of time
You can deviate from the commonplace 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 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 plans 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