A Rite of Passage

Album: Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the lead single from American progressive metal band Dream Theater's 10th studio album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings.
  • Guitarist John Petrucci and drummer Mike Portnoy wrote the lyrics for the album. The subject matter of this song is freemasonry and secret societies. It's the only song on Black Clouds & Silver Linings that isn't about a personal experience.
  • Mike Portnoy told Songfacts about the album title. Said Portnoy: "It kind of sums up what the lyrics were about: heavy, dark, personal subject matter, but every cloud has a silver lining, and you can look at any situation and find some optimism and something to learn from and grow from."

Comments: 1

  • Nick from Cairns, AustraliaThis would be the perfect song for the da vince code novel, or any other Dan Brown book in that case.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Jack Tempchin - "Peaceful Easy Feeling"

Jack Tempchin - "Peaceful Easy Feeling"They're Playing My Song

When a waitress wouldn't take him home, Jack wrote what would become one of the Eagles most enduring hits.

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.