Written by guitarist John Petrucci, “Misunderstood” speaks of the difficulties of living with mental illness, interpersonal and emotional struggles.
As for the tone, “Misunderstood” draws on a melodic sound.
[Verse 1]
Waiting
In the calm of desolation
Wanting to break
From this circle of confusion
Sleeping
In the depths of isolation
Trying to wake
From this daydream of illusion
[Chorus]
How can I feel abandoned even when the world surrounds me?
How can I bite the hand that feeds the strangers all around me?
How can I know so many, never really knowing anyone?
If I seem superhuman, I have been misunderstood
[Verse 2]
It challenges the essence of my soul
And leaves me in a state of disconnection
As I navigate the maze of self-control
Playing a lion being led to a cage
I turn from a thief to a beggar
From a god to 'God save me'
[Chorus]
How can I feel abandoned even when the world surrounds me?
How can I bite the hand that feeds the strangers all around me?
How can I know so many, never really knowing anyone?
If I seem superhuman, I have been misunderstood
Misunderstood
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
Playing a lion being led to a cage
I turn from surreal to seclusion
From love to disdain
From belief to delusion
From a thief to a beggar
From a god to 'God save me'
[Chorus]
How can I feel abandoned even when the world surrounds me?
How can I bite the hand that feeds the strangers all around me?
How can I know so many, never really knowing anyone?
If I seem superhuman, I have been misunderstood
Misunderstood
[Instrumental Outro]
Misunderstood was written by John Petrucci & John Myung & Jordan Rudess & Mike Portnoy.
Misunderstood was produced by Mike Portnoy & John Petrucci.
Dream Theater released Misunderstood on Tue Jan 29 2002.