The sound of a shaker being struck every quarter of a second fades into the soundscape. Moments later, the distinctive sound of a ride cymbal being struck on its bell chimes in. The keyboardist begins to spew notes which sound like an ethereal wind blowing through a forest's branches, and the intensity heightens as singular guitar notes echo from the amplifiers. 40 seconds into the song, every instrument-playing bandmember lets forth into a beautiful assault of sound, and "Metropolis Part I: The Miracle and the Sleeper" is underway.

Before Dream Theater's critically acclaimed album, Metropolis Part II: Scenes from a Memory, there was the song "Metropolis Part I." It is, perhaps, the most worthy contender for best track off of their 2nd studio album, Images and Words. It showcases the incredible talent of all the members of Dream Theater more effectively than any other song on the album, while at the same, providing for an absolutely staggering listening experience.

James LaBrie gives an emotional and powerful voice to the lyrics, written by their guitarist, John Petrucci. Petrucci shines equally on his guitar, working his way effortlessly through complex rhythm and solo arrangements alike. Kevin Moore's keyboard chops are showcased quite well, with the keyboard adding immeasurable ambience to several parts of the song, and one must not forget the fabulous basslines emanating from John Myung's custom six string bass. The percussion provided by Mike Portnoy is in top form, with some prodigious stick work which complements the rest of the music flawlessly.

Song Title:   Metropolis Part I: The Miracle and the Sleeper
Song Length:  9:32
Album Name:   Images and Words
Lyrics By:    John Petrucci
Music By:     Dream Theater

Lyrics

The smile of dawn
Arrived early May
She carried a gift from her home
The night shed a tear
To tell her of fear
And of sorrow and pain
She'll never outgrow

                                                    Death is the first dance, eternal

There's no more freedom
The both of you wil be confined
to this mind

I was told
  There's a miracle
     for each day that I try

              I was told
                 There's a new love that's born
                      For each one that has died

                                I was told
                                   There'd be no one to call on
                                        When I feel alone and afraid

                                                 I was told
                                                    If you dream of the next world
                                                        You'll find yourself
                                                             Swimming in a lake of fire

As a chlid, 
I thought I could live without pain
Without sorrow
As a man,
I've found it's all caught up with me
I'm asleep yet I'm so afraid

Somewhere
Like a scene from a memory
There's a picture of a thousand words
Eluding stares
From faces before me
It hides away and will never be heard of again

                                              Deceit is the second without end

They city's cold blood teaches us to survive
Just keep my heart in your eyes
And we'll stay alive

                                                                             The third arrives

                    (3 minute, 46 second instrumental break)

Before the leaves have fallen
Before we lock the doors
There must be the third and last dance
This one will last forever
Metropolis watches and thoughtfully smiles
She's taking you to your home

It can only take place
When the struggle between
our children has ended
Now the Miracle and the Sleeper know
that the third is love

                                                       Love is the dance of eternity