This is the new world order
Played upon our fears
Spreading accusations
Of radical ideas
The brotherhood of wisdom
Strength and dignity
Its rituals and secrets
Remain a mystery
Beneath an ever watchful eye
The angels of the temple fly
Turn the key
Walk through the gate
The great ascent
To reach a higher state
A rite of passage
The final stage
A sacred home
Unlock the door
And lay the cornerstone
A rite of passage
Men of wealth and power
Influence and fame
Philosphers and leaders
Are members of the trade [ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/dream_theater/rite_of_passage.html ]
Bound by oath and honor
Like the rose and cross
An enigmatic union
Of esoteric thought
Beneath the ever watchful eye
The angels of the temple fly
Turn the key
Walk through the gate
The great ascent
To reach a higher state
A rite of passage
The final stage
A sacred home
Unlock the door
And lay the cornerstone
A rite of passage
[Guitar/Keyboard solo]
Turn the key
Walk through the gate
The great ascent
To reach a higher state
A rite of passage
The seven stars
The rising sun
A perfect world
A new life has begun
A rite of passage
Umm... With phrases like "new world order", "rose and cross", "cornerstone", "rituals and secrets", "brotherhood" etc. , this can only be about the wondrous mystique of the phenomenon known as scientology. Ok, just kidding, it is clearly referencing secret societies that are known or rumored to have emerged from only the highest degrees of many of the world's freemasonic lodges and other similar fraternal traditions or orders. I don't claim to know the exact inspiration or their interpretation, but if you check out dan brown's novels, manly p. Hall's works, jordan maxwell's or michael tsarion's conspracy theory tirades, or even just the history channel's programs on freemasonry, you will get one of many interpretations of "the craft". I know, no one cares. I am going to go back to playing d & d alone while playing with myself in my parents' basement and watching the phantom menace. That's what this song means to me.