Rush was a Canadian rock band that gained international acclaim for its complex musical compositions, virtuoso musicianship, and thought-provoking lyrics. The core members of the band throughout most of its career were Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion, lyrics). The band’s distinctive sound often blended elements of progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal.
Rush was formed in 1968, and their early albums leaned toward blues and hard rock. However, it was with the release of the album “2112” in 1976 that they solidified their progressive rock style and gained a dedicated fan base. “2112” features a side-long epic suite that showcased the band’s musical prowess and conceptual storytelling.
Some of Rush’s other critically acclaimed albums include “Moving Pictures,” “Permanent Waves,” and “A Farewell to Kings.” Notable tracks like “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight,” and “The Spirit of Radio” became staples of classic rock radio.
Neil Peart, the band’s drummer and primary lyricist, was particularly praised for his intricate drumming style and insightful lyrics. His contributions played a significant role in shaping Rush’s intellectual and philosophical themes.
After a career spanning over four decades, Rush officially retired from touring in 2015. Unfortunately, Neil Peart passed away in 2020. Rush’s legacy endures not only for their technical proficiency but also for their ability to merge complex musicality with profound and meaningful lyrics, making them a revered and influential presence in the world of progressive rock.
1. Tom Sawyer
“Tom Sawyer” is one of Rush’s most iconic and recognizable songs, released on their 1981 album “Moving Pictures.” The song is known for its complex instrumentation, memorable lyrics, and dynamic musical arrangements.
Written by the band members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, “Tom Sawyer” is often considered a quintessential Rush track. The lyrics, penned by Neil Peart, depict a modern, self-reliant individual who navigates through life with a sense of individualism and confidence. The chorus features the well-known lines:
“Today’s Tom Sawyer, mean, mean stride
Today’s Tom Sawyer, mean, mean pride.”
Musically, “Tom Sawyer” showcases Rush’s progressive rock style, featuring Geddy Lee’s distinctive vocals, Alex Lifeson’s intricate guitar work, and Neil Peart’s precise drumming. The song’s instrumental section includes a famous bass guitar solo and a drum solo, highlighting the individual talents of each band member.
“Tom Sawyer” became a major hit for Rush, receiving significant airplay on rock radio stations. Its popularity has endured over the years, and the song is often cited as one of the band’s signature tracks. It remains a staple in classic rock playlists and a fan favorite at Rush’s live performances.
2. Time Stand Still
“Time Stand Still” is a song by Rush from their 1987 album “Hold Your Fire.” This track features guest vocals by Aimee Mann of the band ‘Til Tuesday. Written by Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson, the song explores the theme of time passing and the desire to make meaningful moments last.
The lyrics of “Time Stand Still” convey a poignant message about the fleeting nature of time and the yearning to hold onto special moments. The chorus includes the memorable lines:
“Freeze this moment a little bit longer
Make each sensation a little bit stronger.”
Aimee Mann’s vocals complement Geddy Lee’s, providing a beautiful duet that enhances the emotional impact of the song.
Musically, “Time Stand Still” features a melodic and accessible sound, characteristic of Rush’s work in the late ’80s. The song incorporates synthesizers and a catchy chorus, showcasing the band’s ability to experiment with their sound while maintaining their progressive rock roots.
“Time Stand Still” received positive acclaim and became a popular track for its relatable themes and emotional resonance. It remains a notable part of Rush’s catalog, showcasing the band’s versatility in blending thoughtful lyrics with engaging melodies.
3. Fly By Night
“Fly by Night” is the title track from Rush’s second studio album, released in 1975. This album marked a significant point in Rush’s discography as it was the first to feature drummer Neil Peart, who would become a vital member of the band and contribute greatly to their songwriting.
The lyrics of “Fly by Night” reflect a theme of independence and embracing change. The protagonist leaves behind the familiar and ventures into the unknown, seeking freedom and a new direction in life. The chorus encapsulates the spirit of the song with the lines:
“Fly by night, away from here
Change my life again
Fly by night, goodbye my dear
My ship isn’t coming, and I just can’t pretend.”
Musically, the song features a blend of hard rock and progressive rock elements, with Geddy Lee’s distinctive vocals, Alex Lifeson’s guitar work, and the rhythmic precision of Neil Peart’s drumming.
“Fly by Night” played a crucial role in establishing Rush’s sound and style, and the album of the same name helped solidify their place in the progressive rock genre. The song remains a fan favorite and is recognized as an early example of Rush’s ability to craft engaging and dynamic rock compositions.
4. The Spirit Of Radio
“The Spirit of Radio” is a song by Rush from their 1980 album “Permanent Waves.” Written by the band members—Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart—the song is a celebration and reflection on the state of radio, particularly acknowledging the changing landscape of the music industry.
The lyrics of “The Spirit of Radio” convey both admiration for the positive impact of radio in promoting diverse music and a critique of the commercialization and constraints within the industry. The song’s chorus includes the famous lines:
“For the words of the profits
Are written on the studio wall,
Concert hall,
Echoes with the sounds, of salesmen.”
Musically, the song features a blend of rock, new wave, and reggae influences. Alex Lifeson’s guitar work, Geddy Lee’s distinctive vocals and basslines, and Neil Peart’s dynamic drumming contribute to the energetic and eclectic sound of the track.
“The Spirit of Radio” became one of Rush’s most successful and enduring songs. Its catchy melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and genre-blending style resonated with a broad audience. The track remains a fan favorite and is often regarded as a quintessential representation of Rush’s musical and lyrical prowess during the transition from the 1970s to the 1980s.
5. Limelight
“Limelight” is a song by Rush from their 1981 album “Moving Pictures.” The song, written by Neil Peart, reflects on the challenges and complexities of fame, spotlighting the personal struggles that can accompany public attention.
The lyrics of “Limelight” convey a sense of introspection and self-awareness, with Peart expressing a desire for privacy and a retreat from the demands of celebrity. The chorus includes the poignant lines:
“All the world’s indeed a stage,
And we are merely players,
Performers and portrayers,
Each another’s audience
Outside the gilded cage.”
Musically, “Limelight” is characterized by its melodic and accessible sound, featuring Alex Lifeson’s guitar work, Geddy Lee’s vocals and basslines, and Neil Peart’s precise drumming. The song has a distinct dynamic range, with softer verses and a more energetic chorus.
“Limelight” became one of Rush’s well-known and beloved songs. Its themes of the personal impact of fame resonate with many listeners, and the song’s musical craftsmanship contributes to its enduring appeal. The track remains a staple in Rush’s live performances and is often considered a classic in the band’s extensive catalog.
6. Red Barchetta
“Red Barchetta” is a song by Rush from their 1981 album “Moving Pictures.” The song, written by Neil Peart, is a narrative-driven piece that tells the story of a futuristic, adrenaline-fueled car chase set in a dystopian world where powerful motorized vehicles are prohibited.
The lyrics of “Red Barchetta” describe a thrilling escape in a sleek and fast “Red Barchetta” sports car. The protagonist evades the “Motor Law” that forbids high-powered vehicles, engaging in a high-speed pursuit with “gleaming alloy air cars” from the “garage museum.” The song captures a sense of rebellion, freedom, and the joy of driving.
Musically, “Red Barchetta” is known for its dynamic shifts, featuring Alex Lifeson’s intricate guitar work, Geddy Lee’s basslines, and Neil Peart’s complex drum patterns. The song transitions between various sections, mirroring the intensity and excitement of the narrative.
“Red Barchetta” has become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the highlights of “Moving Pictures.” Its engaging storyline, paired with Rush’s trademark musicianship, contributes to its enduring popularity among listeners and showcases the band’s ability to craft both intricate and narrative-driven compositions.
7. Xanadu
“Xanadu” is a song by Rush from their 1977 album “A Farewell to Kings.” Clocking in at over 11 minutes, the song is an epic and progressive rock masterpiece, showcasing the band’s complex musical arrangements and thoughtful lyrics.
The lyrics of “Xanadu,” written by Neil Peart, draw inspiration from the poem “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The song tells the story of a man’s quest for eternal life and his journey to the mythical and utopian Xanadu. The protagonist faces challenges and ultimately finds that the pursuit of immortality comes at a cost.
Musically, “Xanadu” is characterized by its intricate instrumentation, featuring Alex Lifeson’s elaborate guitar work, Geddy Lee’s dynamic basslines, and Neil Peart’s precise drumming. The song includes multiple sections with diverse musical themes, contributing to its progressive and symphonic feel.
The composition of “Xanadu” reflects Rush’s progressive rock roots, incorporating elements of classical music and showcasing the band’s technical prowess. The song has become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the standout tracks in Rush’s extensive catalog. Its ambitious and adventurous nature aligns with the band’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock music and exploring complex themes through their art.
8. Closer To The Heart
“Closer to the Heart” is a song by Rush from their 1977 album “A Farewell to Kings.” Written by the band members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, the song is known for its melodic and accessible sound compared to some of Rush’s more complex and progressive works.
The lyrics of “Closer to the Heart” convey a message of individualism and the pursuit of one’s dreams, emphasizing the idea that the journey is more important than the destination. The chorus includes the memorable lines:
“And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality
Closer to the heart.”
The song features acoustic guitar work by Alex Lifeson, providing a folk-influenced element to the band’s signature progressive rock sound. Geddy Lee’s vocals, Neil Peart’s lyrical depth, and intricate drumming also contribute to the overall appeal of the track.
“Closer to the Heart” became one of Rush’s more popular and enduring songs. Its positive message, combined with the accessible musicality, resonated with a broad audience. Over the years, the song has remained a staple in Rush’s live performances and is considered a classic in the band’s extensive discography.
9. The Trees
“The Trees” is a track by Rush from their 1978 album “Hemispheres.” Known for its unique musical composition and thought-provoking lyrics, the song explores themes of equality, societal conflict, and the consequences of attempting to enforce uniformity.
The lyrics, written by Neil Peart, depict a forest where the maples and oaks engage in a conflict over space and sunlight. The narrative serves as an allegory for the struggles and imbalances in human society. The maples, feeling oppressed by the taller oaks, request that the oaks “give us your strength,” leading to the oaks bending and breaking. However, this results in chaos as the forest floor becomes cluttered with fallen limbs.
Musically, “The Trees” showcases Rush’s progressive rock style with complex time signatures, dynamic shifts, and intricate instrumental performances. Geddy Lee’s basslines, Alex Lifeson’s guitar work, and Neil Peart’s drumming contribute to the intricate and layered sound that became a trademark of the band.
“The Trees” is often celebrated for its creativity, both in terms of its lyrical content and musical arrangement. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Rush’s ability to merge complex themes with virtuosic musicianship, creating a distinctive and enduring body of work in the world of progressive rock.
10. Freewill
“Freewill” is a song by the Canadian rock band Rush, released on their album “Permanent Waves” in 1980. The song is notable for its philosophical lyrics, exploring the concepts of free will, determinism, and the consequences of the choices individuals make in life. The lyrics, written by Neil Peart, reflect on the complexities of human existence and the challenges of navigating a world where choices have consequences.
The song opens with Geddy Lee’s distinctive bassline and features intricate guitar work by Alex Lifeson. Neil Peart’s drumming, known for its precision and complexity, is also a highlight of the track. The instrumental prowess of each band member is on full display, contributing to the overall progressive rock sound that Rush is renowned for.
Some key lyrics from “Freewill” include the lines:
“If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”
These words encapsulate the central theme of the song, emphasizing the idea that even indecision or choosing to avoid making a choice is, in itself, a decision with consequences.
“Freewill” became a fan favorite and remains a significant part of Rush’s catalog. Its thought-provoking lyrics, coupled with the band’s musical prowess, exemplify the intellectual and artistic depth that characterized much of Rush’s work throughout their career.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
