The lyric to "Innocence Faded" was written by Dream Theater's guitarist, John Petrucci, who explained in a 2020 Songfacts interview: "I don't remember what or who was the exact inspiration, but basically the title sums it up. It's about going through life and certain things happening that chip away at the innocence you had when you were younger."
This is a track on Dream Theater's third album, Awake. The band emerged as the leading light of progressive metal with their previous album, Images And Words, in 1992. Musically and lyrically complex and very heavy, their sound found an audience with those averse to pop music.
The line "the mirror falls behind you" is one of a few references to self-reflection on the Awake album. The album cover is a pastiche of images based on the songs; a mirror is the focal point.
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