Invisible Monster

Dream Theater's 'Invisible Monster' delves into the psychological struggle of facing one's inner demons and fears. The song uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe these fears as a creature lurking beneath the bed, a serpent wrapping around the neck, and an invisible monster that is always felt but never seen. These metaphors highlight the pervasive and often irrational nature of anxiety and fear, which can feel like an ever-present, unwelcome presence that refuses to leave.

The lyrics explore the choices we face when confronted with our fears: whether to confront them head-on or to flee. This is encapsulated in the lines, 'Running toward the fire / Or fleeing from the flame,' suggesting that the decision to face or hide from our fears is a personal one. The song also touches on the suffocating effect of these fears, as described by the serpent metaphor, which symbolizes how anxiety can feel like it's choking the life out of us, making it hard to breathe or think clearly.

Furthermore, the song addresses the irrational nature of these fears, describing them as 'feeding on irrational fear' and 'whispering in its ear / Things that may never happen.' This highlights how anxiety often involves worrying about hypothetical scenarios that may never come to pass, yet these thoughts can race at a feverish pace, overwhelming the mind. The repeated plea for the 'invisible monster' to give up its hold and let the person take back control underscores the desire to overcome these internal struggles and regain a sense of peace and autonomy.