Several years ago
In a foreign town
Far away from home
I met the Count of Tuscany
A young eccentric man
Bred from royal blood
Took me for a ride
Across the open countryside
Get into my car
Let’s go for a drive
I love the way I feel uptight
Just step inside
Maybe you’ll recall
I kind of felt curious
A character inspired by my brother’s life
Winding through the hills
Seeing far behind
On and on we drove
Down narrow streets and dusty roads
And last we came upon
A picturesque estate
On sprawling emerald hills
An ancient world of times gone by
Now let me introduce
My brother
A bitter gentleman, historian
Sucking on his pipe
Distinguished accent
Making me uptight, no accident
want to stay alive
Everything about this place just doesn’t feel right
I don’t wanna die
Suddenly I’m frightened for my life
Want to say goodbye
This could be the last time you see me alive
I may not survive
Knew it from the moment we arrived
Would you like to see
Our secret holy place?
I come here late at night
To pray to him by candlelight
Then viewing through the past
I saw what is believed
Still dressed in royal clothes
A saint behind the altar
History recalls
During times of war
Legend has been traced
Stuck inside these castle walls
When soldiers came to hide
With barrels filled with wine
Never to escape
These tombs of old, that’s where they died
Down the cellar stairs
I disappear
Like the angel’s share
The end is near
Come and have a taste
A rare vintage
All the finest wines
Improve with age
Want to stay alive
Everything about this place just doesn’t feel right
I don’t wanna die
Suddenly I’m frightened for my life
Want to say goodbye
This could be the last time you see me alive
I may not survive
Knew it from the moment we arrived
Could this be the end?
Is this the way I die?
Sitting here alone
No one by my side
I don’t understand
I don’t feel that I deserve this
What did I do wrong?
I just don’t understand
Give me one more chance
Let me please explain
It’s all been circumstance
I’ll tell you once again
It took me for a ride
Promising a vast adventure
Next thing that I know
I’m frightened for my life
Now wait a minute then
That’s not how it is
You must be confused
That isn’t who I am
Please don’t be afraid
I would never try to hurt you
This is how we live
Strange although it seems
Please try to forgive
The chapel and the Saint
The soldiers in the wine
The fables and the tales
All handed down through time
Of course you’re free to go
Go and tell the world my story
Tell about my brother
Tell them about me
The Count of Tuscany
The Count of Tuscany song lyrics history
Throughout the song “The Count of Tuscany” by Dream Theater, the protagonist, presumably representing Petrucci himself, is initially entranced by the luxurious surroundings and the Count’s grand lifestyle. However, as the narrative progresses, this initial fascination gives way to a growing sense of disquiet.
The Count leads the protagonist to a crypt and shares stories of his dead relatives, escalating the tension in the narrative. The protagonist is caught in a conflicting state of fear and intrigue, which is reflected in the song’s lyrics and the progression of its melody.
In a stunning twist, the song ends on a positive note, with the Count showing him out in the morning, dispelling the protagonist’s fears. The lyrics of “The Count of Tuscany” thus tell a gripping tale, blending elements of mystery, fear, and relief, reflecting the roller coaster of emotions that Petrucci felt during his actual encounter.
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