5)  Raise The Knife (11:35) - (DTIFC 99 CD)

    Original source:
    Raise The Knife (0:0)
    [Studio demo from 1997, recorded during the making of the album ]
    [Falling Into Infinity.                                         ]
      - Mike Portnoy

    Have I thanked you for you time?
    Or will your life go unrewarded
    Again?
    Never asking for a dime
    You just gave all of yourself
    Until I turned my back on you
    My friend

    The powers that be made you a martyr
    Conspiracy led you to slaughter
    I tried to control it but as soon as I showed it
    I was shot down again

    Once again outnumbered
    Appreciation slumbered
    But that look in your eye
    Doesn't pass the test
    You've been laid to rest my friend
    Again

    Tortured artist bears his soul
    Seems the pressure took its toll
    Lived a life so punishing
    Now he keeps the publishing

    Spilling your guts out to a pad and pen
    Communication to your silent friend

    Raising the knife
    To a picture of a life
    (I once knew)
    There comes a time
    Compromising my life
    (Just won't do)
    I cannot lie
    I can't try anymore
    (To reach you)
    I just can't fight
    Raise the knife
    Raise the knife
    Cut through

    I remember once you were the quiet type
    Content to sit and watch the motions of your life
    With false sensitivity
    You cut yourself open so people would adore you

    They all bought into your contrived sincerity
    And how you wore your heart and soul right on your sleeve
    Laughing sarcastically
    You turned your back on the people who adored you

    Self-absorbed exhaustion
    Self-esteem distortion
    Self-induced extortion
    Self-serving abortion

    I'll take the blame for these things that I say
    'Cause I had the heart and the will and the courage to stay
    Every day
    I won't walk away

    Reading through all of the digests you show me
    I notice the way that you think you control me
    Doubting my future you don't even know me
    But I never walked out on you

    Raising the knife
    To a picture of a life
    (I once knew)
    There comes a time
    Compromising my life
    (Just won't do)
    I cannot lie
    I can't try anymore
    (To reach you)
    I just can't fight
    Raise the knife
    Raise the knife
    Cut through

    Raising the knife
    To a picture of a life
    (I once knew)
    There comes a time
    Compromising my life
    (Just won't do)
    I cannot lie
    I can't try anymore
    (To reach you)
    I just can't fight
    Raise the knife
    And live my life
    Without you

    Raising the knife
    To a picture of a life
    There comes a time
    Compromising my life
    I cannot lie
    I can't try anymore
    I just can't fight
    Raise the knife
    Raise the knife
    Raise the knife

    Raise the knife