Story Behind The Song
I've always had a keen interest in history and the accompanying story of social development. One curious feature that has continued to appear, especially since the Renaissance, is the idea of perfecting society; creating a state of complete justice and equality where, ostensibly, human suffering will be all but eliminated. It seems a worthy, if elusive, goal. But given man's demonstrated will to power the idea that just enough money, time, and control can lead to another Eden is frightening and has been the rallying cry of many political ideologies, religious cults, and dictators, all of whom were quite willing to use violence to achieve their ends. The minor key is somewhat harsh and the relentless, driving beat evokes images of marching feet; a lock-step uniformity, or perhaps, mass conformity. The final words of the bridge, "Reach for power, force a change, never doubting that'll we'll arrange it right," are perhaps the greatest warning of the song. The uncompromising zeal of a utopian vision always sees its goal as justification of its means, and we have some dreadful examples of that in the past 150 years.
Also used on the soundtrack to the movie "El Negocio" (2011, www.ElNegocioMovie.com).
Song Description
Reflection on and veiled warning about man's desire to create a utopia and his willingness to use any means to do so.
| Song Length |
5:14 |
Genre |
Rock - Progressive Rock, Rock - Hard Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Tense, Restless |
Subject |
Government, Power |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
Provide a firm foundation
To tame a desolate land
Building a bountiful refuge
Profess the dignity of man
We give until it hurts
But do we hurt with what we give?
Utopian plans
Utopian dreams
Tantalizingly close
And always it seems
Sacrifice
All we're worth
To build that heaven
Here on the earth
Excess or austerity
Let a new world emerge
Bound with grand totality
Man's irresistible urge
If we build it they will come
But what will come of that we build?
CHORUS
One more dollar
One more day
Round the bend
There's a way
Pave the streets
All in gold
Save men's souls
We've been told
Reach for power
Force a change
Never doubting
That we'll arrange it right
SOLO
CHORUS