A Rite of Passage

This was the lead single from American progressive metal band Dream Theater's 10th studio album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings.

Guitarist John Petrucci and drummer Mike Portnoy wrote the lyrics for the album. The subject matter of this song is freemasonry and secret societies. It's the only song on Black Clouds & Silver Linings that isn't about a personal experience.

Mike Portnoy told Songfacts about the album title. Said Portnoy: "It kind of sums up what the lyrics were about: heavy, dark, personal subject matter, but every cloud has a silver lining, and you can look at any situation and find some optimism and something to learn from and grow from."