the count of tuscany

Dream Theater

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
Along the way, I'll be your guide
Just step inside
Maybe you'll recall
A cannonball curator
A character inspired by my brother's life"
Winding through the hills
The city far behind
On and on we drove
Down narrow streets and dusty roads
At last we came upon
A picturesque estate
??
An ancient world where time's gone by

"Let me introduce
My brother"
A bitter gentleman
Historian
Sucking on his pipe
Distinguished accent
Making me uptight
No accident

I 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
I 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
A secret holy place
I come here late at night
To pray to him by candlelight"
Then viewing through the glass
I saw with disbelief
Still dressed in royal clothes
The saint behind the altar
History recalls
During times of war
Legend has been traced
Back inside these castle walls
Soldiers came to hide
Barrels filled with wine
Never to escape
?? is where they died

Down the cellar stairs
I disappear
Like a ?
The end is near
"Come and have a taste
Of rare vintage
Of the finest wines
Improved with age"

I 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
I want to say goodbye
This could be the last time you see me alive
I may not survive
Knew it from the moment we arrive

(Instrumental)

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
(I just don't understand)

Give me one more chance
And let me please explain
It's all been circumstance
I tell you once again

You took me for a ride
Promising a vast adventure
Next thing that I know
I'm frightened for my life

"Now wait a minute man
That's not how it is
You must be confused
that isn't who I am

Please don't be afraid
I will 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 and 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'em about my brother
Tell'em about me
The Count of Tuscany"