

If I find myself in a particular situation I am moving forward even if it is happening at a slow pace, I am making progress I am carried by the current On a slow and steady course With each treasure found Another shipwreck's washed ashoreĮvery good thing comes at a cost, and that cost is becoming more evident I have to bear the consequences of my actions alone Knowing or predicting what could happen has both positive and negative effects The things that attract me could end up causing harmĭespite the warning signs, I might be unable to resist temptation Serve as my anchor when things get confusing or overwhelming and remind me of my goal Help me see the bigger picture when I am lost in the detailsīe my guide so I can see The bigger picture I will get to where I want and need to beīe my source of positivity and motivation

I won't let the trials and tribulations stop me, I'll push through and succeed Serving as a beacon of hope in times of despair Like a lighthouse peering through the haze If there is guidance even in the darkest of moments Whatever is happening seems to be close yet distant The things that are happening are intriguing, almost as though something supernatural is involved I can witness things happening as if a beautiful painting is being created (Note: Some variations between live versions may occur, and the above is just one interpretation of the chords.)Įven before things start falling apart, I can sense that something is amiss The chord progression for the chorus is D-A-F-C, while the verse is a descending riff in the key of F#minor.Ĭhorus: D - A - F - C (x2) G - A - F - C (x2) The song has become a fan favorite and is a frequent inclusion in Dream Theater concerts. Jordan Rudess once cited "The Bigger Picture" as his favorite Dream Theater song to perform live. The song was described as "one of the most emotional Dream Theater songs ever written" by frontman James LaBrie. The music video features a performance in front of a revolving video screen, with the imagery featuring various themes from the song's lyrics such as the moth and treasure-seeking. The track was recorded at Cove City Sound Studios on Long Island, NY. The opening riff was first written by Petrucci over a decade before the song was completed. The song was primarily written by guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. It features a prominent use of piano, a first for the band's music. The song was first released on Dream Theater's 2013 album "Dream Theater." If you find inaccuracies, you can request we run a fact check here or highlight specific content to report it. Interesting facts about "The Bigger Picture": However, the distant lights of hope illuminate their way, and they know they are finally home. The final verse expresses a sense of weariness from the singer, having listened to all the stories of resentment and disdain, and still not finding what they were looking for. The chorus then repeats the request for guidance, asking to shed light on the singer and help them see the bigger picture. The singer must carry their own cross and faces their troubles alone, all while trying to gather treasures from life's experiences. The metaphor of the moth driven to flame is used to show how prophecies can be both a blessing and a curse, as pursuing one's goals in life can be both rewarding and costly. The second verse speaks to the many difficulties one might face in life. The candlelight is then used as a metaphor for guidance which helps the singer navigate through the darkness and overcome obstacles. This cleverness is compared to that of an angel 'in disguise', indicating something secret and hidden. The first verse speaks of how the singer can see the painting coming to life before the colors start to bleed, metaphorically indicating their ability to perceive something before it happens. The lyrics suggest that the singer has faced many hardships and obstacles in life, but continues to persevere in search of the truth. The song "The Bigger Picture" by Dream Theater is about finding meaning in life and seeking guidance to see the bigger picture. When I see the distant lights illuminate the night I've looked into the empty eyes of anger, fear, and shame

I've listened to the stories of resentment and disdain
