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AYREON LYRICS
"The Final Experiment" (1995)
1. Prologue
2. The Awareness
3. Eyes Of Time
4. The Banishment
5. Ye Courtyard Minstrel Boy
6. Sail Away To Avalon
7. Nature's Dance
8. Computer-Reign (Game Over)
9. Waracle
10. Listen To The Waves
11. Magic Ride
12. Merlin's Will
13. The Charm Of The Seer
14. Swan Song
15. Ayreon's Fate
1. Prologue
The Time Telepathy Experiment
THIS IS THE VOICE OF MERLIN. LISTEN WELL, FOR IT CONCERNS YOU. THIS
CHRONICLE COMMENCES IN THE YEAR 2084 A.D. MANKIND HAS VIRTUALLY DESTROYED
ITSELF. IT'S SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON 'THE FINAL EXPERIMENT'. SCIENTISTS FROM THE
21ST CENTURY HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW COMPUTERPROGRAM CALLED 'TIME TELEPATHY'.
BY USING THIS TECHNIQUE THEY HAVE SENT VISIONS OF HUMANITIES' DECLINE BACK
IN TIME. THESE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE MIND OF A BLIND
MINSTREL WHO LIVES IN 6TH CENTURY GREAT BRITAIN. HIS NAME.... IS
'AYREON'.
Overture
Ayreon's Quest
IT SHALL BE AYREON'S QUEST TO SING OF THESE VISIONS AND THUS WARN THE WORLD
OF ITS IMPENDING DOWNFALL IN ORDER TO CHANGE ITS FUTURE IN A LONG AND
PROSPEROUS ONE. LET US GO BACK TO 'THE DARK AGES'.
2. The Awareness
The Premonition
A STRANGE SENSATION COMES OVER AYREON, AS IF SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS IS ABOUT
TO OCCUR.
Dreamtime (Words Become A Song)
SUDDENLY A VISION EMERGES IN AYREON'S EVER-BLACK WORLD AND HE FINDS HIMSELF
SINGING ABOUT THE HORRID PROJECTIONS ETCHED INTO HIS BRAIN.
AYREON:
A cry in the silence
a shine in the dark
like a rising star
the dream is coming
Images of violence
a flight through time and space
it's such a lonely place
the dream has started
The smoke is rising
the vision's getting clearer
and words become a song
in the dreamtime
I've lost control
marooned and cold
I suffer the fears
of a future untold
I cannot change
the shape of things to come
The smoke is rising
the vision's getting clearer
the hands of time are whirling around
I'm realizing
the future's getting nearer
and words become a song
The Awakening
ABRUPTLY THE VISION ENDS AND AYREON RECEDES INTO HIS DARKNESS.
3. Eyes Of Time
Eyes Of Time
IT SLOWLY DAWNS ON AYREON THAT THESE VISIONS HE IS EXPERIENCING ARE VISIONS
OF THE FUTURE BUT HE DOES NOT FULLY COMPREHEND THEIR IMPORTANCE YET.
AYREON:
I cannot see with these eyes
my world is dark
like a cold eternal night
I could not tell you no lies
my words are lost
in a shroud of mystery
VILLAGERS:
Tell me what you see
AYREON:
I cannot tell you now
I see the world through the eyes of time
VILLAGERS:
tell me what you feel
AYREON:
I wouldn't know how
I cannot free my mind
from the eyes of time
I do not know where I am
I'm lost in time
drifting in eternity
I cannot tell if it's real
or fantasy
or a view of things to come
I'm still trying to understand
why do I see the things I see
could it be a future world
that's warning us through me
I'm still trying to understand
why do I know the things I know
doe it mean I'm a god
will nobody tell me so?
Brainwaves
IT ALL GETS TOO CONFUSING FOR AYREON AND THE THIN LINE BETWEEN ILLUSION AND
REALITY FADES.
4. The Banishment
A New Dawn
A PERCEPTABLE TENSION IS HOVERING ABOVE AYREON'S HOMETOWN. SOMETHING IS AT
HAND.
The Gathering
THE TOWNSPEOPLE GATHER ON THE MARKET SQUARE TO JUDGE OF AYREON. IS HE A
PROPHET OR A CHARLATAN, OR EVEN WORSE: AN APPARITION MOST UNHOLY?
The Accusation
THE VILLAGERS ACCUSE AYREON OF BEING THE DEVIL'S SPAWN, BUT AYREON PERSISTS
IN HIS INNOCENCE.
VILLAGERS:
Have you seen his eyes
up in the skies
like hypnotized
and he never smiles
he never cries
Have you heard his song
fierce and strong
right or wrong
should he be condemned
for he doesn't belong
AYREON:
What have I done
VILLAGERS:
You've aroused the forces of destruction
AYREON:
What have I done
VILLAGERS:
You've unleashed the rage of the gods
AYREON:
What have I done
VILLAGERS:
You've denounced the wonder of creation
AYREON:
What have I done
VILLAGERS:
You've betrayed your own,
now you have to pay
It has been foretold
in days of old
'n evil soul
will corrupt the world
to achieve his goal
He's the devil's seed
an evil breed
he's gonna make you bleed
he'll take all he needs
with uncontrollable greed
AYREON:
I've done nothing at all,
no nothing at all
The Banishment
WITH STICKS AND TORCHES IN HAND, THE ANGRY VILLAGERS DRIVE AYREON OUT OF
THEIR DEMESNE.
Oblivion
COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED AYREON ROAMS THROUGH THE FOREST, ONLY AN INDISTINCT
SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT SUSTAINS HIM.
AYREON:
If I have died, then this must be hell
if I'm alive, I cannot break this gruesome spell
I am seeking relief and finding none
I have fallen into oblivion
A force within dominates my tormented soul
and empowers me to regain absolute control
I shall not yield, for I am the chosen one
who shall rise from oblivion
5. Ye Courtyard Minstrel Boy
a new horizon
hear the travelers call
behold there lies a kingdom
go forth ye minstrel tall
Sing of your wisdom
spread tidings of joy
a feast of song and laughter
ye courtyard minstrel boy
O' dance thee 'round the table
for conquerors and kings
thou must win the heart of Gwenhwyfar
fair maiden of the king
Thy Lord Thy master
Arthur thee so bold
heed the words of Ayreon
and thy future will unfold
Sing ye tales of wonder
whilst ye hide behind the joy
cast thy spell asunder
ye courtyard minstrel boy
Sing ye, oh sing ye, courtyard minstrel boy
A day of splendour
how beautiful birds sing
ladies, lords and masters
and rainbows he would bring
A child's sadness
sweet dreams, oh princely boy
let thyn eyes reveal the madness
ye courtyard minstrel boy
6. Sail Away To Avalon
TO ENTERTAIN THE COURT, AYREON MAKES UP A SONG ABOUT THE BRAVE KNIGHTS OF
THE ROUND TABLE AND THEIR JOURNEY TO THE ISLE OF AVALON IN SEARCH OF THE
HOLY GRAIL.
AYREON:
Noble men in shining armor
knights of the table-round
go out and ride like thunder
cross the sky at the speed of
Sound the horn, 'n blow the trumpets
upon the castle wall
now the quest has started
listen to the prophet's call
Sail away
sail away to Avalon
the journey has begun
sail away through the night
sail away, never die
the gods are at your side
sail away through the night
Ride on the road to glory
find the holy grail
and learn the ancient story
's more than just a fairy-
Tale about the key to life
and all its mysteries
you'll find the grail within you
slay the dragon in your dreams
7. Nature's Dance
AYREON RETIRES IN THE GARDEN OF DREAMS SURROUNDING CAMELOT, ENJOYS THE
WONDERS OF NATURE AND REFLECTS ON HIS FATE. HE NOW FULLY UNDERSTANDS, AND
RELUCTANTLY SUBMITS TO HIS DESTINY.
AYREON:
I can smell the grass
and touch the flowers
among the trees
I pass the hours
and fantasize
I let the dance of nature
inspire me
now my mind is free
from apparitions
I switch off like a 'television'
and close my eyes
And I wish that I could see
like everybody can
how I wish that I could be
like any other man
I can't see the sun
but I sense its glow
I hear the sound of water flowing
down the stream
and my heart cries out
for a little bit love
but I know that it was not meant to be
so I'll fulfil my destiny
and accept my fate
Still I wish that I could see
like everybody can
how I wish that I could be
like any other man
8. Computer-Reign (Game Over)
AYREON DESCRIBES A DISTANT FUTURE IN WHICH TECHNOLOGY TRIUMPHS OVER PASSION,
AND 'SERVING' COMPUTERS WILL GRADUALLY GAIN CONTROL OVER MANKIND.
AYREON:
I see a future cold as ice
where all the love has gone
I see a race that pays the price
for everything it's done
I see shadows of giant machines
cast upon the land
I see a world where kings nor queens
but chips are in command
COMPUTER...COMPUTER...COMPUTER...
COMPUTER-REIGN
now the end has just begun
technology has won
and it cannot be undone
there will be nowhere to run
now the damage has been done
GAME OVER! GAME OVER!
I see a game gone out of hand
and memories erased
I see a programmed masterplan
and man will be replaced
I see a planet die in space
and slowly fade away
I see the end of the human race
there has to be a way
9. Waracle
AYREON SINGS OF THE USELESSNESS OF THE COUNTLESS WARS TO COME, AND THE
ABSURDITY OF THE FINAL ANNIHILATION BY THE PUSH OF JUST ONE BUTTON BY JUST
ONE MAN.
AYREON:
Echoes of a thousand screams
smoke, blood and fire
a deserted battlefield
millions of men will die
at one man's desire
and the docile mass will yield
All through the ages
men will die before their time
in an everlasting war
as long as man is taught
that war is not a crime
man will fight for evermore
But of the ashes
a war-lord will arise
and tyrannize the land
his reign of terror
will cost many a sacrifice
an inferno is at hand
All through the centuries
men will be caged
in the name of liberty
as long as man shall live
wars will be waged
or will we ever be set free?
Set me free!
The road to ruin
gets shorter all the time
as technology will improve
it takes but one man
to commit the ultimate crime
and make the final move
10. Listen To The Waves
AYREON WARNS THE PEOPLE THAT IF MAN DOES NOT MEND HIS WAYS, MAN WILL
CONTAMINATE THE SKIES, SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE AIR TO BREATHE, HE WILL
POISON THE SEAS, SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE WATER TO DRINK AND HE WILL POLLUTE
THE LAND, SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE FOOD TO LIVE ON.
AYREON:
All the trees have fallen
the soil is scorched and dry
I can't respire
a storm of fire
is raging in the sky
Where is all the wildlife
extinct from pole to pole
the hunt for skin
a deadly sin
took it's heavy toll
The seas are red, the skies are grim
the soil is filled with graves
the earth is dead, the sun is dim
listen to the waves
We befoul the air
and burn a hole in the sky
deadly rays
from outer space
cause our race to die
Standing at the crossroads
a choice of life and death
we'll take more care
and clear the air
or take our final breath
11. Magic Ride
SOMEHOW AYREON SENSES THAT HIS FATE IS UPON HIM, AND HE IMPLORES, NO HE
COMMANDS HIS FUTURE TORMENTORS TO GRANT HIM ONE LAST MOMENT OF SPLENDOUR IN
PLACE OF ALL THE MISERY THAT HAUNTS HIS MIND. BUT NO ONE HEARS HIS
PLEA...
AYREON:
I sense a fear
deep inside
the end is near
I cannot hide
blood is spilt
my quest is unfulfilled
There's still so much
I long to see
I need to touch
I wish to be
I can't believe
this is all I can achieve
Hark me now and let me go
to far-away lands and distant shores
an angel at my side
no evil plans or future wars
take me high on a magic ride
Did you ever care
how I could feel
as you dreamt up
this one-way deal
my lords of time
don't you understand
My life's been rough
I was born to lose
I've had enough
of them future-blues
grant my wish
my wish is your command
12. Merlin's Will
MERLIN, WHO IS UNAFFECTED BY -AND THEREFORE IGNORANT OF- THE 'TIME
TELEPATHY' EXPERIMENT, ASSUMES THAT AYREON'S PROPHECIES ARE DECEPTIVE, AND
SO AYREON MUST BE SILENCED. OR COULD THERE BE AN UNDERTONE OF ENVY IN HIS
WORDS?
MERLIN:
Ayreon, don't you know who I am
Ayreon, I'll have you know that I can
charm you with a wave of my hand
you bow to my command
Ayreon, you're an evil stranger
Ayreon, you've become a danger
your words are all but a lie
I vow that ye shall die
KNIGHTS:
it's Merlin's will, his will be done
the end has come for Ayreon
it's Merlin's will
and his will be done
MERLIN:
Ayreon, you're in my domain now
Ayreon, I renounce your name now
no one will know who you are
you'll fade out like a star
13. The Charm Of The Seer
AYREON UNDERSTANDS THAT HE WAS NOT INDIVIDUALLY CHOSEN FOR THE 'TIME
TELEPATHY EXPERIMENT', BUT THAT HE UNINTENTIONALLY RECEIVED ITS
TRANSMISSIONS. THIS COULD BE BECAUSE OF A MORE DEVELOPED SIXTH SENSE AS A
RESULT OF HIS BLINDNESS. HE ALSO REALIZES THAT HE CAN NEITHER ACCOMPLISH HIS
MISSION, NOR STOP THE VISIONS FROM PENETRATING HIS MIND. HIS SOLE ESCAPE IS
TO SUBMIT TO THE MAGIC CHARM OF THE GREAT SEER
MERLIN.
AYREON:
I've been lost in the valley of nightmares
I've been found in the garden of dreams
speak thy charm, I know you are out there
cast thy spell and silence the screams
But as I poise on the edge of life
where time disappears
I bow in fear
to the charm of the seer
I've seen fear in valiant faces
I've seen hope in desperate eyes
lead me home to familiar places
lead me back to crystalline skies
And as I poise on the edge of life
where time disappears
I bow in fear
to the charm of the seer
I have failed, I have been forsaken
I've been scorned and misunderstood
I have lost, my life has been taken
I'd surrender if only I could
14. Swan Song
MERLIN GRANTS AYREON HIS LAST REQUEST: TO EXPERIENCE ONE LAST BRIEF MOMENT
OF SERENITY. FLASHES OF HIS PAST LIFE PASS BEFORE HIS EYES.
15. Ayreon's Fate
Ayreon's Fate
AYREON DESPERATELY ATTEMPTS TO CONVINCE MERLIN OF HIS SINCERITY, BUT MERLIN
WON'T HEAR OF IT AND CASTS HIS SPELL ON POOR AYREON.
AYREON:
Misguided Merlin
you fail to understand
I could never be your rival
I was just a pawn
in a future masterplan
for the purpose of survival
MERLIN:
Ayreon, I've cast my spell upon you
I have no faith, you cannot be true
Ayreon!
AYREON:
I forgive you Merlin
for you don't know what you've done
even for you, it was all a mystery
one day you'll see
that I was the one
who could change the course of history
MERLIN:
Ayreon, you're words are all in vain
close your eyes, there'll be no more pain
oh Ayreon...
Merlin's Prophecy
MERLIN IS STRICKEN WITH GRIEF FOR HE HAS HAD A VISION THAT PROVES AYREON TO
BE GENUINE. RELUCTANT TO PASS INTO ETERNITY AS THE MARTYR OF MANKIND, MERLIN
VOWS THAT AYREON'S WORD WILL BE SPREAD IN THE 20TH CENTURY, IN THE HOPE THAT
IT WILL NOT BE TOO LATE AND THAT MAN WILL HEED HIS
PREMONITIONS.
MERLIN:
I see one day
his story will be told
at the end of the 20th century
I see one day
the truth will unfold
and the quest has now begun
oh Ayreon!
I hope one day
that man will understand
it's in his power to change his destiny
I hope one day
he'll do all that he can
and all the nations will be one
oh Ayreon!
Epilogue
THE OUTCOME OF THE FINAL EXPERIMENT HAS NOW BEEN PLACED IN YOUR HANDS.
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