Sacrificed Sons

Album: Octavarium (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie wrote the lyric to "Sacrificed Sons," which is a reflection on the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City. At the beginning you hear clips from news coverage of the event.

    The song expresses the anger and confusion so many of us felt in the aftermath as life as we knew it was upended. In the song, LaBrie asks the questions that were on so many minds:

    Who would wish this on our people?
    Will mankind be extinct? >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Ashley - Moncton, Canada
  • Most of the songs on the Octavarium are compact by Dream Theater standards, but "Sacrificed Sons" extends to 10:42 and is more progressive than metal, with lots of musical complexity and long interludes between vocal sections. The band used a 16-piece orchestra on the track.

Comments: 4

  • John from Moline, Ilim still kinda curious why there isnt a page for octavarium, that song is just amazing!
  • Alex from Fort Mill, ScThis was the first Dream Theater album I got. Not very metal, but completely progressive. Octavarium is definitly the best song in the past ten years.
  • Paul from New Britain, CtYes, the song is indeed a tribute to 911
  • Jenjen2112 from Aberdeen, OtherYuh i think the songs all about people dying for what they believe in even if it it horrible...sacrifised sones creaps me out somewhat.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.