Based on the lyrics, “Anna Lee” describes the subject of child abuse.
Another song on the album tells a true story of child abuse, “Peruvian Skies”.
[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse 1]
Helpless child
They invite your hands to fill their needs
Will you be the same?
Shameless smile
To steal from you the innocence that bleeds
Will they feel your pain?
[Pre-Chorus]
Trying to believe
The scars unseen
The tears wash clean
You don't want to breathe the air you breathe
You don't know how you'll live a life alone
[Chorus]
She keeps holding on
Holding on to you
Let her breathe the air
Don't want to be alone
Where do you belong
Anna Lee?
[Verse 2]
Behind those eyes
The vivid scene
A lucid dream within
Questioned secrets are revealed
And every time
You can't deny
The lines that trace your skin
Wounds that never heal
[Pre-Chorus]
Trying to believe
The scars unseen
The tears wash clean
You don't want to breathe the air you breathe
You don't know how you'll live a life alone
[Chorus]
She keeps holding on
Holding on to you (Ohhhh)
Let her breathe the air
Don't want to be alone
Where do you belong
Anna Lee?
[Bridge]
And now she's calling out a name
Can't keep on hiding all her pain
You feel the rain move in
As you begin
To turn and answer the call
[Guitar Solo]
[Pre-Chorus]
Trying to believe
The scars unseen
The tears wash clean
You don't want to breathe the air you breathe
You don't know how you'll live a life alone
[Chorus]
She keeps holding on
Holding on to you
Let her breathe the air
Don't want to be alone
Where do you belong
Anna Lee?
[Instrumental Outro]
Anna Lee was written by James LaBrie & Mike Portnoy & John Myung & Derek Sherinian & John Petrucci & Dream Theater.
Anna Lee was produced by Kevin Shirley.
Dream Theater released Anna Lee on Tue Sep 23 1997.