I became a fan when I was 14yrs old. I'm 61 now. I grew up in a suburb of Toronto and actually met Geddy Lee at a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game. He was with his wife and they were both very friendly and polite. In fact, all three band members have always been humble. No EGO's in this band. That's why they had such a long run together! They're music and lyrics are complex and force you to use your imagination. All three are incredible musicians. Love seeing all these reaction videos discovering my favourite band. You're reactions are one of the most honest I've watched! Some seem to just pretend for likes, you are very genuine!
I'm 59yrs old and ended up a fan when I first became interested in music...around the Fly By Night, Caress Of Steel, A Farewell To Kings era. I've got over 200 live shows under my belt and Rush is the band I've seen the most. The FTK Tour the first,and the Snakes And Arrows Tour being the last. Rush has NEVER disappointed. Of course I'm biased, but I'll argue to my grave that these guys made up the best three-piece in music history...and, it's not even close.
your the only Channel that i have watched in many years to actually get what they are singing about, and more importantly, this song was written decades ago and still rings true today.... Well done young lady...
Very nice Rosalie. Hemispheres is my favorite album by Rush. For me it has everything that makes Rush one of a kind. I still remember the first time I heard it as a young teenager staying over a friend's place whose parents were away for the weekend. Loud and amazing. Side A full concept progressive rock face melt with Side B shorter great songs finishing with probably the best long instrumental in rock history La Villa Strangiato. The musicianship combined with the lyrics with such a long career is unmatched in rock history.
@@paulfromt.o.7384 yep, I remember hearing that album for the first time in '78... I said there's NO WAY that is 3 guys playing !! "LA Villa" is amazing, LIVE ! There's a video of that on YT !!
I am so blessed to have experienced Rush live many times.....I cried at R40 concert during Jacobs Ladder and Xanadu since I knew it was their final tour. If you haven't done those two songs yet....please do!
The awe, the wonder, the amazement... always great to see when someone listens to Rush. Always fun to see it on your face too with each Rush post, Rosalie.
Great job, Rosalie. Watching Peart's writing style and personal philosophy grow over time presents an interesting topic for your analysis. Early on he was highly influenced by Individuality using the works of Ayn Rand (Anthem/2112 both based on the short novel Anthem) and Friedrich Nietzsche (Hemisphere's based on The Birth of Tragedy). The Trees is a continuance of the anti-collectivism concept that was pervaded his early lyrics. He doesn't seem to favor the Oaks over the Maples, but he does express a negativity towards collectivism with the final lines. Peart will use verbal irony in his lyrics. With Witch Hunt: "Those that know what's best for us, must rise and save us from ourselves." In The Trees, the term "Noble Law" has been misconstrued by many to think he favored this approach. But the last confirms his stance, equality is only achieved by cutting down our best and brightest to be no better than the lowest common denominator. The Trees is on the album Hemispheres. Check out Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy, then the lyrics for Hemisphere's. Also note, that Peart is idealist with The Sphere and comes to a different conclusion than Nietzsche. A more hopeful stance for balance. Here is a good article on Nietzsche's work concerning the individual and the herd. academyofideas.com/2017/01/nietzsche-and-morality/ The lyrics to The Trees will make more sense and show you where Peart was at the time of this writing. And as always, Neil layers deeper meaning. The science of the two halves of the brain as seen on the album cover was still recent at this time. As was the science of Black Holes (Cygnus). Maples are the National Tree of Canada. You can also look at The Trees from that perspective. Socialist Canada (Maples) compared to Capitalist United States (Oaks). The cold war and the warring hemispheres of the East and West also layered in to this marvelous work. There's a rabbit hole when it comes to Peart. Go down it.
Yes, Rosalie. It’s wood blocks. Neil used them a lot. The Professor used a lot of EVERYTHING, including one of the most fluent pens to ever touch a hand. Rush forever! More please. Haven’t checked your playlist yet, but have you gone into the beyond, and reacted to side A of Hemispheres? The whole side. Just like the 2112 “concept”. Epic.
What a great way to kick of New Year Day....with Rush and Rosalie. Can't wait for you to hear the story telling of 2112. (by the way said as the 2 numbers 21 & 12) Can't wait.
A Trees Nugget from your very quiet friend: Neil (who read everything) saw a comic strip with trees talking to each other. He asked himself, "What if trees behaved like humans"? Hence, this song. I suspect his love for Tolkien and the Ents from Fangorn Forest might have also inspired Neil. Let it be said from someone who lives in the forest, oak trees, in fact, dominate the forest. Take a forest that burns to the ground. The maples, cherry, poplar, and hickory dominate in the rebirth. But it is just a matter of time before the oaks "move" them aside and take over. This is your arboriculture lesson of the day. And please by all means, have a nice one, Ms Rosalie. 😊
Another overlooked layer is the comparison of the Mighty Oaks (Americans) and the Maples (Canadians). But the last line is commonly believed tho be compared as to when humans say "We all end up in the grave" or "We all die in the end" compared to the song the Trees are saying they are kept equal by hatchet, axe and saw.
Honestly xanadu is kinda corny lyrically. It isnt like the trees where it can reflect society which everyone can relate to. Its just a retelling of a fantasy story that already exists. Musically its great but lyrically, never cared for it. Shes very smart. Something that would be a better suggestion is the 80s stuff when they started to mature lyrically and get away from the fantasy stuff.
@@edgarpacifico3421 yeah but she clearly is interested in them lyrically and some of this early fantasy type stuff i wouldnt really suggest personally.
AHHhhhh... "The Trees"... such WONDERFULLY LYRICISM, WONDEROUS MUSICIANSHIP, & MOST OF ALL... SUCH INSTRUMENTATION!!!! From the Bass carrying the Bridge section, when the Lead Guitarist soars in the middle section, to Neil Peart's drum-work throughout this MASTERPIECE of SOUND, befitting this song's with his own time-signature enigmatic soundscape... Ahem... (didn't I tell you they're just GENIUSES??? I know, I know... right??? It's difficult to find THIS TYPE of musical prowess ANYWHERE nowadays...)... OH MAN... such wonderfully AWESOME MUSICIANSHIP!!! I'm done... comment of praise over... there IS no comparison. RUSH is just the BEST. MIC DROP 🎤. 'NUFF SAID.
The Ayn Rand slant is interesting with this song. The idea that if you suppress the "natural" abilities of individuals and prevent them from achieving their potential, then everyone will suffer from the lack of progress we would have enjoyed as a society. Ayn Rand (particularly Anthem) was an influence of 2112 (twenty-one twelve).
Roselie, Geddy said in an interview that he and Alex read the lyrics and try and write the music around the song. "Trees" is brilliant. Another great song on Grace Under Pressure. "Enemy Within"
Another great review! Thanks! A warning though, 2112 is something to beware of. There is a cartoon video that precisely depicts RUSH's message. Listening to it by youself in the dark as a kid was the best ever. Cant wait.
Hi Rosalie, thank you again for your insightful perspective on music. I love seeing a younger generation respond to music of my youth. I find it amazing that a song over 40 years old still has so much relevance and the musicianship still holds up in these modern time. This song was played on Rock Radio that does not exist anymore... The times change and there is still amazing music from my favorite decade of rock: the 70's. Happy New Year
Finally, someone gets the meaning of this song; your reaction to the last line told me that. If you watch most others try to explain this song, they miss the importance of the last line and how it affects the meaning of the entire story. They don't see that up to the last line, it was a story about society allowing one group to be oppressed and the lack of empathy (selfishness) of the oppressor. However, there isn't any oppression in this story. Nature gave an advantage to a group (not of their choosing) and there's nothing they can do about it (and why would they?). Imagined or perceived oppression can be seen as real if critical thinking and common sense are absent, making it an effective strategy to implement bad ideas and ultimately, poor policy. IMO, an analogy would be the NBA implements a rule where tall basketball players must be made shorter so that short players can be more competitive. I love your reaction style. Thankfully, there are a lot of Rush songs worth scrutinizing for their philosophic application to society. Always looking forward to your Rush reactions.
🤣 Well here's one human who challenges your conclusive statements. The main problem in the story is the refusal of the oaks to acknowledge the pleas. Arguments regarding the actions taken are secondary. Had the oaks listened and made moves of concession and mediation (otherwise known as trying to get along with), then who knows, maybe there could have been a better outcome. Short of that, everyone can say everything that is ever done isn't the best thing that could be done or whatever is done is going to have adverse effects. The fact is, for all practical purposes, everything move humans make have an adverse effect on something in their environment. It comes with the territory of being human.
@@randybaker6042 What "moves of concession" could the oaks have taken? There's nothing the oaks can do to remedy the plight of the maples except self mutilate. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the whining mob expects and is more than happy to lobby for it. It's a stain on society that they've devolved into a selfish mob that could care less about the detrimental impact. You may believe stealing from the rich to give to the poor is a good idea but the majority do not agree. Merit based vs DEI, CRT and affirmative action. Critical thinking and common sense have disappeared making it virtually impossible to debate the best ideas. People are losing their minds over things they can't control (but want to). That's not success, it's failure.
But the Oaks cant help their feelings if they like the way they're made.... and wonder why the maples cant be happy in their shade. - Maybe the Oaks think its rather hot in the direct sunlight... and think they're doing a service to provide shade. But the maples form their union anyway and change those "seemingly better than them" by Law to make everyone equal. Now no one stands out. Everyone gets a participation trophy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 🥳🎉🎊 Yes that Bass tone!! A 70's Rickenbacker. Easy of my Top 10 favorite songs by RUSH!! My favorite being A FAREWELL TO KINGS,,,,, or CINDERELLA MAN!!!??😁 Many don't catch the intentional wording " For they cast a NOBLE 🎄 Law"!! YES!! You can sense the Conflict!! Not just awesome Jamming but composition with purpose!! Pure Genie A$$!! Great Episode Rosalie!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
So? A union can mean many different things. When this country was formed, it was called a union. All union means is a group of people uniting. Union is merely the root word. So it could mean a labor union, a women's rights union, or even a military union to fight against a tyrannical government.
2112 is "twenty one twelve" btw. It is a year like 2025 is twenty twenty five. And 2112 somewhat references Tchaikovasky's1812 overture, which it briefly references musically at the end of it's own overture :-)
Because of the choice of Maple and Oak (the national trees of Canada and England), and the power dynamics within the song, I always saw it as an allegory for Canada and the British Empire. But I love that it can be interpreted in so many ways - a good song should be able to speak to different people like that. And this is one of my favourite short Rush songs.
I live on Vancouver Island in Canada and used to take the Ferry ride to the main land and catch these guys live almost every time they came to town to put on a show, was NEVER disappointed !
Lovely to now get your immediate reactions to songs that from a young age have formed one of the big pillars of inspiration that line my own never ending creative road. I'm thrilled you are so obviously getting truly inspired by what so many music lovers miss about RUSH: "thinking man's rock" as they were dubbed early on in their career!
Twenty one twelve, like the year. You’re going to love that one! It’s a RUSH rite of passage. I suggest the animated video version for a first listen because it helps to follow the story.
...It really is such a joy for me and everyone commenting here to see and hear your instantaneous reaction!... I will post some others shortly that I am sure you will enjoy and be equally inspired by
Such a great tune.....love the video you choose. Shows the actual musicality and talents of the group. Your right, the storyline or meaning of the song (or most Rush songs) it told impressively. Cheerz !!!
Nature doesn't live on equality, it lives on balance, all playing their individual roles for the whole. If you try and equal by cutting the taller tree's to give a couple more light, then you take away the shade which kills the moss, dries out the ground ultimately starving the taller trees which filter and provide oxygen and needed shade. Great analysis by Rosalie. (Peart was one Deep Mo'Fo.)
Rush was the backdrop to my youth. Does my heart good to see someone? Appreciate it today. While I was enduring a couple of foster homes and an orphanage the lyrics and the music bolstered me. I happen to be reading animal farm at the time. I heard this song for the first time. Funny how poignant it is today. RiP Neil Peart and thank you, Rosalie!
Great reaction I have been looking forward to you hearing this one. I love how Neil's clear and consise poetry in this short song sparks so many thoughts and interpretations. I am sure he intentionally wanted us to truly examine all of these questions of fairness verses equality verses equity. It is easy to see the maple's point of view that the oaks truely are being opressive but the forest naturually has layers to it's canopy. The differences of the trees and plants in each of those layers is an essential part of what makes a strong healthy forest and allows it to thrive. To me the ending of the song cautions us be careful how we seek equailty and make sure that our solution doesn't throw the whole socitey out of balence.
Been a fan of this band forever, Neil is to me the greatest lyricist/drummer in rock. They were my favorite band for years until I started listening to all-girl Japanese rock band named Band Maid. They are an incredibly talented hard rock band with a proggy edge. Like Gene Simmons said of Rush “ they are Rush” enough said, many many musicians and reactors say off Band Maid that Band Maid doin Band Maid in regard to their musical prowess and them being a genre u to themselves. I strongly suggest checking them out when you have the time. They’ve been together for over 11 years with over 140 songs.
Every time I hear this song I think of the old story about the trees voting for the ax because its handle was made of wood so they thought it was one of them. 😕
@berndbrakemeier1418 I will dare as I wish. I am not attributing any motivation to Neil other than his expressed desire to write timeless lyrics and his stated recognition that history often appears to repeat itself.
Something interesting you should consider reacting to (or just watching for fun) is "Dinner with Rush at a Hunting Lodge" ... its literally the three of them chatting over a dinner (and quite a bit of wine).
Absolutely love your interpretations in your reactions. Never just black and white but a prism of understanding. ⚫⚪🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣🟤 "Twenty One Twelve" is the correct way to say it.
The TREES is a top 10 RUSH for me ...... maybe I was the DAVID that you are referring too, as I find it difficult not to chime in on RUSH reaction vids complete with suggestions. I love your "from the heart" reactions. You cover so much. You always hit the nerve. I am so glad that there is a reactor that can analyze this great band the way you do!!
Exceptionally strong start to 2025, Rosalie. An absolutely outstanding analysis and insights. I've always thought of this song as a combination of a warning to be careful what you wish for, and a reminder that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Best wishes for the coming year! (Oh, it's pronounced twenty-one twelve 😁).
Neil was asked if there was a message in the lyrics, to which he replied, "No. It was just a flash. I was working on an entirely different thing when I saw a cartoon picture of these trees carrying on like fools. I thought, 'What if trees acted like people?' So I saw it as a cartoon really, and wrote it that way. I think that's the image that it conjures up to a listener or a reader. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Rosalie, good work. The upcoming Rush reaction of 2112 refers to the year. This masterpiece you will have heaps to talk about. Cheers and a Happy new year to you and family.
On the studio version you can hear Neil's touches and effects are better, cowbells, wood blocks, etc Same for another song on the album, Circumstances, which I love.
I am particularly taken by the ending of the story, where "The trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe and saw." This suggests the philosophical distinction between "equity" and "equality."
Outstanding analysis Rosalie, as always! Happy New Year to you and to all of your subscribers! Let's make it a great 2025 everybody! PS, can't wait for your reaction to "Twenty One Twelve." 😉
Can't wait for the reaction to "Twenty-one Twelve" I know there will be a ton of requests for you to react to the "graphic novel" version, but I've always felt that it distracts the listener. I suggest the LIVE performance from The Molson Amphitheatre 1997. P.S. Happy New Year!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Strongly suggest "The Garden", their very last song from their last studio album. Geddy Lee said it's his favorite Rush song. The Guitar solo and the lyrics get to me every time.
In life we may perceive one another as having different rank or status often based on material wealth. But death is the great equalizer. No matter if you are a member of a royal family or a homeless person we all die in the end. A good friend told me what his grandfather once said, "In the game of chess there are different pieces with different rank and value (pawns, knights, bishops, queen etc.) at the end of the game all of the pieces are gathered up and go into the same box". It's a metaphor for humanity. Lesson: Be kind to everyone.
Fabulous RUSH review, as usual :) One thing I didn't hear you catch (and I might have missed it) is, to me, the most obvious; Maple Tree = Canada, Oak Tree = United States. Rush is a Canadian band from Toronto, near the epicenter of Francophone-Anglephone tensions that relate directly to the United States across a very close border. This may be a political song, with the warning that if two nations that share a forest (North America) together don't learn to get along and work together, an outsider will come along and chop both of us down to a small, controllable size.
I’ve always thought that too but I’ve always thought of the oaks as England. The oak tree is their National tree I believe. But I don’t think there was ever much tension with the motherland.
Neil Peart & Kerry Livgren of Kansas were known for being the incredible lyricists of the time. You should react to Kansas "Incomudro- Hymn To The Atman".
Hemispheres ,my first album from Rush and i was sold. Realy,one of the most difficult albums for them but,what a masterpiece( saw them live in the 80's),together with Moving pictures and Permanent waves my favorite albums of them. Now,i made a logical step ,well,for me anyway, to Nightwish but Rush still has a big place in my musical agenda.🤘The lyrics of "The Trees" Is a metaphor for the unions,and a clever one,if i may say.✊🤘
Despite being very close to the album version from 'Hemispheres', this actually was played fully live! 😀👍 I love how 'raw' Alex' solo sounds here 😅 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 😀🙌💚🌈☀️🎵🍀🦋🌻
With my first time listening to this metaphor of society, THIS is the song where I learned that RUSH had a sense of humor! As above, so below - the root system of a tree is as large as its canopy!
Bonjour Rosalie I realy appreciate the way you analyse these songs, very interresting. I would like to add something about the song (The Trees) from Rush…I’m a french Canadian from Québec city in the province of Québec est of the province of Ontario… as you know, Rush came from Toronto Ontario. Since the beginning of Canada, theres always frictions between Frenchs and English peoples, there was 2 referemdums for the seperation of Québec from the Canada country… one in 1980, and the second in 1995. It’s a political sensible subject. we think that Neil, in his way, talk about this situation… French = maples (so we have a lot in eastern Canada, and the Oaks = English . Tank you and keep the good work, very cool!
Since these lyrics mention the formation of a union, I've always taken them to be a commentary on the struggles between management and labor. In this context, the last line can be seen to make reference to jobs lost, and even businesses destroyed by this struggle.
I became a fan when I was 14yrs old. I'm 61 now. I grew up in a suburb of Toronto and actually met Geddy Lee at a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game. He was with his wife and they were both very friendly and polite. In fact, all three band members have always been humble. No EGO's in this band. That's why they had such a long run together! They're music and lyrics are complex and force you to use your imagination. All three are incredible musicians. Love seeing all these reaction videos discovering my favourite band. You're reactions are one of the most honest I've watched! Some seem to just pretend for likes, you are very genuine!
Agree! (17 and 64 be my stats) Cheers 😎
I was 12, 60 now. Grew up on the other side of the Great Lakes from Rush's home province in Michigan.
@@williamh4172 I live across from Port Huron MI. Greetings neighbor.
18 & 72 for me!
I'm 59yrs old and ended up a fan when I first became interested in music...around the Fly By Night, Caress Of Steel, A Farewell To Kings era. I've got over 200 live shows under my belt and Rush is the band I've seen the most. The FTK Tour the first,and the Snakes And Arrows Tour being the last. Rush has NEVER disappointed. Of course I'm biased, but I'll argue to my grave that these guys made up the best three-piece in music history...and, it's not even close.
The trees is 47 years old and still sounds amazing today.
The drummer Neil Peart, God rest his soul, was a voracious reader and the lyricist. And in turn was able to create these fantastic lyrics.
Only another 150 or so incredibly well crafted Rush songs to go 😁
Rush is the best way to start a new year 😁
your the only Channel that i have watched in many years to actually get what they are singing about, and more importantly, this song was written decades ago and still rings true today.... Well done young lady...
Hands down, the best Rush reactor I've found in YT. Impressive. You got it girl.
Thank you very much!!!
I agree, Rosalie's analyses are great!
😍👍
Redheadedneighbor does great Rush reactions also! 😀
@@rosalieelliottofficialThank you for reacting to this. - David
You've been RUSHED again !! I literally get chills, when I see your reactions !! Have an amazing '25 !!
Neil Peart was an excellent lyricist. I'm so glad you appreciate him
Did you ever think you would rock out over a song about Squabbling Trees !! LOL This is another great one and love your reaction !!
Neil Peart was one of the great minds of the modern world. R.I.P. Professor.
Very nice Rosalie.
Hemispheres is my favorite album by Rush. For me it has everything that makes Rush one of a kind. I still remember the first time I heard it as a young teenager staying over a friend's place whose parents were away for the weekend. Loud and amazing.
Side A full concept progressive rock face melt with Side B shorter great songs finishing with probably the best long instrumental in rock history La Villa Strangiato.
The musicianship combined with the lyrics with such a long career is unmatched in rock history.
That La Villa Strangiato still blows my mind after all these years i hear something new.
@@paulfromt.o.7384 yep, I remember hearing that album for the first time in '78... I said there's NO WAY that is 3 guys playing !!
"LA Villa" is amazing, LIVE !
There's a video of that on YT !!
I am so blessed to have experienced Rush live many times.....I cried at R40 concert during Jacobs Ladder and Xanadu since I knew it was their final tour. If you haven't done those two songs yet....please do!
The awe, the wonder, the amazement... always great to see when someone listens to Rush. Always fun to see it on your face too with each Rush post, Rosalie.
Great job, Rosalie. Watching Peart's writing style and personal philosophy grow over time presents an interesting topic for your analysis. Early on he was highly influenced by Individuality using the works of Ayn Rand (Anthem/2112 both based on the short novel Anthem) and Friedrich Nietzsche (Hemisphere's based on The Birth of Tragedy). The Trees is a continuance of the anti-collectivism concept that was pervaded his early lyrics. He doesn't seem to favor the Oaks over the Maples, but he does express a negativity towards collectivism with the final lines. Peart will use verbal irony in his lyrics. With Witch Hunt: "Those that know what's best for us, must rise and save us from ourselves." In The Trees, the term "Noble Law" has been misconstrued by many to think he favored this approach. But the last confirms his stance, equality is only achieved by cutting down our best and brightest to be no better than the lowest common denominator. The Trees is on the album Hemispheres. Check out Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy, then the lyrics for Hemisphere's. Also note, that Peart is idealist with The Sphere and comes to a different conclusion than Nietzsche. A more hopeful stance for balance. Here is a good article on Nietzsche's work concerning the individual and the herd. academyofideas.com/2017/01/nietzsche-and-morality/
The lyrics to The Trees will make more sense and show you where Peart was at the time of this writing.
And as always, Neil layers deeper meaning. The science of the two halves of the brain as seen on the album cover was still recent at this time. As was the science of Black Holes (Cygnus). Maples are the National Tree of Canada. You can also look at The Trees from that perspective. Socialist Canada (Maples) compared to Capitalist United States (Oaks). The cold war and the warring hemispheres of the East and West also layered in to this marvelous work. There's a rabbit hole when it comes to Peart. Go down it.
The Garden, The Garden, The Garden. Rush last song on their last album. You've got to react to it
Yes, Rosalie. It’s wood blocks. Neil used them a lot. The Professor used a lot of EVERYTHING, including one of the most fluent pens to ever touch a hand. Rush forever! More please. Haven’t checked your playlist yet, but have you gone into the beyond, and reacted to side A of Hemispheres? The whole side. Just like the 2112 “concept”. Epic.
What a great way to kick of New Year Day....with Rush and Rosalie. Can't wait for you to hear the story telling of 2112. (by the way said as the 2 numbers 21 & 12) Can't wait.
A Trees Nugget from your very quiet friend: Neil (who read everything) saw a comic strip with trees talking to each other. He asked himself, "What if trees behaved like humans"? Hence, this song. I suspect his love for Tolkien and the Ents from Fangorn Forest might have also inspired Neil. Let it be said from someone who lives in the forest, oak trees, in fact, dominate the forest. Take a forest that burns to the ground. The maples, cherry, poplar, and hickory dominate in the rebirth. But it is just a matter of time before the oaks "move" them aside and take over. This is your arboriculture lesson of the day. And please by all means, have a nice one, Ms Rosalie. 😊
These two more balladic RUSH songs are emphatic: "Loosing It" (from Subdivisions 1982), Different Strings (from Permanent waves 1980),
Love your reviews! Rush is such a high tier band. They are great makers of music as well as lyrical poetry that is thought-provoking.
Another overlooked layer is the comparison of the Mighty Oaks (Americans) and the Maples (Canadians). But the last line is commonly believed tho be compared as to when humans say "We all end up in the grave" or "We all die in the end" compared to the song the Trees are saying they are kept equal by hatchet, axe and saw.
Mighty Oaks might be a reference to the UK
I think Neil said it was nothing political US Canada etc
Thanks!
Very Simple message
When try to legislate fairness everyone suffers.
Try XANADU! Live from the concert Exit Stage Left!! Amazing!
Anything from ESL is gold!
Honestly xanadu is kinda corny lyrically. It isnt like the trees where it can reflect society which everyone can relate to. Its just a retelling of a fantasy story that already exists. Musically its great but lyrically, never cared for it.
Shes very smart. Something that would be a better suggestion is the 80s stuff when they started to mature lyrically and get away from the fantasy stuff.
@@trenken indeed, but performance wise it's the finest!
@@edgarpacifico3421 yeah but she clearly is interested in them lyrically and some of this early fantasy type stuff i wouldnt really suggest personally.
@@trenken I got your point!
AHHhhhh... "The Trees"... such WONDERFULLY LYRICISM, WONDEROUS MUSICIANSHIP, & MOST OF ALL... SUCH INSTRUMENTATION!!!! From the Bass carrying the Bridge section, when the Lead Guitarist soars in the middle section, to Neil Peart's drum-work throughout this MASTERPIECE of SOUND, befitting this song's with his own time-signature enigmatic soundscape... Ahem... (didn't I tell you they're just GENIUSES??? I know, I know... right??? It's difficult to find THIS TYPE of musical prowess ANYWHERE nowadays...)... OH MAN... such wonderfully AWESOME MUSICIANSHIP!!! I'm done... comment of praise over... there IS no comparison. RUSH is just the BEST. MIC DROP 🎤. 'NUFF SAID.
The Ayn Rand slant is interesting with this song. The idea that if you suppress the "natural" abilities of individuals and prevent them from achieving their potential, then everyone will suffer from the lack of progress we would have enjoyed as a society. Ayn Rand (particularly Anthem) was an influence of 2112 (twenty-one twelve).
Roselie, Geddy said in an interview that he and Alex read the lyrics and try and write the music around the song. "Trees" is brilliant. Another great song on Grace Under Pressure. "Enemy Within"
Another great review! Thanks! A warning though, 2112 is something to beware of. There is a cartoon video that precisely depicts RUSH's message. Listening to it by youself in the dark as a kid was the best ever. Cant wait.
Powerful message in the lyrics, one that never expires. Excellent delivery as well. Happy New Year.🕛🪩🎉🎊🥳🍾🥂
Hi Rosalie, thank you again for your insightful perspective on music. I love seeing a younger generation respond to music of my youth. I find it amazing that a song over 40 years old still has so much relevance and the musicianship still holds up in these modern time. This song was played on Rock Radio that does not exist anymore... The times change and there is still amazing music from my favorite decade of rock: the 70's. Happy New Year
Finally, someone gets the meaning of this song; your reaction to the last line told me that.
If you watch most others try to explain this song, they miss the importance of the last line and how it affects the meaning of the entire story.
They don't see that up to the last line, it was a story about society allowing one group to be oppressed and the lack of empathy (selfishness) of the oppressor. However, there isn't any oppression in this story. Nature gave an advantage to a group (not of their choosing) and there's nothing they can do about it (and why would they?). Imagined or perceived oppression can be seen as real if critical thinking and common sense are absent, making it an effective strategy to implement bad ideas and ultimately, poor policy.
IMO, an analogy would be the NBA implements a rule where tall basketball players must be made shorter so that short players can be more competitive.
I love your reaction style. Thankfully, there are a lot of Rush songs worth scrutinizing for their philosophic application to society. Always looking forward to your Rush reactions.
🤣 Well here's one human who challenges your conclusive statements.
The main problem in the story is the refusal of the oaks to acknowledge the pleas.
Arguments regarding the actions taken are secondary. Had the oaks listened and made moves of concession and mediation (otherwise known as trying to get along with), then who knows, maybe there could have been a better outcome.
Short of that, everyone can say everything that is ever done isn't the best thing that could be done or whatever is done is going to have adverse effects. The fact is, for all practical purposes, everything move humans make have an adverse effect on something in their environment. It comes with the territory of being human.
@@randybaker6042 What "moves of concession" could the oaks have taken?
There's nothing the oaks can do to remedy the plight of the maples except self mutilate. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the whining mob expects and is more than happy to lobby for it.
It's a stain on society that they've devolved into a selfish mob that could care less about the detrimental impact.
You may believe stealing from the rich to give to the poor is a good idea but the majority do not agree.
Merit based vs DEI, CRT and affirmative action.
Critical thinking and common sense have disappeared making it virtually impossible to debate the best ideas. People are losing their minds over things they can't control (but want to).
That's not success, it's failure.
But the Oaks cant help their feelings if they like the way they're made.... and wonder why the maples cant be happy in their shade. - Maybe the Oaks think its rather hot in the direct sunlight... and think they're doing a service to provide shade.
But the maples form their union anyway and change those "seemingly better than them" by Law to make everyone equal. Now no one stands out. Everyone gets a participation trophy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 🥳🎉🎊
Yes that Bass tone!! A 70's Rickenbacker. Easy of my Top 10 favorite songs by RUSH!! My favorite being A FAREWELL TO KINGS,,,,, or
CINDERELLA MAN!!!??😁
Many don't catch the intentional wording " For they cast a NOBLE 🎄 Law"!! YES!! You can sense the Conflict!! Not just awesome Jamming but composition with purpose!! Pure Genie A$$!! Great Episode Rosalie!!
Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
I love this song and Rush! I was very interested to hear your take on it!🎸🤘
Nailed it. It's amazing that some people misinterpret this song, or think that it's about just one thing. But you nailed it.
Maybe, but remember the line " The Maples formed a union"
So? A union can mean many different things. When this country was formed, it was called a union. All union means is a group of people uniting. Union is merely the root word. So it could mean a labor union, a women's rights union, or even a military union to fight against a tyrannical government.
You are one of the best RUSH reactors easy.
Thank you so much!
Life long Rush fan here. Might I recommend La Villa Strangiato. It is an instrumental about a dream Alex had . Really a masterpiece of the Rush style.
I am pretty sure she already did La Villa, check her video list.
@ Must have missed it.
2112 is "twenty one twelve" btw. It is a year like 2025 is twenty twenty five. And 2112 somewhat references Tchaikovasky's1812 overture, which it briefly references musically at the end of it's own overture :-)
I’ve always imagined the woodblocks in the pre-solo section as the Oaks dropping acorns in the tops of the Maples.
Because of the choice of Maple and Oak (the national trees of Canada and England), and the power dynamics within the song, I always saw it as an allegory for Canada and the British Empire. But I love that it can be interpreted in so many ways - a good song should be able to speak to different people like that. And this is one of my favourite short Rush songs.
I live on Vancouver Island in Canada and used to take the Ferry ride to the main land and catch these guys live almost every time they came to town to put on a show, was NEVER disappointed !
Lovely to now get your immediate reactions to songs that from a young age have formed one of the big pillars of inspiration that line my own never ending creative road. I'm thrilled you are so obviously getting truly inspired by what so many music lovers miss about RUSH: "thinking man's rock" as they were dubbed early on in their career!
Good way to start 2025 listening to Rush and Rosalie!
Twenty one twelve, like the year. You’re going to love that one! It’s a RUSH rite of passage. I suggest the animated video version for a first listen because it helps to follow the story.
...It really is such a joy for me and everyone commenting here to see and hear your instantaneous reaction!... I will post some others shortly that I am sure you will enjoy and be equally inspired by
Classic RUSH song. It’s almost an automatic song in their legacy.
This is going to be an easy one for you. 😁👍 🌳🌲🌳
Such a great tune.....love the video you choose. Shows the actual musicality and talents of the group.
Your right, the storyline or meaning of the song (or most Rush songs) it told impressively.
Cheerz !!!
Nature doesn't live on equality, it lives on balance, all playing their individual roles for the whole. If you try and equal by cutting the taller tree's to give a couple more light, then you take away the shade which kills the moss, dries out the ground ultimately starving the taller trees which filter and provide oxygen and needed shade. Great analysis by Rosalie. (Peart was one Deep Mo'Fo.)
This was also written during Neil's "Ayn Rand days".
The song is about social inequality. It's not actually about trees.
Simply using his same analogy. @@andrewwamser7075
Gonna trickl;e down any day now
Many important messages in this song! Great video, thanks!
I wish I could like this reaction 100 times.
All us 'trees' lost a beautiful tree mind in Neil Peart. His lyrics are timeless. RIP
Rush was the backdrop to my youth. Does my heart good to see someone? Appreciate it today. While I was enduring a couple of foster homes and an orphanage the lyrics and the music bolstered me. I happen to be reading animal farm at the time. I heard this song for the first time. Funny how poignant it is today. RiP Neil Peart and thank you, Rosalie!
Neil was a philosopher that happened to be a once in a lifetime percussionist ❤
Great reaction I have been looking forward to you hearing this one. I love how Neil's clear and consise poetry in this short song sparks so many thoughts and interpretations. I am sure he intentionally wanted us to truly examine all of these questions of fairness verses equality verses equity. It is easy to see the maple's point of view that the oaks truely are being opressive but the forest naturually has layers to it's canopy. The differences of the trees and plants in each of those layers is an essential part of what makes a strong healthy forest and allows it to thrive. To me the ending of the song cautions us be careful how we seek equailty and make sure that our solution doesn't throw the whole socitey out of balence.
Been a fan of this band forever, Neil is to me the greatest lyricist/drummer in rock. They were my favorite band for years until I started listening to all-girl Japanese rock band named Band Maid. They are an incredibly talented hard rock band with a proggy edge. Like Gene Simmons said of Rush “ they are Rush” enough said, many many musicians and reactors say off Band Maid that Band Maid doin Band Maid in regard to their musical prowess and them being a genre u to themselves. I strongly suggest checking them out when you have the time. They’ve been together for over 11 years with over 140 songs.
Every time I hear this song I think of the old story about the trees voting for the ax because its handle was made of wood so they thought it was one of them. 😕
Please don't dare to refer to the current situation in the U.S. Hihi! Anyway, frohes neues Jahr!
@berndbrakemeier1418 I will dare as I wish. I am not attributing any motivation to Neil other than his expressed desire to write timeless lyrics and his stated recognition that history often appears to repeat itself.
Something interesting you should consider reacting to (or just watching for fun) is "Dinner with Rush at a Hunting Lodge" ... its literally the three of them chatting over a dinner (and quite a bit of wine).
Happy New Year to you, Rosalie and your family. You are a wonderful human being.
Absolutely love your interpretations in your reactions. Never just black and white but a prism of understanding. ⚫⚪🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣🟤 "Twenty One Twelve" is the correct way to say it.
The TREES is a top 10 RUSH for me ...... maybe I was the DAVID that you are referring too, as I find it difficult not to chime in on RUSH reaction vids complete with suggestions. I love your "from the heart" reactions. You cover so much. You always hit the nerve. I am so glad that there is a reactor that can analyze this great band the way you do!!
Happy new years Rosalie hope this one is as good as last year, thanks for all of the videos.
Your reactions to Rush songs are always so thoughtful and prevalent.... More Rush please.... Prayers up ❤️🙏 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Exceptionally strong start to 2025, Rosalie. An absolutely outstanding analysis and insights. I've always thought of this song as a combination of a warning to be careful what you wish for, and a reminder that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Best wishes for the coming year! (Oh, it's pronounced twenty-one twelve 😁).
Neil was asked if there was a message in the lyrics, to which he replied, "No. It was just a flash. I was working on an entirely different thing when I saw a cartoon picture of these trees carrying on like fools. I thought, 'What if trees acted like people?' So I saw it as a cartoon really, and wrote it that way. I think that's the image that it conjures up to a listener or a reader.
Thanks for sharing!
This song just applies to life and the world, no matter what year you listen to it in or apply it to. 🤯
A great first video of the year!🥳🤘
Hi Rosalie, good work. The upcoming Rush reaction of 2112 refers to the year. This masterpiece you will have heaps to talk about. Cheers and a Happy new year to you and family.
Once again, an absolutely brilliant analysis! 😊
On the studio version you can hear Neil's touches and effects are better, cowbells, wood blocks, etc Same for another song on the album, Circumstances, which I love.
Outstanding breakdown!! Happy New Year!
I am particularly taken by the ending of the story, where "The trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe and saw." This suggests the philosophical distinction between "equity" and "equality."
Neil’s lyrics are always deep. Alex and Geddy were masters at matching the music to what Neil wrote. Rush is immersive experience.
Outstanding analysis Rosalie, as always! Happy New Year to you and to all of your subscribers! Let's make it a great 2025 everybody! PS, can't wait for your reaction to "Twenty One Twelve." 😉
Great song. Niel can really put his spin on politics.
Yes !! He was an amazing poet !!
😊.. how many times did I say to myself, how relevant this lyric ingenious correlates to times and events!!? Lots...lol thanks for sharing Rush ❤️
Ay-yo! Great reaction. I can't wait for 2112 ( twenty-one twelve). You are going to LOVE it! It is truly a masterpiece.
This has always been one of my favorite Rush songs. The lyrics are magnificent.
Can't wait for the reaction to "Twenty-one Twelve" I know there will be a ton of requests for you to react to the "graphic novel" version, but I've always felt that it distracts the listener. I suggest the LIVE performance from The Molson Amphitheatre 1997. P.S. Happy New Year!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Strongly suggest "The Garden", their very last song from their last studio album. Geddy Lee said it's his favorite Rush song. The Guitar solo and the lyrics get to me every time.
In life we may perceive one another as having different rank or status often based on material wealth. But death is the great equalizer. No matter if you are a member of a royal family or a homeless person we all die in the end. A good friend told me what his grandfather once said, "In the game of chess there are different pieces with different rank and value (pawns, knights, bishops, queen etc.) at the end of the game all of the pieces are gathered up and go into the same box". It's a metaphor for humanity. Lesson: Be kind to everyone.
what a message for today!! It all started in the 60's, but has been stalled in the now. But greed hasn't stalled.
Unfortunately this started long before the 60's, pretty much since the beginning of time in one form or another.
Wow is right! Lol! So metaphorical.
Great reaction Rosalie!
Im very fortunate to have seen RUSH many times especially this HEMISPHERE tour.. Long live Niel Peart!
Fabulous RUSH review, as usual :)
One thing I didn't hear you catch (and I might have missed it) is, to me, the most obvious; Maple Tree = Canada, Oak Tree = United States. Rush is a Canadian band from Toronto, near the epicenter of Francophone-Anglephone tensions that relate directly to the United States across a very close border. This may be a political song, with the warning that if two nations that share a forest (North America) together don't learn to get along and work together, an outsider will come along and chop both of us down to a small, controllable size.
I’ve always thought that too but I’ve always thought of the oaks as England. The oak tree is their National tree I believe. But I don’t think there was ever much tension with the motherland.
Neil Peart & Kerry Livgren of Kansas were known for being the incredible lyricists of the time. You should react to Kansas "Incomudro- Hymn To The Atman".
Hemispheres ,my first album from Rush and i was sold. Realy,one of the most difficult albums for them but,what a masterpiece( saw them live in the 80's),together with Moving pictures and Permanent waves my favorite albums of them. Now,i made a logical step ,well,for me anyway, to Nightwish but Rush still has a big place in my musical agenda.🤘The lyrics of "The Trees" Is a metaphor for the unions,and a clever one,if i may say.✊🤘
Despite being very close to the album version from 'Hemispheres', this actually was played fully live! 😀👍
I love how 'raw' Alex' solo sounds here 😅
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
😀🙌💚🌈☀️🎵🍀🦋🌻
I used The Trees as a poem to dissect in grade 10 English back in the early 80s. Gotta share the genius of Neil Peart.
Live version of " passage to Bangkok" is phenomenal ❤
Rush doing Rush things. The musicianship is crazy in this group. Great reaction.
With my first time listening to this metaphor of society, THIS is the song where I learned that RUSH had a sense of humor!
As above, so below - the root system of a tree is as large as its canopy!
One of Neal Peart's best written songs!! And the trees were kept e quell By Hatchet, Axe, & Saw!! 😀🥶👌👍✌
I'm so glad you mentioned it....equality doesn't just mean the good stuff........
Beautiful song, great reaction video
Bonjour Rosalie
I realy appreciate the way you analyse these songs, very interresting.
I would like to add something about the song (The Trees) from Rush…I’m a french Canadian from Québec city in the province of Québec est of the province of Ontario… as you know, Rush came from Toronto Ontario.
Since the beginning of Canada, theres always frictions between Frenchs and English peoples, there was 2 referemdums for the seperation of Québec from the Canada country… one in 1980, and the second in 1995. It’s a political sensible subject. we think that Neil, in his way, talk about this situation…
French = maples (so we have a lot in eastern Canada, and the Oaks = English .
Tank you and keep the good work, very cool!
Since these lyrics mention the formation of a union, I've always taken them to be a commentary on the struggles between management and labor. In this context, the last line can be seen to make reference to jobs lost, and even businesses destroyed by this struggle.
Broons Bane is the prelude to The Trees, that is something to listen too.
Phenomenal musicians, period. No arguments, that is all.
Love your analysis