Ayreon - Phase I: Singularity lyrics

[01. Prologue: The Blackboard] "8:49 this morning The dew of morning still glistens on the salt gra** that grows along the foundation of the old lighthouse. I isn't in active service anymore, but has been renovated to serve as a private dwelling. High in the tower inside, a young man is slumped on the floor in the corner of the room, apparently in some kind of trance. Somebody has put a blanked over him. He is deadly pale, but the steady, almost imperceptible rise and fall of his chest shows that he still clings to life. Standing next to him are young woman and an older man. Both are obviously shocked and distressed. Their frequent glances toward the door give the impression that they're waiting for someone who is yet to arrive. On the wall next to them is a blackboard covered with impenetrable mathematical equations. The older man is holding a crumpled piece of paper - it appears to be a note scribbled in haste by an unsteady hand. What follows here is the story of what happened." [Teacher:] Will we ever understand This complex genius This visionary thinker Will we ever get this close again Uniting the forces Of our universe [Girl:] Will we ever understand His isolation Or his sense of wonder We will never get this close again It’s been too long… I think he’s gone [02. The Theory of Everything part 1] "11 years earlier The Father, a brilliant scientist, has devoted his life to finding the Theory of Everything, the equation that will fully explain and unite all physical forces of the universe. He's obsessively working day and night; unaware that his wife and introverted son need far more attention that he has been giving them. The Mother has always supported her husband's scientific pursuits, but the strain of dealing with their asocial child's special needs has worn her down to the point of desperation." [Father:] I'm so close to the answer A dazzling symphony of cosmic strings I feel the pulse, vibrating just out of reach The music of space One single master equation Unification of the great and small I hear the notes but the arrangement is wrong And I'm starting to doubt, but I can't give up now I'm so near [Mother:] Can't you see that I need you out here? And what about our boy? I think he's got something to give What secrets lie... beyond these hollow eyes? [Father:] I'm sorry you feel neglected But it's clear that you don't understand I'm aware, and I want to be there I just need some more time, for the answer is blindingly near [Mother:] Are you trying to drive us away Just when we need you most? You might find he's got something to give What secrets lie... beyond these eyes? [03. Patterns] "The son is so withdrawn because his mind is overwhelmed by an*lyzing the chaotic stimuli of the world around him, and the mathematical patterns he sees in everything - even in nature. His brain seems to operate on a completely different level than other people's. There is something very special about him, indeed." [Violin: Ben Mathot] [Instrumental] [04. The Prodigy’s World] "The Mother is determined to connect with the Prodigy, but he is completely unresponsive. He is simply incapable of relating to her emotionally, even though on some level he wants to." [Mother:] Talk to me [Prodigy:] I know you’re there, but I won’t see you I hear your voice but it can’t reach me [Mother:] Let me in [Prodigy:] It all seems so trivial In the scheme of things [Mother:] Talk to me [Prodigy:] I feel your touch but it can’t move me I hear your words but they confuse me [Mother:] Let me in [Prodigy:] It all comes to nothing In the scheme of things Patterns emerge in nature’s dance Numbers are born in the wheel of chance Why do I see this? What does it mean to me? A grand design in all its majesty Vibrating strings, quantum gravity Why was I chosen? What does it mean to me? Tell me why! [05. The Teacher’s Discovery] "7 years ago As the students work on a test in science cla**, a gust of wind from the open window blows a paper full of math equations off the Teacher's desk. Unnoticed by the teacher, it lands at the Prodigy's feet. Already having finished the test, he picks up the paper. His face lights up as he begins writing." [Teacher:] I can’t believe… this can’t be true. How could you know? I’ve tried to solve this For as long as I recall Is this your work? Be honest now How did you do it? I’m not angry, boy But I really need to know [Prodigy:] I’m sorry, sir, I can’t explain It’s the way I’ve always been You see, the numbers just appear Before my eyes [Rival:] Don’t believe hi, no! He is envious! I’ve felt it from the start In every cla**, I’ve always been the genius And he just wants to be like me Don’t let him deceive you He’s nothing but a fake A sad pretender Trying to take my place Don’t let him deceive you He’s nothing but a fake A sad pretender A total waste of space [06. Love and Envy] "Why is the Rival constantly bulliying the Prodigy? And why is the Girl compelled to protect him?" [Violin: Ben Mathot] [Girl:] Why do you torment him, are you jealous? There must be a reason you’re so cruel What have you got against him? Does he scare you? What did he ever do to you? [Rival:] Oh no, I can’t believe You’re falling for this loser Oh no, I thought you knew That I am so much cooler! [Girl:] Why do you despise him, are you frightened? Are you being driven by your pride? I think you feel threatened by his brilliance But still you admire him, deep inside [Rival:] Oh no, I can’t believe You’re falling for this loser Oh no, I thought you know That I am so much cooler! Oh no, I always thought That we should be together Oh no, I really think That you can do so much better [07. Progressive Waves] [Instrumental] [Uilleann Pipes: Troy Donockley Violin: Ben Mathot Modular Moog solo: Keith Emerson Synthesizer solo: Jordan Rudess Low Whistle: Troy Donockley] [08. The Gift] "The Teacher visits the Father, bringing him surprising news about his son." [Teacher:] I’m glad you could meet me I’m here about your son I’ve never seen a mind like his Especially so young He’s got a gift for numbers Never known before An outstanding genius Who shouldn’t be ignored [Father:] You must be mistaken He’s useless and he’s weak I see no sign of genius The boy can hardly speak He just sits there, lifeless For hours at a time No expression on his face His eyes staring into space! [Teacher:] How can you be so heartless There must be so much more that we can do [Father:] Who are you to judge me, You don’t even know what we’ve been through! [Teacher:] Just give him more attention You’ll see there’s more to him than meets the eye [Father:] Fine! I’ll try to help the child Better not wasting my time! [09. The Eleventh Dimension] [Instrumental] [Flute: Jeroen Goossens Violin: Ben Mathot] [10. Inertia] "5 years ago The Prodigy wants to improve his relationship with his Father, but doesn't know how to reach out." [Prodigy:] Are you trying to drive me away? Just when I need you most. I think… I’ve got something to give I just don’t know… how… [11. The Theory of Everything part 2] "The Mother and the Father agree to enlist and outside expert to help with their son, but their motivations to do so couldn't be more different." [Flute: Jeroen Goossens Violin: Ben Mathot] [Mother:] We need to take him to therapy Help him function in society [Father:] It's worth a try, who knows... He could help me complete The Theory Of Everything [Mother and father:] A future to build A role to fulfill Something to give A reason to live