The Glass Prison by Dream Theater

Album: Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (2002)

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Having been through rehab, Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy wrote this song detailing the first three steps of conquering alcohol addiction according to the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step program. It's the first in a series of five Dream Theater songs known as "The Twelve-step Suite" that Portnoy wrote. The others are:
"This Dying Soul" about steps 4 and 5 from the album Train Of Thought
"The Root Of All Evil" about steps 6 and 7 from Octavarium
"Repentance" about steps 8 and 9 from Systematic Chaos
"The Shattered Fortress" about steps 10-12 from Black Clouds & Silver Linings.

In our 2010 interview with Mike Portnoy, he talked about being fortunate to escape alcoholism alive, and the struggles he faced watching fellow musicians like Paul Gray of Slipknot and The Rev from Avenged Sevenfold succumb to their addictions. Said Portnoy: "I feel horrible, because I understand the disease and how dangerous it is, and if you're an addict or an alcoholic, like I am, the writing's on the wall. You can't live that kind of lifestyle and live a long, happy life."

Comments: 5

Tom from Weston-super-mare, United KingdomIt has continued again. In there new album "BLack Clouds and Silver Linings" the song "Shattered Fortress" is the next installment in the epic song series. Its got parts of every song in the series so far and links them all together.
Devon from Westerville, Ohthis song is awesome I can't seem to listen to it just once. this saga of songs continues on the newest one Systematic Chaos with Repentance. didn't know that the root of all evil was part of this song series.
Ari from Palembang, IndonesiaI love the music of this song !!! What a great arpeggios from Petrucci,Portnoy's double pedal n Rudess' running finger on his keyboard
Dev01d from Wollongong, AustraliaWow I just read the lyrics while listening to this song and it makes ALOT more sense now. Great song and band. Good concept for songs too to deal with each step.
Szabi from Novi Sad, Serbiathis song opens up new perspectives, hats off to the guys!!!

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