Neil Peart wrote this song about his feelings on fame. Being famous felt so unreal to him, because it had so little bearing on his relationships offstage. As a gangly shy kid, he felt that he'd been miscast as a famous rock star. He realized that being in the limelight was a dream come true with respect to the group's public image: "The universal dream for those who wish to seem." On the other hand, it was an impediment to maintaining real-world relationships: Those who wish to be Must put aside the alienation Get on with the fascination The real relation ... Geddy Lee said that this one line described Neil's relationship with the media perfectly: "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend." He was notorious for coming off as cold and standoffish, but in later interviews, he stated that this was unintentional. He was simply shy and didn't really know what to say to someone who seemed to know so much more about him than he knew about them. The one line that really resonated with Brad is actually a reference to a scene from William Shakespeare's As You Like It that begins like this: All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, ... Neil Peart was really well-read, and his lyrics reflect that. According to the various Rush documentaries that I've seen, he accidentally became the group's lyricist when Geddy Lee noticed him reading and writing lots of poetry on tour. He was tired of struggling with both the lyrics and music, so he asked Neil to pitch in with the lyrics. Neil was happy to take that role on, and the rest is rock history.
@@williamshelton4318 Elton John, Radiohead, Lou Reed, The Band, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello... "Good artists borrow. Great artists steal." - Anyone who wrote a #1 hit.
I avoided Shakespeare partly on purpose by taking journalism classes in High School instead of English. I can't fault any one for not picking up on the refs. That was a couple of decades ago and you can't avoid Shakespeare forever. There's a new Macbeth coming out with Denzel soon.
@@bothellkenmore And he'll say the same words written 400 years ago, just as Leonardo Di Caprio did in Romeo and Juliet. Damn, now THAT'S writing. All I do is type...
From William Shakespeare's "As You Like It": All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages....
Bassist Geddy Lee describes the motivation for "Limelight" in a 1988 interview: Limelight was probably more of Neil's song than a lot of the songs on that album in the sense that his feelings about being in the limelight and his difficulty with coming to grips with fame and autograph seekers and a sudden lack of privacy and sudden demands on his time ... he was having a very difficult time dealing with. I mean we all were, but I think he was having the most difficulty of the three of us adjusting; in the sense that I think he's more sensitive to more things than Alex [Lifeson] and I are, it's difficult for him to deal with those interruptions on his personal space and his desire to be alone. Being very much a person who needs that solitude, to have someone coming up to you constantly and asking for your autograph is a major interruption in your own little world.
Can`t pretend a stranger. Yes man, Peart was a very unique as well as talented man. He is with us here on record, thank God, and Rest now from labor Neil !
The best kind of lyrics, the ones that allow you to read your own perspective into it. Brad got DEEP here. This is one of the big draws for Rush fans. Their lyrics are second to none
Yeah I'm glad Brad liked this one. It's a fantastic song. In a lot of ways Rush is a great band because they can appeal to both those who appreciate lyrics but also instrumentals. Their lyrics are always poetic, and insighful while being paired with instrumentals that are some of the most intricately woven in the industry.
Rush drummer (the late) Neil Peart wrote 'Limelight' about his personal struggle w/ fame... Peart was a shy, awkward geek who played drums in Canada... From 1974 til 1980, Rush went from 3 nobodies to international stars. So, it was difficult for Peart to come offstage... and fans would be mobbing him... banging on his hotel room for autographs... heaping praise on him. He was very uncomfortable w/ that kind of attention from strangers... his privacy was gone. This was his way of telling fans that he couldn't be this character people wanted to see. He couldn't be this people-friendly guy... he was shy & private ... so he came off as cold and distant.
Please check out “Free Will” by Rush. I think Brad will dig the lyrics and it’s another great musical performance by this incredible band. Plus, it’s a sentiment we ALL need to hear in these times.
That's so cool that you realized the song is in 3/4 time (3 beats per measure) instead of 4/4. This is one of those songs that you have to pay attention to each instrument individually to really appreciate what each guy is adding to the music.
Lex-very astute observation concerning the timing and the comparison to Zep's "Black Dog". You're right, it's counted 1-2-3, 1-2-3. The time signature for that section is 6/8. Brad-you sussed out the meaning of the lyrics, right on. It's about being famous, which Neil always struggled with a bit. Especially the line: "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend", referring to the awkwardness of meeting fans who feel like they know you, and you've never met them before.
I agree that was a great call by Lex. Time signatures built around 4's and 3's sound completely different. It's one thing to perceive the differences. But to express it in terms of numbers like that was really impressive. I often wonder what goes through Lex's mind when she's listening to music; it's like she's engaging it on some other level entirely. You can see the wheels turning when you look in her eyes. It's a great counterpoint to Brad's focus on lyric and meaning. What a great dynamic! I've become a big fan!
I love the guitar solo. Alex wanted something that slowed the tempo and expressed the sadness that having to deal with fame can create and I think he and the band nailed it, of course.
This is off Moving Pictures probably my favorite Rush album.R.I.P. The drummer Neil Peart who also wrote all the lyrics for Rush.They were such an influence on me growing up.👍
Very, very perceptive on the count, Lex! A different vibe, indeed. These guys were my favorite band for many of my teenage years, and, oddly (lol) my parents let me drive almost 3 hrs. with some friends on my 16th birthday to go see them in concert, lol. They were an eternally optimistic band and were all three ridiculously talented musicians and songwriters. You guys should dig deep and get into the 2112 suite on the 2112 album. It consists of the entire first side, but is well worth it. Reactors seem love it. Cheers!
I love that you guys are enjoying Rush. I’ve been listening since the late 70s and saw them live right through to their final tour. Modest and immensely talented - I miss them so much. Their music got me through so much. They have such an incredibly deep catalog to draw from - keep it up.
Thanks for your Rush reaction videos. As a lifelong Rush fan who has listened to these songs hundreds of fans it is always fun to watch new listeners bump into this stuff. I also like your videos because most Rush reaction videos focus so much on the music: :"This is in the key of C, now they are switching E", or "This is in 3/4 and now they moved to 7/8". You guys focus on the lyrics, which is so often missed by the other videos. They spend so much time talking about the technicality of the music (which is certainly deserving of all that attention) but say nothing about the meaning of the song. You guys find the meaning, or what it means to you. Again, as a lifelong fan it is cool to see what you, as new listeners, get from these songs.
2:19 Those lyrics right there is the heart & soul of the song. They're singing about what fame it's like from 'his' perspective. We as the 'audience' see it based on what we see. He's telling us what it's like on the other side of the lens.
Rush is perfect for you guys...all the deep, intricate lyrics for Brad to work out the meaning of, and the rich, powerful music to give Lex all the warm feels!
I heard a great story illustrating the childlike innocence of RUSH; when they arrived backstage at their first big concert, they saw all the food laid out and asked “Is this free?”
One of the things I love about Rush . Is all the instruments are at the forefront. Nothing overshadows the other . Everything is blended so well that if you zone on one instrument, you can follow it all the way through. You can't do that with too many bands . Things fade in n out.. but rush were masters of the proper blend .. my opinion.. great reaction you two . 🤘🏼
There’s another song from this album you guys might consider: “Witch Hunt.” Brad will appreciate the lyrics for it, and Lex will dig how cinematic it feels.
You two are much smarter than me. Love watching you discuss these songs. I've heard these songs for years. but your fresh eyes and logic help me hear them again for the first time. Thank God for you, both.
This was the song that turned me on to Rush. Neil was an amazing musician and human being who landed a job with two other amazing musicians and human beings. "Beyond the Lighted Stage" gave me a deeper appreciation for Rush musically and on the human level. The coolest thing I ever heard Neil speak was at the band's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when he said while they joked about such a thing not really being a big deal, it is actually a big deal. Almost like he and the band transcended the theme of Limelight. RIP Neil...you are missed. Your reactions to this song really hit home. Rush makes you think on a whole other level.
Brad and Lex: good ears! You talked about the speed feeling like a 3 count - most of this song is in 4/4 time, but there are definitely bars in 3/4. Great catch!
NEIL PEART’S NARRATION ON EXIT STAGE LEFT DVD: There’s a tremendous ambiance about a concert hall…to even before a band starts playing…from the time the doors open..this place feels electric you know! That’s one of the things I like most about the road that feeling of standing in the hall when the doors open feel the excitement bursting into the hall. I must admit I feel very comfortable playing live a lot! A very modern urban setting for that Tom Sawyer mentality and a very carefree stride and a very self-possessed kind of air. Xanadu: The question we tend to ask the most often is WHAT IF? I think of you had to simplify a motivation or simplify a moving force in our music that would probably…suffice! Red Barchetta: Well it seems to me a car is one of those handy metaphors and volumes have been written about the sociological and cultural impact of the car and what it represents but it also has a very fundamental sensual feel and it’s a metaphor for sexuality and freedom. We’ve certainly tried to guide everything by the principles that were interested in and the freedom of choice and the material we’ve been playing and expression of music that we found to be exciting would excite other people as well. If the songwriting is important and playing really well on stage is important it’s gonna make the difference between feeling good or not feeling good when I walk off stage feeling that I played as well as I can or as close to well as I can then I feel very satisfied and good for what you have done. YYZED: I think there is a very strong relation maybe not generally recognized between drums and between words as the rhythmic structure and phrasing and the rhythm of verse especially is very strongly rooted in the same syncopation as drums the same patterns of thinking overall work for me with words as much as they do with drum beats.
Y'all are quickly becoming my favorite reactors. Rush is deep, always. But please give "Free Will" a reaction. Or "Turn the Page". This band will never fail to make you think, feel, and love!
Fantastic analysis of Rush’s “Limelight”! You caught the numerous different time signatures (7/4, 3/4, 4/4) and a lot of the lyrical depth in this classic. Much appreciation for some of the best Rush reaction vids on RUclips!
Just discovered you two. Subscribed. I am THANKFUL to have witnessed this band live during the Vapor Trails Tour. They sounded just as good live as the studio recordings. A remarkable band. :)
Keep working it out Brad. Rush is like solving a math problem. Very few people (if any) get everything out of a Rush song on the first try. I personally tackle the music first then break down the lyrics. I still hear something new each time. That's why it's smart music for weirdos.
Brad, you hit it on the head with your "All the world's indeed a stage" analysis. Lyricist and drummer Neil Peart totes ripped that directly from Shakespeare, but in the best way possible. It dovetails into Limelight so perfectly and is literally the crux of the meaning of this song. I love watching new Rush listeners.... They were the first concert I saw in 1991, and they remain to this day one of my favorite bands due to their complexity coupled with their straight ahead bad ass rock.
Love your reaction! It's cool to get a fresh unbiased opinion on one of my favorite Rush songs. How great to see new faces lending their voices to great musicians from Canada! Thanks for Keepin' it real guys! :)
Good taste Brad. And Lex picks up on the time signatures. It's one of the best songs ever made. 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 underlying theme. All of us.
Neil Peart's death still takes my breath away. I died a little inside when he left. If for nothing else I want to thank your channel for keeping his spirit alive.
In another Rush video, Lex says "So many changes... So many cool sounds" - I most definitely agree with her. It sums up every song ever recorded by Rush.
Best lyricist ever!. When doing Rush reactions, as interesting and captivating as their live performance are, you should have the lyrics in sight. Neil is a genius and a prophet. His words still have meaning are still relevant socially 40 years later. Songs like Natural science, witch hunt, vital signs, Subdivisions, Losing it. Available light and a 100 more, are still right on point and offer a unique vision of the world and society itself. He will never be replaced.
So much fun to watch you youngsters trying to grasp the level of musical skill and creative composition that it took so many hundreds of hours to master.
Not only was Neil Peart was arguably the best drummer ever, He is also one helluva lyricist. It makes one wonder how does this band create such great songs about a large variety of real life topics.
I got to see Rush Live in 2011 when they played Dublin on their Time Machine Tour one of the best gigs I`ve ever been to, unbelievable sound for 3 guys on stage and to see Neil Peart (R.I.P.) do his thing man I`ll never forget it, Neil was also the Lyricist for the band, you should check out more of their stuff you won`t be disappointed, peace & love to you both from Ireland ✌💚☘
The two of you are so adorable, Very nice chemistry between the two of you when you discuss music. Is Lex a musician? She really responds to Rush the way musicians do, picking up on subtle time changes and tones. Lex, I think it's time to release your inner Geddy Lee, Lol!
This song is a really personal one for the drummer, Neil Peart (RIP). He was a very shy person, and was never comfortable at meet and greets, or fan events, because he was so uncomfortable around strangers. He had difficulty "putting on the mask" and being a smiley, superhero rock star. He was a super-sensitive thinker, who read a lot and wrote a lot (he has several books he wrote, as well almost all of Rush's songs). He just couldn't deal with people hero worshiping him and acting like they knew him just because they liked his music. So while most people would view being a rock star as the ultimate dream, he was always uncomfortable with it and felt totally out of place other than when onstage playing with his friends.
I always felt Neil was speaking of the whole fan experience. They have to “pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend”. Meeting the fans and the reaction to the band. We are all just people but celebrity worship eludes some. Neil Pearr was one of those.
Your talk about cadence is called time signature. Limelight is in 7/4, which means each bar is comprised of 7 quarter notes. For reference, songs are typically in 4/4 which in simple terms means you can count to 4 in repetition to stay on beat. Try a listen back and count to 7 repeatedly. Prog bands like to write in weird time signatures and gets even more fun when they change time sig within the song
Yet again guys a brilliant reaction. Rush are one of my favourite bands . Lex your analysis of the song timing and comparing to Black Dog was brilliant. Brad you are so right about the lyrics dude...we are indeed all actors on this worlds stage. I really enjoy listening to your reactions ..your knowledge , enthusiasm and love shines through . I always end up with a smile on my face. Take care, stay safe. Peace and love from Liverpool UK 👍✌️🤘
Their first live album (recorded in June 1976 at Toronto's Massey Hall) is also titled "All The World's A Stage". They also have a live record called "Different Stages" which also fits the theme. The lines Brad referenced are adapted from Wm Shakespeare's "As You Like It" Act II, Scene VII: "All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts..." An idea to which Neil would return. There are two Rush songs you should check out: "Cinderella Man" Geddy Lee (vocals, bass & keyboards) wrote the lyrics which makes this a bit of a rarity in that Neil is usually thought of as the lyric writer. It was inspired by the film "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town" (remade in the 2000s as "Mr Deeds" with Adam Sandler in the title role). Regular guy inherits a ton of money and tries to do good with his newly found wealth. Great song. Great movie, too. The 1930s original starred Gary Cooper ruclips.net/video/wl7JYp8yMu8/видео.html "Workin' Them Angels" - Neil was traveling on one of his adventures on the healing road and whilst sitting at supper one evening he happen to notice an older black couple walking into the restaurant. The woman was saying to her companion, "You're workin' them angels overtime". Neil imagined it was in response to his driving habits. Neil immediately saw the connection to his own life and put it into this song. ruclips.net/video/aGwI7YM0bIY/видео.html
Lex is really nailing the concept Rushs’ music! They were always known for playing in different time signatures. A very progressive rock trait. All 3 of the members of Rush were awesome musicians. I graduated HS in 1985 and Rush was my favorite band. Still is in my top five to this day.
Brad, as someone else pointed out, the drummer of the band (the late Neil Peart) wrote most of the lyrics for Rush, including this song. The verse that really resonated with you about the world being a stage is a riff on Act 2 of Shakespeare's "As You Like It," where one of the characters says this: ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.’ Peart was a real scholar of literature and philosophy, and a lot of very deep thoughts appear in his lyrics. And Lex, you are not wrong about the timing in this song. Rush was a band that enjoyed switching meter and time signature during their songs. They will easily shift from the "common" 4/4 time to 3/4, 6/4, and sometimes even 5/8, 7/8, or even more complex time signatures. Sometimes it's only for a few measures in a song, and sometimes whole sections of the song will be in different time signatures. You two make a great pair for reacting to songs because each of you brings a different love of music to the table. Brad has his focus on finding the meaning and significance of the lyrics, and Lex just wants to "feel" the music and have it take her somewhere. It's rare to find a one-person reaction channel that can appreciate both of those elements of the music as deeply as each of you can. Keep up the great work!
I’m always commenting about Lex but I want to say I appreciate Brad’s attention to the lyrics and consideration of the meaning. You two make a great combination!
Neil Peart the drummer is The Lyricist for the band and he was never a fan of greeting fans like the line in the song, I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend. Brad you're going to love rush because the lyrics are incredibly deep! You have one hell of a rabbit hole to jump down! I highly recommend the garden, closer to the heart, the pass, nobody's hero that's just for starters
The 'All the Worlds a stage..." is taken from a Shakespeare play called 'As You Like It'. All the World's a stage was also the name of a Rush Live Concert Album from 1977
Good observation, Rush's timing signatures are like no other band in the world, they are everywhere and so complicated they bring joy without the listener understanding why they have joy, they just have joy.
Neil Peart the drummer was also the lyrist and he was a very shy and private person who had a hard time with fame. The line I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend is how he about being approached by fans. check out Natural Science by them. cheers
I want the gif @7:25. Awesome review. Glad to hear you take on the lyrics Brad. Rush, Neil Peart the drummer/writer has a dope-ass POV. And Lex, time signatures girl. You’re on it. You got this!
I watched the Rush documentary and they talked about how neil could never quite embrace the personal interactions with fans and he was overwhelmed by them. He wrote this song to express those feelings
As a 50 something, I was required by law to buy guitars during the COVID lockdown. Learning how to play some of my favorite songs is when I finally understood 3:4 time. That is so cool that you picked up on that change in the usual beat! I still can't play guitar worth a damn, but I can follow a beat now.
Many bands can make you feel. RUSH is one the rarest of rare bands that makes you feel and think at the same time. The lyrics are equal to the music and the music is on an entirely different level than any other band you will ever hear. You have 19 studio albums to go through spanning a 40 year plus career. Their last song on their last studio album "The Garden" is one of the best songs that has ever been written and this is how unbelievably good RUSH really is.
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Neil Peart wrote this song about his feelings on fame. Being famous felt so unreal to him, because it had so little bearing on his relationships offstage. As a gangly shy kid, he felt that he'd been miscast as a famous rock star. He realized that being in the limelight was a dream come true with respect to the group's public image: "The universal dream for those who wish to seem."
On the other hand, it was an impediment to maintaining real-world relationships:
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
...
Geddy Lee said that this one line described Neil's relationship with the media perfectly: "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend." He was notorious for coming off as cold and standoffish, but in later interviews, he stated that this was unintentional. He was simply shy and didn't really know what to say to someone who seemed to know so much more about him than he knew about them.
The one line that really resonated with Brad is actually a reference to a scene from William Shakespeare's As You Like It that begins like this:
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
...
Neil Peart was really well-read, and his lyrics reflect that. According to the various Rush documentaries that I've seen, he accidentally became the group's lyricist when Geddy Lee noticed him reading and writing lots of poetry on tour. He was tired of struggling with both the lyrics and music, so he asked Neil to pitch in with the lyrics. Neil was happy to take that role on, and the rest is rock history.
Very very well said
Very well read... 😜 Excellent summary of the piece.
..not much I could add
You left out my favorite part...the underlying theme.
perfect
"When do you listen to something like this?" Whenever you want to hear great music from one of the greatest bands ever!
Exactly. It's art, not necessarily background for something else.
Yep, if you're going to just sit and consciously listen to music (like people used to do), you need something that runs deep on a number of levels.
Rush is the occasion
Often!🤘😎🤘
It's not background. It's foreground.
"All the World's a Stage." Welcome to Shakespeare, Brad. :)
Yes, Neil read a lot.
I wonder how many other songs reference Shakespeare?
@@williamshelton4318 Elton John, Radiohead, Lou Reed, The Band, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello...
"Good artists borrow. Great artists steal." - Anyone who wrote a #1 hit.
I avoided Shakespeare partly on purpose by taking journalism classes in High School instead of English. I can't fault any one for not picking up on the refs. That was a couple of decades ago and you can't avoid Shakespeare forever. There's a new Macbeth coming out with Denzel soon.
@@bothellkenmore And he'll say the same words written 400 years ago, just as Leonardo Di Caprio did in Romeo and Juliet. Damn, now THAT'S writing.
All I do is type...
From William Shakespeare's "As You Like It":
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages....
"That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse."
Whitman
You're starting to get it, Brad! Rush is deep, makes you think 🤔 Not just three amazing musicians...they got bars, too 😄🤘
There are a lot of time signature changes throughout. Rick Beato does a nice breakdown of the whole song.
He’s a great start for their education in music appreciation
Rick’s breakdowns are the best.
Geddy once said in an interview (I paraphrase here), I'm in Rush. My favorite meter is 7/8.
Bassist Geddy Lee describes the motivation for "Limelight" in a 1988 interview:
Limelight was probably more of Neil's song than a lot of the songs on that album in the sense that his feelings about being in the limelight and his difficulty with coming to grips with fame and autograph seekers and a sudden lack of privacy and sudden demands on his time ... he was having a very difficult time dealing with. I mean we all were, but I think he was having the most difficulty of the three of us adjusting; in the sense that I think he's more sensitive to more things than Alex [Lifeson] and I are, it's difficult for him to deal with those interruptions on his personal space and his desire to be alone. Being very much a person who needs that solitude, to have someone coming up to you constantly and asking for your autograph is a major interruption in your own little world.
Can`t pretend a stranger. Yes man, Peart was a very unique as well as talented man. He is with us here on record, thank God, and Rest now from labor Neil !
The best kind of lyrics, the ones that allow you to read your own perspective into it. Brad got DEEP here. This is one of the big draws for Rush fans. Their lyrics are second to none
Yeah I'm glad Brad liked this one. It's a fantastic song. In a lot of ways Rush is a great band because they can appeal to both those who appreciate lyrics but also instrumentals. Their lyrics are always poetic, and insighful while being paired with instrumentals that are some of the most intricately woven in the industry.
That smile at 5:16 ! I react the same everytime I listen to that guitar. She felt it too,bro, keep her.
A great crunchy guitar combined with insightful lyrics makes for a memorable song.
Rush drummer (the late) Neil Peart wrote 'Limelight' about his personal struggle w/ fame... Peart was a shy, awkward geek who played drums in Canada... From 1974 til 1980, Rush went from 3 nobodies to international stars.
So, it was difficult for Peart to come offstage... and fans would be mobbing him... banging on his hotel room for autographs... heaping praise on him. He was very uncomfortable w/ that kind of attention from strangers... his privacy was gone.
This was his way of telling fans that he couldn't be this character people wanted to see. He couldn't be this people-friendly guy... he was shy & private ... so he came off as cold and distant.
Please check out “Free Will” by Rush.
I think Brad will dig the lyrics and it’s another great musical performance by this incredible band.
Plus, it’s a sentiment we ALL need to hear in these times.
And the solo break in Freewill
And the solo break in Freewill is the greatest 60 seconds in my musical lifetime (everytime I hear it!)
If I started my own religion "Free Will" would be it's primary hymn.
I love the philosophical takes in Rush's songs, and Freewill most of all. And that's on top of the great music and killer solo!
That's so cool that you realized the song is in 3/4 time (3 beats per measure) instead of 4/4. This is one of those songs that you have to pay attention to each instrument individually to really appreciate what each guy is adding to the music.
This song changes time signature about 13 times.
When Lex smiles, I smile.
It’s automatic
Lex-very astute observation concerning the timing and the comparison to Zep's "Black Dog". You're right, it's counted 1-2-3, 1-2-3. The time signature for that section is 6/8.
Brad-you sussed out the meaning of the lyrics, right on. It's about being famous, which Neil always struggled with a bit. Especially the line:
"I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend", referring to the awkwardness of meeting fans who feel like they know you, and you've never met them before.
I agree that was a great call by Lex. Time signatures built around 4's and 3's sound completely different. It's one thing to perceive the differences. But to express it in terms of numbers like that was really impressive.
I often wonder what goes through Lex's mind when she's listening to music; it's like she's engaging it on some other level entirely. You can see the wheels turning when you look in her eyes.
It's a great counterpoint to Brad's focus on lyric and meaning. What a great dynamic! I've become a big fan!
She also connected it with the dropped beat in Black Dog. She's a sharp one - an intuitive thinker.
As a couple both bring something different but integral to music reaction. This dynamic is why I enjoy these.
i think it's 7/4
@@terrylandess6072 I too like how the each raises the other's awareness about aspects of what a 'song' actually 'is.'
I love the guitar solo. Alex wanted something that slowed the tempo and expressed the sadness that having to deal with fame can create and I think he and the band nailed it, of course.
This is off Moving Pictures probably my favorite Rush album.R.I.P. The drummer Neil Peart who also wrote all the lyrics for Rush.They were such an influence on me growing up.👍
RUSH!!! The BEST band out of Canada EVER!!!!
Very, very perceptive on the count, Lex! A different vibe, indeed. These guys were my favorite band for many of my teenage years, and, oddly (lol) my parents let me drive almost 3 hrs. with some friends on my 16th birthday to go see them in concert, lol. They were an eternally optimistic band and were all three ridiculously talented musicians and songwriters. You guys should dig deep and get into the 2112 suite on the 2112 album. It consists of the entire first side, but is well worth it. Reactors seem love it. Cheers!
So glad you are experiencing this iconic Canadian rock band. I'm from their hometown and have always been a huge fan.🇨🇦🤠👍
I love that you guys are enjoying Rush. I’ve been listening since the late 70s and saw them live right through to their final tour. Modest and immensely talented - I miss them so much. Their music got me through so much. They have such an incredibly deep catalog to draw from - keep it up.
When you break down the drums, guitar and bass. Then see how they weave with each other in this tune. It’s a total eargasm.
I love that: Maybe the part that makes you unique is a part you don't even know about. Lexi!
woo hoo! Super cool.
Neil Peart wrote all the lyrics that Geddy Lee sang.He was called "The Professor" in part because of his poetic mastery in writing lyrics.
Great reaction, good interpretation, Rush rarely disappoints, neither do you guys! Enjoyed!
I like that you two really try to dissect each song. One of my favorite reaction channels.
If you enjoyed the Lyrics of this one, you've GOT TO react to Rush's 1982 song 'Losing it'. Fantastic music, fantastic lyrics!
Nothing like writing a song that explains your retirement 35 years before you retire.
Do NOT make them cry. Yet.
@@mlinderict Lachrymal, again, but with a smile. Thanks for reminding me.
Losing It is a must!!!!
Losing It is the shit!
Thanks for your Rush reaction videos. As a lifelong Rush fan who has listened to these songs hundreds of fans it is always fun to watch new listeners bump into this stuff. I also like your videos because most Rush reaction videos focus so much on the music: :"This is in the key of C, now they are switching E", or "This is in 3/4 and now they moved to 7/8". You guys focus on the lyrics, which is so often missed by the other videos. They spend so much time talking about the technicality of the music (which is certainly deserving of all that attention) but say nothing about the meaning of the song. You guys find the meaning, or what it means to you. Again, as a lifelong fan it is cool to see what you, as new listeners, get from these songs.
2:19 Those lyrics right there is the heart & soul of the song. They're singing about what fame it's like from 'his' perspective. We as the 'audience' see it based on what we see. He's telling us what it's like on the other side of the lens.
Rush is perfect for you guys...all the deep, intricate lyrics for Brad to work out the meaning of, and the rich, powerful music to give Lex all the warm feels!
"Check out the big brain on Brad!" - I like your analysis
Everytime Brad gives, what I think is a great insight, that line from Pulp Fiction comes to mind 😂😂
just missing the big kahuna burger
Great observation, Lex. Rush loves odd time signatures. Awesome!
I heard a great story illustrating the childlike innocence of RUSH; when they arrived backstage at their first big concert, they saw all the food laid out and asked “Is this free?”
One of the things I love about Rush . Is all the instruments are at the forefront. Nothing overshadows the other . Everything is blended so well that if you zone on one instrument, you can follow it all the way through. You can't do that with too many bands . Things fade in n out.. but rush were masters of the proper blend .. my opinion.. great reaction you two . 🤘🏼
There’s another song from this album you guys might consider: “Witch Hunt.” Brad will appreciate the lyrics for it, and Lex will dig how cinematic it feels.
And Vital Signs
So much talent from three guys. Always loved Rush.
Not gonna lie…. Here to see Lex react, that smile can light up many a darkness…. But my guy Brad, won me over with his reaction to the lyric🤙
You two are much smarter than me. Love watching you discuss these songs. I've heard these songs for years. but your fresh eyes and logic help me hear them again for the first time. Thank God for you, both.
I'm with Lex the music comes first and then the Lyrics. Great show keep up the good work.
This was the song that turned me on to Rush. Neil was an amazing musician and human being who landed a job with two other amazing musicians and human beings. "Beyond the Lighted Stage" gave me a deeper appreciation for Rush musically and on the human level. The coolest thing I ever heard Neil speak was at the band's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when he said while they joked about such a thing not really being a big deal, it is actually a big deal. Almost like he and the band transcended the theme of Limelight. RIP Neil...you are missed. Your reactions to this song really hit home. Rush makes you think on a whole other level.
Rush is a thinkers band......the thoughts and philosophy Neil wrote about helped define the way I wanted to think about life
Alex Lifeson makes you FEEL with his guitar solos. Beautiful construction and touch. He is so emotive here.
Brad and Lex: good ears! You talked about the speed feeling like a 3 count - most of this song is in 4/4 time, but there are definitely bars in 3/4. Great catch!
NEIL PEART’S NARRATION ON EXIT STAGE LEFT DVD:
There’s a tremendous ambiance about a concert hall…to even before a band starts playing…from the time the doors open..this place feels electric you know!
That’s one of the things I like most about the road that feeling of standing in the hall when the doors open feel the excitement bursting into the hall.
I must admit I feel very comfortable playing live a lot!
A very modern urban setting for that Tom Sawyer mentality and a very carefree stride and a very self-possessed kind of air.
Xanadu: The question we tend to ask the most often is WHAT IF? I think of you had to simplify a motivation or simplify a moving force in our music that would probably…suffice!
Red Barchetta: Well it seems to me a car is one of those handy metaphors and volumes have been written about the sociological and cultural impact of the car and what it represents but it also has a very fundamental sensual feel and it’s a metaphor for sexuality and freedom.
We’ve certainly tried to guide everything by the principles that were interested in and the freedom of choice and the material we’ve been playing and expression of music that we found to be exciting would excite other people as well.
If the songwriting is important and playing really well on stage is important it’s gonna make the difference between feeling good or not feeling good when I walk off stage feeling that I played as well as I can or as close to well as I can then I feel very satisfied and good for what you have done.
YYZED:
I think there is a very strong relation maybe not generally recognized between drums and between words as the rhythmic structure and phrasing and the rhythm of verse especially is very strongly rooted in the same syncopation as drums the same patterns of thinking overall work for me with words as much as they do with drum beats.
Y'all are quickly becoming my favorite reactors. Rush is deep, always. But please give "Free Will" a reaction. Or "Turn the Page". This band will never fail to make you think, feel, and love!
I've always loved this song. I'm glad more people are being introduced to it.
Love the high sustained feedback note at the end of the guitar solo.
Fantastic analysis of Rush’s “Limelight”! You caught the numerous different time signatures (7/4, 3/4, 4/4) and a lot of the lyrical depth in this classic. Much appreciation for some of the best Rush reaction vids on RUclips!
Rush has to be one of my favourite such a Amazing sound the have 🔥🤘🔥
Just discovered you two. Subscribed. I am THANKFUL to have witnessed this band live during the Vapor Trails Tour. They sounded just as good live as the studio recordings. A remarkable band. :)
Rush is a thinking man’s band. They are also known as musician’s musicians
Rush is known for their time signatures
They are an incredible band
Keep working it out Brad. Rush is like solving a math problem. Very few people (if any) get everything out of a Rush song on the first try.
I personally tackle the music first then break down the lyrics. I still hear something new each time. That's why it's smart music for weirdos.
Limelight is one of those few PERFECT songs.
Time stand still next please, great song and great meaning.
That's the thought that ran through my head the first time I held my daughter. I just wanted that moment to last a bit longer❤
Brad, you hit it on the head with your "All the world's indeed a stage" analysis. Lyricist and drummer Neil Peart totes ripped that directly from Shakespeare, but in the best way possible. It dovetails into Limelight so perfectly and is literally the crux of the meaning of this song.
I love watching new Rush listeners....
They were the first concert I saw in 1991, and they remain to this day one of my favorite bands due to their complexity coupled with their straight ahead bad ass rock.
I think you guys would like Freewill by Rush. Amazing music, and lyrics
Love your reaction! It's cool to get a fresh unbiased opinion on one of my favorite Rush songs. How great to see new faces lending their voices to great musicians from Canada! Thanks for Keepin' it real guys! :)
Good taste Brad. And Lex picks up on the time signatures. It's one of the best songs ever made.
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 underlying theme.
All of us.
I love Brad's appreciation for Neil's lyricism.
Neil Peart's death still takes my breath away. I died a little inside when he left. If for nothing else I want to thank your channel for keeping his spirit alive.
In another Rush video, Lex says "So many changes... So many cool sounds" - I most definitely agree with her.
It sums up every song ever recorded by Rush.
Best lyricist ever!. When doing Rush reactions, as interesting and captivating as their live performance are, you should have the lyrics in sight. Neil is a genius and a prophet. His words still have meaning are still relevant socially 40 years later. Songs like Natural science, witch hunt, vital signs, Subdivisions, Losing it. Available light and a 100 more, are still right on point and offer a unique vision of the world and society itself. He will never be replaced.
So much fun to watch you youngsters trying to grasp the level of musical skill and creative composition that it took so many hundreds of hours to master.
Not only was Neil Peart was arguably the best drummer ever, He is also one helluva lyricist. It makes one wonder how does this band create such great songs about a large variety of real life topics.
They live in Canada, enough said😊
Awesome song. Lifeson's solo in this is short but sweet. Great artists. Some of the best. Masterclass.
You guys might enjoy "Entre Nous" by Rush. It explores the same themes of how we relate to each other.
I got to see Rush Live in 2011 when they played Dublin on their Time Machine Tour one of the best gigs
I`ve ever been to, unbelievable sound for 3 guys on stage and to see Neil Peart (R.I.P.) do his thing man I`ll never forget it, Neil was also the Lyricist for the band, you should check out more of their stuff you won`t be disappointed, peace & love to you both from Ireland ✌💚☘
The two of you are so adorable, Very nice chemistry between the two of you when you discuss music. Is Lex a musician? She really responds to Rush the way musicians do, picking up on subtle time changes and tones. Lex, I think it's time to release your inner Geddy Lee, Lol!
This song is a really personal one for the drummer, Neil Peart (RIP). He was a very shy person, and was never comfortable at meet and greets, or fan events, because he was so uncomfortable around strangers. He had difficulty "putting on the mask" and being a smiley, superhero rock star. He was a super-sensitive thinker, who read a lot and wrote a lot (he has several books he wrote, as well almost all of Rush's songs). He just couldn't deal with people hero worshiping him and acting like they knew him just because they liked his music. So while most people would view being a rock star as the ultimate dream, he was always uncomfortable with it and felt totally out of place other than when onstage playing with his friends.
I always felt Neil was speaking of the whole fan experience. They have to “pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend”. Meeting the fans and the reaction to the band. We are all just people but celebrity worship eludes some. Neil Pearr was one of those.
Your talk about cadence is called time signature. Limelight is in 7/4, which means each bar is comprised of 7 quarter notes. For reference, songs are typically in 4/4 which in simple terms means you can count to 4 in repetition to stay on beat. Try a listen back and count to 7 repeatedly. Prog bands like to write in weird time signatures and gets even more fun when they change time sig within the song
It's about being famous and people think they know you, and that you want to know them
Yet again guys a brilliant reaction. Rush are one of my favourite bands . Lex your analysis of the song timing and comparing to Black Dog was brilliant. Brad you are so right about the lyrics dude...we are indeed all actors on this worlds stage.
I really enjoy listening to your reactions ..your knowledge , enthusiasm and love shines through . I always end up with a smile on my face. Take care, stay safe. Peace and love from Liverpool UK 👍✌️🤘
Rush always plays with time signatures, switching a number of times between weird ones often in the same song
Their first live album (recorded in June 1976 at Toronto's Massey Hall) is also titled "All The World's A Stage". They also have a live record called "Different Stages" which also fits the theme. The lines Brad referenced are adapted from Wm Shakespeare's "As You Like It" Act II, Scene VII:
"All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts..."
An idea to which Neil would return.
There are two Rush songs you should check out:
"Cinderella Man" Geddy Lee (vocals, bass & keyboards) wrote the lyrics which makes this a bit of a rarity in that Neil is usually thought of as the lyric writer. It was inspired by the film "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town" (remade in the 2000s as "Mr Deeds" with Adam Sandler in the title role). Regular guy inherits a ton of money and tries to do good with his newly found wealth. Great song. Great movie, too. The 1930s original starred Gary Cooper
ruclips.net/video/wl7JYp8yMu8/видео.html
"Workin' Them Angels" - Neil was traveling on one of his adventures on the healing road and whilst sitting at supper one evening he happen to notice an older black couple walking into the restaurant. The woman was saying to her companion, "You're workin' them angels overtime". Neil imagined it was in response to his driving habits. Neil immediately saw the connection to his own life and put it into this song.
ruclips.net/video/aGwI7YM0bIY/видео.html
no its about being famous and having to deal with fans bothering you.
Love the Shakespearean lyrics. And Peart's drumming is off the charts.
My favorite band since 1974! Ive seen them play live over 10 times. ❤️
Lex is really nailing the concept Rushs’ music! They were always known for playing in different time signatures. A very progressive rock trait. All 3 of the members of Rush were awesome musicians. I graduated HS in 1985 and Rush was my favorite band. Still is in my top five to this day.
love you guys. So cool watching you expierence these songs for the 1st time and your reactions = priceless.
Brad, as someone else pointed out, the drummer of the band (the late Neil Peart) wrote most of the lyrics for Rush, including this song. The verse that really resonated with you about the world being a stage is a riff on Act 2 of Shakespeare's "As You Like It," where one of the characters says this: ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.’ Peart was a real scholar of literature and philosophy, and a lot of very deep thoughts appear in his lyrics.
And Lex, you are not wrong about the timing in this song. Rush was a band that enjoyed switching meter and time signature during their songs. They will easily shift from the "common" 4/4 time to 3/4, 6/4, and sometimes even 5/8, 7/8, or even more complex time signatures. Sometimes it's only for a few measures in a song, and sometimes whole sections of the song will be in different time signatures.
You two make a great pair for reacting to songs because each of you brings a different love of music to the table. Brad has his focus on finding the meaning and significance of the lyrics, and Lex just wants to "feel" the music and have it take her somewhere. It's rare to find a one-person reaction channel that can appreciate both of those elements of the music as deeply as each of you can. Keep up the great work!
I’m always commenting about Lex but I want to say I appreciate Brad’s attention to the lyrics and consideration of the meaning. You two make a great combination!
Neil Peart the drummer is The Lyricist for the band and he was never a fan of greeting fans like the line in the song, I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend.
Brad you're going to love rush because the lyrics are incredibly deep! You have one hell of a rabbit hole to jump down! I highly recommend the garden, closer to the heart, the pass, nobody's hero that's just for starters
The 'All the Worlds a stage..." is taken from a Shakespeare play called 'As You Like It'. All the World's a stage was also the name of a Rush Live Concert Album from 1977
Good observation, Rush's timing signatures are like no other band in the world, they are everywhere and so complicated they bring joy without the listener understanding why they have joy, they just have joy.
The technical precision and the artistry to put it all together. Genius.
Hey, Brad with the imaginative take - awesome. Really enjoy the thought process you guys go through listening to these tunes I grew up with.
Neil Peart the drummer was also the lyrist and he was a very shy and private person who had a hard time with fame. The line I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend is how he about being approached by fans.
check out Natural Science by them. cheers
I want the gif @7:25.
Awesome review. Glad to hear you take on the lyrics Brad. Rush, Neil Peart the drummer/writer has a dope-ass POV. And Lex, time signatures girl. You’re on it. You got this!
Your knowing little smile every time the guitar solos come is wonderful to see. Thanks guys!
OMG thanks so much for doing this song.
I watched the Rush documentary and they talked about how neil could never quite embrace the personal interactions with fans and he was overwhelmed by them. He wrote this song to express those feelings
Wow great perception from Brad. Yes especially in the society we live in with social media etc we are all indeed projecting an image.
That's the most profound thing I've ever heard Brad say. Awesome!
Lyrics are a big part of Rush’s appeal for fans. Definitely something worth looking into
A very good and spot on take on the words Mr. Brad! Cheers from Motown.
As a 50 something, I was required by law to buy guitars during the COVID lockdown. Learning how to play some of my favorite songs is when I finally understood 3:4 time. That is so cool that you picked up on that change in the usual beat! I still can't play guitar worth a damn, but I can follow a beat now.
Yall always provide unique breakdowns from two different perspectives, and are usually both very much correct,, awesome.
Many bands can make you feel. RUSH is one the rarest of rare bands that makes you feel and think at the same time. The lyrics are equal to the music and the music is on an entirely different level than any other band you will ever hear. You have 19 studio albums to go through spanning a 40 year plus career. Their last song on their last studio album "The Garden" is one of the best songs that has ever been written and this is how unbelievably good RUSH really is.