Strange Deja Vu

Dream Theater's 'Strange Deja Vu' delves into the enigmatic and often unsettling experience of deja vu, where the protagonist finds himself caught between two worlds—one real and one seemingly dreamlike. The song opens with a description of a 'subconscious strange sensation' and 'unconscious relaxation,' setting the stage for a journey that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. The protagonist is drawn to a familiar house and a room at the top of the stairs, where he encounters a girl in the mirror whose face becomes clearer each night. This recurring dream or vision is both haunting and compelling, suggesting a deeper, unresolved story that the protagonist feels compelled to uncover.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's sense of reality becomes increasingly fragmented. He describes feeling like he's 'going out of [his] head' and experiencing a 'pleasant nightmare' that he can't wait to revisit. The vivid imagery of 'blinding sunshine' and 'haunting chill' adds to the surreal atmosphere, making it clear that this is no ordinary dream. The girl in the mirror symbolizes a part of the protagonist's psyche that is hidden and tormented, and he senses that unlocking her story is key to understanding his own inner turmoil.

The climax of the song sees the protagonist waking up to the 'real world,' only to find that the mirror has shattered and the girl is gone. This shattering symbolizes a break in his understanding, leaving him with more questions than answers. The recurring theme of searching for a 'missing key to unlock my mind's door' suggests that the protagonist is on a quest for self-discovery, trying to reconcile his waking life with the mysterious, otherworldly experiences that haunt him. The song ends on a note of unresolved tension, with the protagonist still grappling with the uncanny feeling of deja vu and the hope of finding the truth.