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Pull Me Under
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Pull Me Under
| cover = Cover of the single Pull me under from Dream Theater.jpeg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Dream Theater
| album =
| B-side = MetropolisPart I: "The Miracle and the Sleeper"
| released =
| recorded = October 1991December 1991 at BearTracks Studios in Suffern, New York
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Progressive metal
| length =
| label = Atco
| writer =
| producer = David Prater
| prev_title = Afterlife
| prev_year = 1989
| next_title = Another Day
| next_year = 1993
| misc =
}}
"'Pull Me Under'" is the first track and first single from Dream Theater's 1992 album '. It is also featured on the 'Live at the Marquee' CD, 'Once in a LIVEtime' CD, 'Live at Budokan' CD and DVD, the ' VHS and DVD, and the 'Live at Luna Park' DVD. It was released as the first single from 'Images and Words', and received positive critical reception and extensive MTV rotation. It is widely considered to be Dream Theater's signature song.
Overview
During development, the song held the working title "Oliver's Twist". In a radio interview, Mike Portnoy stated that "...it was just an 8 and a half minute song, and it was just a fluke for MTV and radio play to happen."
The song's abrupt ending was modified in their 'Greatest Hit' compilation. When asked about the abrupt ending while at a drum clinic in Atlanta in 1999, Mike Portnoy explained "We had all this tension, and it just kept building and building, and we had no idea where to take it, you know? So we decided to just pull the plug on it, like The Beatles did with 'She's So Heavy'."
The song was released as a promotional single and as a music video. Based on a shortened version of the song at 4:48 in length, the video alternates between clips of the band performing and an obscure storyline. The band members were reportedly unhappy with the storyline, saying that it doesn't have anything to do with the song's subject matter.
Because it was the only Dream Theater single to achieve such success, "Pull Me Under" is the "hit" referred to in the Dream Theater compilation 'Dream Theater's Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)'.
Lyrics
Lyricist Kevin Moore refers to Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', as told from Prince Hamlet's point of view. The lyrics allude heavily to the play, echoing Hamlet's desire to give in to his urge to gain revenge for his father at the cost of his own sanity. Over the final moments of the song, James LaBrie can be heard singing the song's only direct quote from the play: "O, that this too, too solid flesh would melt". Therein, Prince Hamlet is pleading for escape from his mortal trappings.
Track listing
Personnel
* James LaBrie background vocals, lead vocals
* Kevin Moore keyboards
* John Myung bass
* John Petrucci guitars
* Mike Portnoy drums, percussion
Credits
* David Prater productionCharts
Releases
* CD, Single, Promo Atco Records PRCD 4624-2, US 1992
* Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo Rock Ahead SAM 1030, UK 1992
* CD, Single, Promo Atco Records PRCD 4724-2, US 1992
* CD, Single, Promo Atco Records PRCD 4928, US 1992
References
Category:Dream Theater songs
Category:1992 singles
Category:1992 songs
Category:Atco Records singles
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