Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime II Album Lyrics

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Freiheit Ouverture

[Music by: Jackson, Slater & Stone]

 

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Convict

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

"Hooray for you convict, you're a free man!"

 

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I'm American

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

I gotta have it,
Gotta drink the high life.
I'll buy a new suit, black skinny necktie.
I'll mingle with elite and imitate
And they'll never even get it 'til I hit 'em.

I've got no fear 'cause I've weathered the breakdown,
San Quentin to the edge of the Big Town.
I'm a man of the people,
In the home of the brave, and I'm no man's slave.

Because I'm free,
I deserve everything I can get.
I'm American.
I'm American.

If you voted for the man you're wasting time.
He's got his fingers dipped in everyone's pie.
The news can't wait to promote
All the bullshit this government is selling.

I've got this plan in motion, countdown.
Assassinate, terminate, smack down.
There's a war in my head and it needs to be said.
If they think they can take me they're dead.

Because I'm free,
I deserve everything I can get.
And I'll get everything I can get.
I'm American.
I'm American.

What do you believe in?
What are you living for?
Do you want what they're selling you,
Another television war?

I can't stop! I feel I gotta have more!
That's right, more!
I want more!
More!

Because I'm free,
I deserve everything I can get.
I'm American.
I'm American.

Because I'm free,
And I'll get everything I can get.
I'm American.
I'm American.

Are you free?
You deserve everything you can get.
I'm American.
I'm American.

Yeah I'm free,
I deserve everything I can get.
I'm American.
I'm American.

 

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One Foot In Hell

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Back streets... oh hell,
Back where I started from
There's not a thing... but you.
When they took you, when they took you from me and left you
Bleeding on that concrete floor.
One man's obsession is another man's trash,
And Mary was more than a whore.

And every day I breathe I remember more.
I've become something you wouldn't believe!

I've got this number burned in my brain,
A walking nightmare, only slightly insane.
They tried to take my fight, almost took my life.
They took my truth from me.
But when they left me, they didn't know me,
'cause I'm like a lion that's about to roar.
Mistakes you make, you take to your grave.
And now I'm gonna even the score.

And every day I live I remember more.
I ain't got nothing to sell,
But it's time to pay attention,

I'm back with one foot in hell.
I'm back.

There's nothing left but memories here
Of something that I didn't begin with.
You wanted to believe in something until the end.

Yeah I'm like a ghost back from the dead.
I need revenge. Gonna have his head.
I'm gonna finish this and X marks the spot.
I'm gonna find him give him all that I got.

And every day I breathe I remember more.
I ain't coming at you with something to sell,
But you better believe,

I'm back with one foot in hell.
I'm back.

 

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Hostage

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Culture hostage.
I'm writhing in the cold grasp of justice,
As she turns away.
Blind is she supposed to be but,
Someone took a razor to her mask.

Rusted now the scales you hold,
The balance tipped by the weight of gold.
When will it end?
When will it ever end?

The judgment man holds my fate,
As I beg forgiveness with the
Plastic smile of a candidate.

They take for granted that I'm out of my mind
And they're wasting their time to care.
So all my reasons are damned before they're heard.
I'm held hostage by their words.
What will lead us to tolerance
If we don't question our prejudice?

Courage is such a lonely word,
Patience, in time these truths will be known.
Please, don't keep looking away.
You see fortunes are on line, reputations at risk,
And there's fear in the hearts of all of you
That believe that you're right,
And that's your right.
But are you... right?

The judgment man holds my fate,
As I gaze around the room,
Their eyes are like knives, could decapitate.
They take for granted that I'm out of my mind
And I'm wasting their time, don't show, don't show me my fate.

Reasons are damned, can't understand.
If I fall to pieces they'll know...
He's out of his mind and he's wasting our time, we know.
As I sense my fate...
His reasons be damned, can't understand him.
. . . and now all my reasons are damned before they're heard.
I'm held hostage by their words.
I'm a hostage.

 

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The Hands

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

When I'm lost... I find a way.
I hear voices. I feel them surround me,
Pull me from the edge.
I close my eyes and... .

My luck keeps holding strong,
Even when the boot comes down.
Waiting for the revolution but there's no one around except the...
Hands out of nowhere, saving me again.
There's always something there watching out for me,
If I'm suffocating, it gives me air.

Finally now I remember,
But where I'm going now, I'm not sure.
Only one thing matters much to me anymore.

I'm looking for you.
Can you imagine? You can't think.
You won't find a way this time to frighten me.
You're running scared, now,
Always looking over your shoulder for a place
Where you don't see my face.

But my luck keeps holding so strong,
Even with the state I'm in.
I'm like a revolution of one, even when I stumble I win.

Because there's hands out of nowhere, saving me again.
There's always something there, watching out for me.
When I'm suffocating, it gives me air.

I'm like a cat with only a few lives left
And I'm crawling through the shadows.
Watching my back waiting for the attack that I know is coming...
I feel it's near.

 

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Speed Of Light

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Wonder where'd the time go?
There it was, gone in the blink of an eye.
See how much life is left staring back in my face?
But I know it now as clear as, clear as a window.

Never thought this day would come,
I never thought I'd see.
Half my life is gone.
Thought I'd never live to see...
Never thought this day would come...
I never thought I'd see half my life is gone
Thought I'd never live to be... much of anything.

Everything moves faster now.
We're living at the speed of light.
I stand here fascinated,
Watching as it all goes by.
Maybe I should live what's left... like it was my last.

Never thought this day would come...
I never thought I'd see half my life is gone.
I'd never live to see...
Never thought this day would come...
I never thought I'd see half my life is gone
I'd never live to be... much of anything.
Everything moves faster now.

Where are you now?
Feeling small.
Can't live without it?
You call this your best?
I made my life a mess.
And everyone but you sees it.
What a fool.
What are you gonna do,
Make more excuses?
"Don't worry,
I'll kill the bastard!"

 

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Signs Say Go

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Imagine if you will, what it means...
This worthless life.
Tried my best to the scratch the surface
Got bloody broken fingernails.

Convincing stories of achievement, lies.
All expectations smashed,
Never could comply.
Generations come and go.
And what will I be,
The failure they see here?

Now, I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
Would I surrender?
To try to save your soul?
I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
I'll never surrender!
Time for heads to roll!

Do you think I've got to have one good reason?
The question stands,
How does he keep getting into my head?

I know I'll never see.
I've got to get free.
No matter what's said,
I'd rather see him dead!

You might be wondering why...
I can't take any more?
I can't take any more.
I'll tear him down! I'm gonna tear him down!

I've been called so many things
Now what do you see?
A failure dares to dream?

Now, I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
Would I surrender?
To try to save your soul?
I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
I'll never surrender!
I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
Would I surrender?
To try to save your soul?
I can't remember!
All the signs say... go!

Convince me, mesmerize me
Feed me more lies.
I'll get stronger!
How do you get him out, out of your head?
I know I'll never see.
I've got to get free.
No matter what's said,
I swear I'll see him dead!

I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
Would I surrender?
To try to save your soul?
I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
I'll never surrender!
It's time for heads to roll!

I can't remember!
All the signs say go!
Would I surrender?
To try to save your soul?
I can't remember!
All the signs say... go!

 

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Re-arrange You

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Last time, missed my chance but never again.
The further away you slip, the more I'll dig in.
All things come around again
And this time I'll be ready and waiting.
You can't imagine dedication that I now possess.

There's no one left to save you.
Where you run I will follow.
I'll step by step re-arrange you.
There's nowhere to hide.

You'll never see me coming but
You'll feel the fear from my shadow.
With intensity, yeah, you'll bleed.
Before it's over you'll age ten years older.
Time flows like a river... deep.
I'm going to take you down.

There's no one left to save you.
Where you run I will follow.
I'll step by step re-arrange you.
There's nowhere to hide.

They say let the world change you
And you can change the world.
They'll bit by bit re-arrange you.
I can't change the world.

It's taken me years to get to this place.
I found you hiding inside a persona
You built from my pain.
Fortune has finally come and
Vengeance is mine I've won.
I'll take the world now by storm.

Do I let the world change me?
Do I lead or follow?
They'll step by step re-arrange me.
Let them all try!

If I let the world change me,
Step by step re-arrange me.
If I focus on tomorrow,
Maybe I could change the world!

 

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The Chase

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

You think you're smart, inventive
Because you've figured out my game?
Pride is a handy substitute,
When you've got only yourself to blame.
All my dreams I've realized while you... were indisposed.
While you've spent eighteen years watching TV,
I've watched my fortune grow.

Here I am-I'm finally on the outside and
You're nowhere near where I've been!
I've got you where I want you... at last.
You've got no idea who I am!
We circle around each other waiting for reaction
We circle around each other waiting for reaction
Wanting satisfaction for the past.
I want nothing... from the past.

Always been so easy you're like a puppet on my string,
Throwing down hollow threats, unsure of what to think.
Why should I care?
You wouldn't dare!
You're nothing but worthless... I swear.

From where I stand I've got you where I want you.
You'll never take me! Never take me down!
I've seen all I need to put you in the ground
Revenge is normal, a typical reaction
I've seen your cynical reaction...
If you're standing outside of in.
Always on the outside of in.

Here we are at last facing oblivion...
And this is where finally it ends.
You don't belong here.
Holding fast to each of our sins.
With hope by my side, I'll survive to see the dawn.
Believe me or not... you owe me.
I owe you nothing!
I gave your life a purpose!
I owe you nothing but your death!
Without me you would have learned nothing!

 

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A Murderer?

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Lost my faith in humanity
And I don't trust in society
I'm numb, cold, ready.

No one else dies today...

What did you do?
I don't remember...
Murderer!
They say I'm a murderer!

God must be dead because I'm still free.
No religion holds me... am I the killer?

No one else dies today...

What did you do?
I'm the revenger,
Murderer!
No! I'm the revenger!
Murderer!
No I'm the... black hand of death!

Sixty-five hundred days...
I'm feeling good for the first time in years.
Your miserable life is in my hands.
What would you do?

Kill him!

Does this signal an ending or another dream just beginning?
Are his actions worth forgiving?
No more pain! Revenge!

Haven't you enough?
The dog is on his knees!

Does this signal an ending or another dream just beginning?
Is revenge worth any price?
Tell me what's right?

He wants more life!

NO!
You want more life?
NO!
Is this my victory?
Murderer!
Am I?

Stay down on your knees
And explain it to me one more time.
What gives you the right?
You took away my life...
And left me with nothing, nothing.

This is like what I dreamed...
It seems like a good day to die.

And so it ends. And now what?

 

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Circles

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

I walk around in circles, up all night.
I wish there was something in my life that turned out right.
I'm waiting here for reasons that used to be clear.
What I thought I needed so bad was always here...

 

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If I Could Change It All

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

She said, "Baby, where you been?
Why'd you have to leave me?
I'm on the other side... just looking in."
I've been so high; I climbed to the mountaintop,
Looked at myself and...

I'd tell you anything you want to hear.
And I'd desert you when I'm through.
I'd say anything because true love
Don't mean a thing to a man who's not a man, but a fool.

Look at me!
You're a model of efficiency.
I'm always doing what he tells me.
How can you change it now?

I'm always looking for it down deep inside,
I thought that this would change my life.
Have you found out?
I remember more...
Can you change?
I can change.

For years he must have cried a river of tears.
In his dreams he saw himself...
A dying man drawing figures, arrows in the sand.
Mmm, I don't think he understands.
Never thought that it would last forever.
One glance back... there's nothing much to say.
He watched as it all began spinning further and further from the truth.

And nothing really matters, when your heart doesn't lead the way.

 

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An Intentional Confrontation

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Where are you now?
Feeling small.
Can't live without it?
You call this your best?
I made my life a mess.
And everyone but you sees it.
What a fool.
What are you gonna do,
Make more excuses?
Why don't you tie it off?
Hang myself?
End your pathetic little life!

What is your life worth now?
Is this what you pictured for yourself?

Do you understand anything?

You're not there yet.
You're not anywhere yet.
Am I closer?
Go back to your mountain.

 

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A Junkies Blues

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

I still have questions with no answers.
I'm alive... but I'm not living.
I don't have much time left... I just know this:
I've lived a violent life.
I might as well be dead.

I just want to sleep forever and forget...

It's more than physical, love unconditional.
Everything else is like a Band-Aid.
Everything will be allright.

So you cover your bleeding wounds,
So the dogs won't smell you coming.
There may be time... and
. . . everything will work out fine.

But what if it never changes?
And what if I wasn't to blame?
And what if it never gets any better... than this?
Everything will be allright.

What if I wasn't to blame?
And what if I could change?
Yeah, what if I could change?
Everything will work out fine.

What if you're only... ?

What if I'm only insane?

 

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Fear City Slide

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

I feel like I'm rising,
As everything falls away.
I feel old like the cold wind
Blowing outside today.

Got my finger on the trigger and no one cares.
When they find me face down in the river
Will they just leave me there?

Hang on, don't let go!
Just hang on! Don't let go!

Come on, come on
Gotta take a ride,
Fear City slide.
Last chance @ suicide.

Come on, come on
Leave your head outside,
You've built a lie.
Last chance @ suicide.

Come on, come on
Let's take a ride!
Last chance @ suicide.

Will anyone remember?
Will they learn from my mistakes?
Sometimes it takes a lifetime of pain to change.

I'm closing on the edge here and you've heard it all before...
But what good did any of my life bring?
What was it really for?

Hang on don't let go!
Just hang on and don't let go!

Come on, come on
Gotta take a ride,
Fear City slide.
Last chance @ suicide.

Come on, come on
Leave your head outside,
You've lived a lie.
Last chance @ suicide.

Come on, come on
Let's take a ride!
Last chance @ suicide.

Take me to the top of the sky... and
Let me look down...
The long mile down.
When will the darkness end?

Hang on, don't let go!
Just hang on and don't let go!

Come on, come on
Gotta take a ride,
Fear City slide.
Last chance @ suicide.

Come on, come on
Leave your head outside,
You've lived a lie.
Last chance @ suicide.

Come on, come on
Let's take a ride!
Last chance @ suicide.

 

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All The Promises

[Lyrics by Geoff Tate]

Is there some other way out of here?
Somewhere I could find myself?
Can't sleep enough, can't stay high.
All the promises... just another lie.

I've always been afraid except...
In the moments that I loved you.
The only time I felt strong
Was when you stood next to me.
I could make a stand if...
I could hold your hand again...

The road I've traveled is the hard way down,
Always playing another man's fool.
They offered a way inside
With the promise of forgiveness. It's a lie.
Could you forgive what I've done?

We had it all, but couldn't see anything.
The blind leading the blind
Through the darkest night.

When you said you loved me
It made me feel alive.
When you said you loved me it made me feel...
Like I could fly.

I've always lived afraid except...
In the moments that I loved you.
The only time I felt strong was when you stood next to me.
I could make a stand if...
I could hold your hand again.

We had it all, but couldn't see anything.
The blind leading the blind
Through the darkest of nights.
When you said you loved me it made me feel alive.

When you said you loved me
It made me feel... like I could fly.

I've always been afraid except in the moments that I loved you.