Neil Peart wrote the lyrics for this song to express his discomfort with the bands' growing fame. As he said at the time he wanted to be a musician but he never wanted to be famous. It is one of my favorite songs of all time and it shows all the things that make Rush great. Deep thought provoking lyrics along with great musicianship and stage presence. Great review. Keep up the good work, you have only begun to scratch the surface of RUSH many great songs to go.
"I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" pretty much summed up how it troubled him to have people coming up to him acting like they know him because they know Rush music.
These “3” guys are just so good, musically, lyrically, it amazes me how they all can go ham on solos an no one’s stepping on another band members toes… So Fn’ good
You got it, exactly what Neil meant when he wrote those lyrics. He was drummer and lyricist for Rush but deeply valued his personal privacy. The other 2 guys would do meet and greets, he would usually bow out just because he didn't like all the fame didn't mean he didn't appreciate the fans he did but also really valued his privacy.
Neil Peart the drummer was also the main lyrist and he was a very shy and private person. He once said that he wanted to be good not famous. The adulation he received really embarrassed him. He wanted to be seen as just a normal guy. Alex Lifeson said that this was his favourite guitar solo. It has such a beautiful bittersweetness to it. Yes, this song was featured in I love you man. Hey, you are doing a great job reacting to Rush and being a nerd is a bonus 😉. I am one too. Suggestions Digital Man from the Snakes and Arrows tour Xanadu from Exit Stage Left Cheers 🇨🇦
You can't go wrong with Rush. 😁 That said, some of my favs include: Working Man (their first big hit in the USA, IIRC), Red Barchetta, Free Will, Nobody's Hero, Subdivisions, New World Man, YYZ, Roll the Bones, Fly by Night, and Closer to the Heart.
Yes they did use this in "I Love You Man"! Paul Rudd and Jason Segel are HUGE Rush fans in real life as well! Neil Peart (Drummer and Lyricist for 95% of their songs) was a fiercely private person. He loved music, he loved playing drums, he loved learning new things on them, but he hated the popularity.
He can never go wrong with rush. The writing the musicianship it's just phenomenal three very very talented people that are just great human beings also Great story I'm so sorry you never get a chance to see these guys live but they do have many many DVDs of their concerts I would really recommend you check out some live performances they are just phenomenal.
Living on a lighted stage Approaches the unreal For those who think and feel In touch with some reality Beyond the gilded cage Cast in this unlikely role, Ill-equipped to act With insufficient tact One must put up barriers To keep oneself intact Living in the Limelight The universal dream For those who wish to seem Those who wish to be Must put aside the alienation Get on with the fascination The real relation The underlying theme Living in a fisheye lens Caught in the camera eye I have no heart to lie I can’t pretend a stranger Is a long-awaited friend All the world’s indeed a stage And we are merely players Performers and portrayers Each another’s audience Outside the gilded cage
Great reaction. I know you are a lyricist the Drumer Neil Peart was responsible for writing Rush's lyrics. Here are a few of their other songs I think you would really enjoy: "The Trees", "Natural Science" and "Subdivisions".
Rush never gets old. Still listening to them today. I hope you ,as a lyricist, can write timeless songs just like this… and actually have real singers sing them. I’ve been so disappointed in the music of today.
I have so much respect for your integrity about wanting all your reactions to be genuine and first time.... life indeed is made of fuck ups and the things we learn from them teach us in ways we couldn't have imagined..... I think one thing that you're going to find the farther down the rush Rabbit Hole you go is that this particular band very much embodied that Spirit of integrity, not selling out to peer pressure, once Their audience found them and allowed them to have a continued career making exactly the kind of music they wanted to make regardless of trans etc... rush are indeed a perfect example of what not to do in the music industry and yet somehow it all played out perfectly.
Love your reaction…. Every song has a meaning, like a work of art, which is in the eye of the beholder. You must have a listen to Camera Eye and Witch Hunt.. if not already, Spirit of Radio…..
Neil Peart (Rush drummer) RIP; wrote the majority of Rush's lyrics. An amazing variety of books, plays, tops, etc... to formulate songs words. He died far too young in his 60's in 2020. I still consider him the GOAT of drummers.
After being a fan for 40 years and seeing them live 29 times, and obviously appreciating them at the time, I wonder if I appreciate them even more today knowing what they accomplished in that time and just how freakin' good they were; all three of them are rock gods. I just thank the Lord for being born when I was and being able to experience their career. Best band ever. EVER!
This is a great song and you really got the message of it. For a future reaction, I highly suggest checking out one of their live performances. Specifically, 'Digital Man' live from the Snakes & Arrows tour.
Crazy that during the solo you got in the feels. It was written to to feel alone and isolated that you feel in the Limelight. One of Alex's favorite solos.
"I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" is a great line. But it's something that I don't think you share Cliff. You have the true gift of treating strangers like friends, as evidenced by so much of your content. God bless you Cliff, and happy new year!
Hey there, I think that people sometimes choose to sad song and listen to it and perhaps even cry. Not be a victim but as a catharphus. Music is transcendent and universal and can feed your sole, sad ot uplifting.
I love every song Rush ever produced. I was 15 years old when I bought my first album. It was "2112" in 1976, and I remember how excited I was to own it. Love your reactions!
Spent my first 38 years in NW Chicago burbs. White Sox fan since 1973 when we got our first UHF TV so I could finally watch them. Honestly, it's almost embarrassing to say I'm a Sox fan after last season.
I discovered this song in a bathroom stall where the lyrics to the chorus were written. The lyrics fascinated me. Such a strange place to find one of your favorite bands.
my favorite lyrics from any song ever: "All the world's indeed a stage We are merely players Performers and portrayers Each another's audience outside the gilded cage"
All the world's indeed a stage and we are merely players Performers and portrayers Each another's audience outside the guilded cage. Human interaction in a nutshell. 🤔
Great to see you being yourself Cliff. Rush are that band that you get hooked because of their talent and unique sound. Fun times ahead for you. Cheers for a great reaction and good luck.
I hope you listen to songs such as Vital Signs, Natural Science, Jacob's ladder, Whitch hunt, Subdivisions, Middletown dreams, Marathon......etc. So much brilliant music
Absolutely love Rush, but I'd like to suggest taking a listen to one of Alex Lifeson's influences, the legendary Rory Gallagher. Rush opened for Rory when they were just starting to catch the public's attention. Rory then opened for Rush after they hit the big time. Anyway, Rory is referred to as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of" since he chose to follow his own path and sidestepped fame in order to play the music he loved. Check out "Tattoo'd Lady" at Rockpalast 1979. Both his guitar work and his connection with his audience will blow you away!
Waiting patiently until you get to Professor Neil's Drum solo live at Frankfort. Grateful to have seen them live on the Test For Echo Laser Light Tour in 1997, best light show I have ever seen and I've seen alot of good Bands.
Ya! So glad you finally found Rush. They are a Toronto band and I grew up an hour away. I grew up with their music and was fortunate enough to see them live 5 times in my life. Wait till you see them perform this magic live. Check Rush in Rio.
To seem vs to be in the lyrics: Albert Camus said, “But above all, in order to be, never try to seem”. Neil sprinkled little gems around in his lyrics.
My friend, you’re fixing to enter the twilight zone, you will be going into a rabbit hole that you will never be able come out of. The more that you listen to Rush the more you would be drawn in to a new universe. RUSH is the best band in the universe PERIOD !!! R I P Neil Peart 1952 -2020
Check out Rush "YYZ" live in Rio 2002 remadtered. It's an instrmental. One of my faves. You'll love how the music changes...twists & turns...ALL BRILLIANT. A MASTERPIECE!
Keep em comin bro. Saw the one yesterday in my feed, watchin it next lol You seem to be big into lyrics in your hip hop vids. Rush has some pretty great lyrics man, dive in
Once you get all this copyright problems out of your way. Try to listen to the studio version , then listen to the live version , especially the video versions when they are live in concert if accessible Because listen and seeing them live , is an extreme, mind blowing experience. If it wasn’t for music and the lyrics of Rush, I would’ve been in prison, or six Feet Under. Their music helps me get through every single day of now my wonderful life that share with my family & friends. God Bless
I haven't seen it in the comments of the other content, but considering your focus on mental health/wellness, you should check out Rush - "Subdivisions" which is about the pressure of conformity while growing up. Thanks for these!
Yes, In I love you man, they do mention these lyrics, as well as, sneak into the concert backstage to meet them. It is a funny bit. And years later Paul Rudd, on Rush's Clockwork Angels Tour, conducted the Strings for a bit on stage. Look that one up. Great part. Keep going down the Rush Rabbit hole. you wont ever be disappointed.
4:51 I never understood why in this video at this part they chose to show Geddy just standing at the keyboard playing three notes. His bass playing through this section is amazing. On stage he played the synth part with his feet while doing the bass. I’d rather watch him fingering that bass here.
When Rush opened for KISS "a few years ago" Geddy was singing only. Don't know who was doing the heavy lifting for him. Anybody remember that far back?
I'll go down the rabbit hole!!! P.S. the F word is just an adjective that helps express how serious we are... when used appropriately or something like that.
As I understand it, it's a payment dispute between RUclips and the copyright holders that's mainly affecting the official music videos, not just from Rush but from other artists as well, so if you go more for live performances or lyric videos, you may be okay; my top live picks include YYZ Live In Rio, Xanadu and Freewill from Exit Stage Left, Working Man Live In Cleveland, and Natural Science from the 1997 Toronto show. Have a great evening, and Rush on! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
I know Limelight is from 1981's Moving Pictures but just wanted to point out that today 1/14/2025 is the 45th anniversary of the release of 1980's equally magnificent album, Permanent Waves. I recommend everyone listen to the album start to finish today. You're welcome.
Neil Peart wrote the lyrics for this song to express his discomfort with the bands' growing fame. As he said at the time he wanted to be a musician but he never wanted to be famous. It is one of my favorite songs of all time and it shows all the things that make Rush great. Deep thought provoking lyrics along with great musicianship and stage presence. Great review. Keep up the good work, you have only begun to scratch the surface of RUSH many great songs to go.
"I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" pretty much summed up how it troubled him to have people coming up to him acting like they know him because they know Rush music.
Check out YYZ live in Brazil. It's an instrumental but you will not believe how the crowd goes nuts to it.
IMHO Rush is at least tied for the greatest touring Rock band ever.
Epic!!!🎶🎶🎵🎶🔥🔥🔥💯✌️🕊️☮️
Rush
YYZ. Live in RIO
Just 3 . Just 3 of the best musicians of all time Neil is probably the best drummer and lyricist of all time👍👍👍
Neil Peart Drum solo - Rush live in Frankfurt
'Red Barchetta' is another really good one!
A lot of Americans had to look it up.
Being a 64 yo Canadian grew up with these guys❤. Great choice, next Canadian band... Tragically Hip. 🤙
64 year old US citizen here. I can't thank Canada enough for producing the members of Rush. Been listening to them since I was 15. ❤
Working Man,,,live in Cleveland. BEST RUSH on RUclips. 💥💥💥👍😎
These “3” guys are just so good, musically, lyrically, it amazes me how they all can go ham on solos an no one’s stepping on another band members toes…
So Fn’ good
You got it, exactly what Neil meant when he wrote those lyrics. He was drummer and lyricist for Rush but deeply valued his personal privacy. The other 2 guys would do meet and greets, he would usually bow out just because he didn't like all the fame didn't mean he didn't appreciate the fans he did but also really valued his privacy.
Neil Peart the drummer was also the main lyrist and he was a very shy and private person. He once said that he wanted to be good not famous. The adulation he received really embarrassed him. He wanted to be seen as just a normal guy.
Alex Lifeson said that this was his favourite guitar solo. It has such a beautiful bittersweetness to it.
Yes, this song was featured in I love you man.
Hey, you are doing a great job reacting to Rush and being a nerd is a bonus 😉. I am one too.
Suggestions
Digital Man from the Snakes and Arrows tour
Xanadu from Exit Stage Left
Cheers 🇨🇦
You can't go wrong with Rush. 😁
That said, some of my favs include: Working Man (their first big hit in the USA, IIRC), Red Barchetta, Free Will, Nobody's Hero, Subdivisions, New World Man, YYZ, Roll the Bones, Fly by Night, and Closer to the Heart.
My favorite band of all time!! I've seen them 12 times in Detroit. 💙🕊🎵 Thank you for the reaction. I love how you get it!
good for you who cares
Jealous? Damn.
Yes they did use this in "I Love You Man"! Paul Rudd and Jason Segel are HUGE Rush fans in real life as well! Neil Peart (Drummer and Lyricist for 95% of their songs) was a fiercely private person. He loved music, he loved playing drums, he loved learning new things on them, but he hated the popularity.
He can never go wrong with rush. The writing the musicianship it's just phenomenal three very very talented people that are just great human beings also Great story I'm so sorry you never get a chance to see these guys live but they do have many many DVDs of their concerts I would really recommend you check out some live performances they are just phenomenal.
RUSH does not do copyright strikes. It never comes from the band. No worries man, you fit right in. Welcome to RUSH!
Neil wrote the lyrics for the band and he was outstanding at it, not just a great drummer, but a great writer too.
Living on a lighted stage
Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage
Cast in this unlikely role,
Ill-equipped to act
With insufficient tact
One must put up barriers
To keep oneself intact
Living in the Limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme
Living in a fisheye lens
Caught in the camera eye
I have no heart to lie
I can’t pretend a stranger
Is a long-awaited friend
All the world’s indeed a stage
And we are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another’s audience
Outside the gilded cage
Great reaction. I know you are a lyricist the Drumer Neil Peart was responsible for writing Rush's lyrics. Here are a few of their other songs I think you would really enjoy: "The Trees", "Natural Science" and "Subdivisions".
HA - you are NOT A NERD!!! :D :D :D :D :D SO GLAD to see you ENJOYING RUSH!! TRULY REMARKABLE BAND!!!
Rush never gets old. Still listening to them today. I hope you ,as a lyricist, can write timeless songs just like this… and actually have real singers sing them. I’ve been so disappointed in the music of today.
I have so much respect for your integrity about wanting all your reactions to be genuine and first time.... life indeed is made of fuck ups and the things we learn from them teach us in ways we couldn't have imagined..... I think one thing that you're going to find the farther down the rush Rabbit Hole you go is that this particular band very much embodied that Spirit of integrity, not selling out to peer pressure, once Their audience found them and allowed them to have a continued career making exactly the kind of music they wanted to make regardless of trans etc... rush are indeed a perfect example of what not to do in the music industry and yet somehow it all played out perfectly.
Love your reaction…. Every song has a meaning, like a work of art, which is in the eye of the beholder. You must have a listen to Camera Eye and Witch Hunt.. if not already, Spirit of Radio…..
Neil was a fantastic songwriter as well as a drummer
YYZ next. You will be floored.
Live in Rio. Don't do the studio version.
Neil Peart (Rush drummer) RIP; wrote the majority of Rush's lyrics. An amazing variety of books, plays, tops, etc... to formulate songs words. He died far too young in his 60's in 2020. I still consider him the GOAT of drummers.
After being a fan for 40 years and seeing them live 29 times, and obviously appreciating them at the time, I wonder if I appreciate them even more today knowing what they accomplished in that time and just how freakin' good they were; all three of them are rock gods. I just thank the Lord for being born when I was and being able to experience their career. Best band ever. EVER!
Alex Lifeson (the guitarist) has stated that his guitar solo on this is his favorite.
Rush, Countdown.
I love this song because I was there
This is a great song and you really got the message of it. For a future reaction, I highly suggest checking out one of their live performances. Specifically, 'Digital Man' live from the Snakes & Arrows tour.
Crazy that during the solo you got in the feels. It was written to to feel alone and isolated that you feel in the Limelight. One of Alex's favorite solos.
One of my favorite Rush songs❤
🇨🇦 The very Best of Canadian Rock ! #BoomersRock 🇨🇦
"I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" is a great line. But it's something that I don't think you share Cliff.
You have the true gift of treating strangers like friends, as evidenced by so much of your content.
God bless you Cliff, and happy new year!
Hey there, I think that people sometimes choose to sad song and listen to it and perhaps even cry.
Not be a victim but as a catharphus. Music is transcendent and universal and can feed your sole, sad ot uplifting.
Apologies *catharsis
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!! MORE RUSH!!! Again: THE LYRICS!! OMG!! THANKS, CLIFF!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :)
I love every song Rush ever produced. I was 15 years old when I bought my first album. It was "2112" in 1976, and I remember how excited I was to own it. Love your reactions!
You HAVE to watch them live!
I recommend Rush in Rio
Spent my first 38 years in NW Chicago burbs. White Sox fan since 1973 when we got our first UHF TV so I could finally watch them. Honestly, it's almost embarrassing to say I'm a Sox fan after last season.
Yes it was in I love you man
Shakespeare in rock? Must be Rush! Keep on keepin' on, man!
I discovered this song in a bathroom stall where the lyrics to the chorus were written. The lyrics fascinated me. Such a strange place to find one of your favorite bands.
One of my Rush favs. Really great lyrics. Always Phenomenal musicianship
my favorite lyrics from any song ever:
"All the world's indeed a stage
We are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another's audience outside the gilded cage"
A take on Shakespeare's "As You Like It"
Subdivisions is another good intro to Rush music ---their instrumental stuff going forward into the Rush rabbit hole is the next step!
Please check out Freewill, Jacobs Ladder and The Trees
I love you man was all rush.....they jammed to tom sawyer...they went to a rush concert..the holy Trinity were in it
Natural Science is a favorite of mine.
Their live concerts are amazing
All the world's indeed a stage and we are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another's audience outside the guilded cage.
Human interaction in a nutshell. 🤔
Great to see you being yourself Cliff. Rush are that band that you get hooked because of their talent and unique sound. Fun times ahead for you. Cheers for a great reaction and good luck.
Also check out Canada's other Power Trio...Triumph!
Nothing beats a ride on the RUSH roller-coaster! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
I hope you listen to songs such as Vital Signs, Natural Science, Jacob's ladder, Whitch hunt, Subdivisions, Middletown dreams, Marathon......etc. So much brilliant music
Thanks for being you 💕
One of the best leads ever
Absolutely love Rush, but I'd like to suggest taking a listen to one of Alex Lifeson's influences, the legendary Rory Gallagher. Rush opened for Rory when they were just starting to catch the public's attention. Rory then opened for Rush after they hit the big time. Anyway, Rory is referred to as "the greatest guitarist you've never heard of" since he chose to follow his own path and sidestepped fame in order to play the music he loved. Check out "Tattoo'd Lady" at Rockpalast 1979. Both his guitar work and his connection with his audience will blow you away!
Yup, this was in I Love You Man
My favourite Rush song.
Waiting patiently until you get to Professor Neil's Drum solo live at Frankfort. Grateful to have seen them live on the Test For Echo Laser Light Tour in 1997, best light show I have ever seen and I've seen alot of good Bands.
Ya! So glad you finally found Rush. They are a Toronto band and I grew up an hour away. I grew up with their music and was fortunate enough to see them live 5 times in my life. Wait till you see them perform this magic live. Check Rush in Rio.
Rush is fantastic!!! I love that you are checking out their music❤
Closer to the heart is a good older one from rush
Another Fine Review Cliff 🎸🎸🎸❤️😎 Rush is deep !!!
"Slapping the bass!'
To seem vs to be in the lyrics: Albert Camus said, “But above all, in order to be, never try to seem”. Neil sprinkled little gems around in his lyrics.
My friend, you’re fixing to enter the twilight zone, you will be going into a rabbit hole that you will never be able come out of. The more that you listen to Rush the more you would be drawn in to a new universe. RUSH is the best band in the universe PERIOD !!!
R I P Neil Peart 1952 -2020
Neil once said... playing drums for RUSH is like running a marathon while doing calculus.
Rush, Red Sector A
Check out Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins speech inducting Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, epic!
Check out Rush "YYZ" live in Rio 2002 remadtered. It's an instrmental. One of my faves. You'll love how the music changes...twists & turns...ALL BRILLIANT. A MASTERPIECE!
Rush yyz live in Rio, zanadu, working man live, you can't go wrong with any Rush song really. Much love from Canada 🇨🇦
Great solo. love this one.
Keep em comin bro. Saw the one yesterday in my feed, watchin it next lol
You seem to be big into lyrics in your hip hop vids. Rush has some pretty great lyrics man, dive in
I believe he's into lyrics because he's a hip hop ghost writer. Glad I found his channel 👍
👍
Once you get all this copyright problems out of your way.
Try to listen to the studio version , then listen to the live version , especially the video versions when they are live in concert if accessible
Because listen and seeing them live , is an extreme, mind blowing experience. If it wasn’t for music and the lyrics of Rush, I would’ve been in prison, or six Feet Under. Their music helps me get through every single day of now my wonderful life that share with my family & friends. God Bless
I haven't seen it in the comments of the other content, but considering your focus on mental health/wellness, you should check out Rush - "Subdivisions" which is about the pressure of conformity while growing up.
Thanks for these!
This song is transcendent
Yes, In I love you man, they do mention these lyrics, as well as, sneak into the concert backstage to meet them. It is a funny bit. And years later Paul Rudd, on Rush's Clockwork Angels Tour, conducted the Strings for a bit on stage. Look that one up. Great part. Keep going down the Rush Rabbit hole. you wont ever be disappointed.
Rush needs lyrics to appreciate them
Love your reactions, though I think it’s good to do some research. You should do a reaction to Subdivisions by Rush.
4:51 I never understood why in this video at this part they chose to show Geddy just standing at the keyboard playing three notes. His bass playing through this section is amazing. On stage he played the synth part with his feet while doing the bass. I’d rather watch him fingering that bass here.
Neal's drum solo live ..
Also Neal is the lyricist
Rush
Working Man live in Cleveland
When Rush opened for KISS "a few years ago" Geddy was singing only. Don't know who was doing the heavy lifting for him. Anybody remember that far back?
❤️❤️❤️❤️👵🏼 Gmaw
Watch solo performance by drummer Neil Peart (ear sounds like ear to pronounce Peart) common mistake is Pert.
freewill!
I'll go down the rabbit hole!!! P.S. the F word is just an adjective that helps express how serious we are... when used appropriately or something like that.
Rush
Xanadu
This song makes me think of all the Diddy party attendees.
Subdivision @cliff song by rush
As I understand it, it's a payment dispute between RUclips and the copyright holders that's mainly affecting the official music videos, not just from Rush but from other artists as well, so if you go more for live performances or lyric videos, you may be okay; my top live picks include YYZ Live In Rio, Xanadu and Freewill from Exit Stage Left, Working Man Live In Cleveland, and Natural Science from the 1997 Toronto show. Have a great evening, and Rush on!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
Tie your hat on and listen to Red Barchetta next.
Yes the song you mentioned at the end, "Losing It" but choose the LIVE version with guest violinist. Please.
Working Man Live in Cleveland!
the line = xanadu live stage 81 ( top 3 line in metal ever)
I know Limelight is from 1981's Moving Pictures but just wanted to point out that today 1/14/2025 is the 45th anniversary of the release of 1980's equally magnificent album, Permanent Waves. I recommend everyone listen to the album start to finish today. You're welcome.