I’m not sure who originally said it, but I happen to agree with: “Don’t trust a preacher that tells you how to vote, and don’t trust a politician that tells you how to pray.”
One thing I always love about Rush is that the solos are section, not just a place for the guitar player to shine. They always grab solos together and this track is a perfect example.
They were generous with each other in a way that other bands were not. Everyone in Rush was featured in most of their songs and, at the same time, they made sure that when one of them was soloing the backup parts accentuated and complimented the solo.
You need to watch them play this live. This is one song where I feel the each play their own solo and then threw some lyrics in. It’s simply an amazing song musically.
Church Boy, I'm so glad you Love Freewill. Neil Peart wrote the lyrics. One my favorite Rush songs lyrically. Alex's melodic solo in the song Bravado. You're ready for Neil's drum solo must be the LIVE version from Frankfurt Germany. Check out the Dinner You'll get to see their personalities. Alex is the hilarious.
"Freewill" is not so much about independence and liberty but is rather a metaphysical statement about the folly of determinism; the idea that all of our thoughts, actions, choices, and paths through life are pre-determined either by some deity or other cosmic force that controls our lives.
Which is exactly what our modern culture has become. They have determined so many conspiracy theories simultaneously (climate change, systemic racism gender, etc.) They are all cult-like movement that "know" (gnostically) what man-kind should be and are justified to force us all into their belief system.
Church Boy's comments are still related. Here's how: Many folks' political and socio-economic theories are borne out of a kind of deterministic model that's derived (via cultural Marxism in its various manifestations in contemporary critical social theories) from Marx's historic materialism. That historical materialism is where the determinist idea first came that history is a clockwork pattern of slavery / serfdom / wage labor that all have a necessity to shift only through class struggle and the reorganization of distributed material goods, etc. This idea, and its modern versions that are found in these "victimhood culture" programs, is completely opposed to the Enlightenment's commitment to the spirit of individual liberty. The ability of the human mind and reason, in partnership with morality, to overcome limits of growth and abundance, to overcome adversity and especially tyranny. We're not victims of unstoppable processes and enslaving circumstances. This is pretty much what Free Will is about.
YO, Mr. "BOY", I'm a 62 year old, White Guy, Former Lead Rock Singer, from the 70-80s! Your OPEN Mind to "Rock & Progressive Structures" is so Refreshing!!! Knowing your "Spiritual" Roots, along with your Musical BASS Knowledge, gives you a Unique Outlook on RUSH's Complicated Song Structures! It's Impressive how you Notice & Appreciate, Neil's "Etherical" Lyrics, that Meld with the Complex Time Signatures & Unconventional Melodic Structures, that Create such Diverse Song "Soundscapes"!!! I'm Always so Impressed how you can HEAR Geddy, then Play his Riffs, VERY Close, EVERY Time!!! I've been a SUB for a few weeks now and will look forward to Seeing & Listening to your next 20+ RUSH Videos!!! You'll LOVE ALL of them, Trust Me!!!
I'm a RUSH fan for well over 40 years. This song to me is about not having excuses for things that happen in life. I get this from the line "Blame is better to give than receive". The best description I heardfor RUSH's music by a recent reaction poster was "RUSH's music is like 3 superstars doing solos at the same time.
Their use of different shifting time signatures is legendary, they could go from 4/4 time to 7/4 time to 3/4 to 5/4 and more in the blink of an eye, it's incredible. I've been listening for over 30 years and they still leave me amazed. There is a lot more to discover !
Churchboy! Love that you are exploring my fav band & drummer of all time -saw them in 1980 for the first time and never missed a tour - you MUST see/react to YYZ live in Rio and as a bass man, you must check out Digital Man (Snakes and Arrows tour) AND Malignant Narcissism plus drum solo (Snakes and Arrows live)!!! Peace! YBIC
Glad to see you are not afraid to say what you believe. Not enough of that in the world right now. Rush did the same in their time, bucking the status quo many times. Thank you for your reaction!
@@leroythemaster4268 I'm used to people being confused by the story on first listen. If they go with a lyric only video, I hope the one they chose labels the song sections. That can be confusing on the first listen during the reaction. It's a lot more obvious after the fact.
It was nice to hear you open up. It is so true that politics can be so dividing. The beauty of music is it brings people together. God Bless you and keep your Freewill.
Great reaction Church Boy! Neil is the writer of nearly ALL of Rush's song lyrics. He's the well-read, nerdy Professor (his nickname - Professor in the school of drums/percussion & a wordsmith). This is why many have mentioned that with Rush - as much as you focus on the music (and there's A LOT there to focus on), it's imperative to see the lyrics too - Neil always has something to say! Check our Witch Hunt, The Enemy Within, The Weapon (collectively known as the Fear Trilogy), and I think it's high time you check 2112 (there's a great graphic-novel style video that includes all the lyrics!) Cheers!
I was surprised to hear that Alex & Geddy called him The Professor not because of his amazing skill, but because he reminded them of The Professor from Gilligan's Island with his brains and short hair early on.
A pinnacle Rush song. Their instrumental section here is one of the band's top 3 moments in their whole career. Its not really a guitar solo because they are all 3 breaking from the song's patterns in their own ways. But it never becomes a complicated mess. Incredible. Thanks for sharing your story at the end that ties into this song's theme. Big respect to you for walking away from an event and a paycheck when you couldn't stand behind what was going on. So few people act on their convictions when there are incentives to just go along. My thought about the topic and what you experienced: Society has never been without problems, injustices, and hypocricies, but at least it used to be something characterized by "virtue" culture ... meaning that everyone's beliefs and decisions were supposed to be based on thinking through what is the right thing to do. But that has been replaced over decades now with a newer "victimhood" culture. This is why identifying as a victim of a circumstance, a person in power, etc, is supposed to be a virtue all by itself (no matter the character and morals of the person identifying as a victim). So we have entire victim classes and intersections of victim classes that are based entirely on race, sex, ethnicity, religion, etc. And for those who are not members of certain victim classes, many think they are by definition privileged because they must be part of the oppressor class. This is really screwing with people's mentality... and the tragedy is that this ridiculous victimhood game can cause really bad blowback from other extremes. Some people are so fed up with the game but also so ignorant that they become blind to any true victims in society, and think only they themselves are victims of the oppressive victimhood culture! It's a mess all around! So yeah, when a politician shows up one day in a church's pulpit, you set a great example: run, don't walk! Nothing good comes of it, no matter what political party the dude belongs to.
This is the first time watching a video of yours. Rush is a great band and this is a great song. What's more, you are a good man, my friend! I'm glad you stepped out on that gig. You did the right thing! God bless!
Good for You for standing to your principles! Free Will is such a great thought provoking song! Pay attention to their lyrics, they’re amazing! An mostly written by Neil.
If you want to see more jazz of Neil you can look at his playing at the Buddy Rich memorial Tribute where the song Cotton Tail has a nice drum solo in it. And if you want more drums of him, the drums solo live in frankfurt is a great display of the importance that he puts in composition.
Great reaction, Church! One of my favorite songs!! That bass you have sounding pretty good too! You should see Geddy Lee’s 400 page coffee table book call “Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass! Great pictures and stories of all the basses that he owns!! Keep the RUSH COMING! Be kind and God bless… from Texas!!
I would have loved a live version of this song. The guys are so much fun to watch! It is a banger of a song! They were known to solo all at the same time and this is one of them. One of Alex's best solos! 🤯 Neil wrote 98% of the lyrics. Alex and Geddy wrote the music. They agreed right from the beginning to split the profits equally between them. Everyone was an equal partner. I am suggesting The Trees official music video Circumstances studio version Secret Touch from the Snakes and Arrows tour To see how close these are/were please check out Dinner with Rush. Their humility and humour are two of the reasons the band lasted together for over 40 years I am loving your reactions and the fact that you can pick up those riffs right away. Cheers 🇨🇦 ❤
I just power watched all your rush videos and watching you fall in love with the band is a joy, you have listened to some good ones and here's some of the best- By-Tor and the Snow Dog, Necromancer, Cygnus x-1, 2112 side one- in that order...... changed my life!
It's great to see a musician like yourself discover a band like Rush for the first time. There are few bands out there that can command respect from other musicians and Rush definitely is one of those bands. As an old school Bass player myself has always been a huge of fan of Geddy Lee and his baselines. I recently discovered another band with an incredible bass player out of all places in Japan. This bass player happens to be a female in an all female group. This group is another one of those bands like Rush that has gained the respect of musicians for their musicianship and their songwriting abilities. They have a powerhouse Drummer who I consider a top 5 drummer who is simply a beast on the drums. The lead guitarist is also a master at her instrument and is an extraordinary composer and I consider it to be a musical genius. And finally the Bass player is simply in a league of her own. She incorporates a variety of techniques depending on what texture the song demands. Most of their tracks are hard driving and demand the texture that comes from using a pick. She can seamlessly go from pick into a slap and pop technique and back to a picking technique effortlessly by hiding the pick between two of her fingers. She primarily incorporates that technique on a majority of their tracks but will also finger pick on tracks that require such texture. All of her baselines are interesting and not typical. Many times it feels like she is soloing underneath each track. Her baselines never repeat note for note in 2nd and 3rd verses and choruses each are a variation of each other. She primarily uses a 5-string bass and I love the bass tones she gets out of her Orange Amp. She is also a major component that makes up the powerhouse rhythm section of this band. I haven't been this enamored with a band since I discovered bands like Rush in the late seventies. This band has reignited my love for the hard rock/metal music of my youth. I consider this band as an important band keeping hard rock and a variety of other styles alive and well. I never thought in a million years that I would be into an all female group that primarily has songs in a language other than my own with an occasional English word here and there. I find myself mimicking the Japanese lyrics which is wild. This band has been highly prolific songwriters that average a major album release annually they have amassed an extensive library of tracks over a ten year period that are in the lower to mid hundred. You would be hard pressed to find a subpar track among them. The name of this band is Band-Maid. Do not let the name and subsequent image they present fool you. They present themselves in maid costumes who are in service to the fans. They call their male fans masters and their female fans princesses where their music is seen as servings. This persona is based on the Japanese maid cafe culture that can be found in Japan. Regardless of the image and one's initial impression they are a legit world class group with world class instrumentalists. I personally love their image because as they like to say it's about THE GAP. The gap of seeing these ultra feminine young ladies wearing maid outfits while playing face melting hard driving music. I highly recommend everyone to sample this band. Since this band has a vast array of styles incorporated ranging from Hard Rock/Metal punk, funk, jazz and pop within their tracks. I feel one must digest a minimum of 5 to 6 tracks in order to grasp the importance of this band. The bassist Misa has become one of my favorite bass players if not my favorite bass player. As many Band-Maid fans will say choose any track and it will be your new favorite. I believe that to be true but will list a few I enjoy to get the ball rolling which includes an instrumental track or two. I would begin with the first track I ever heard from this band called: PLAY (live version) which can be found on Band-Maids channel where you can find the next recommended tracks as well. Next I would go with the first of instrumental tracks called ONSET (Live version). Next PUZZLE (Live Version), DICE (Music Video), the 2nd instrumental FROM NOW ON (Music Video) NO GOD (Live Version), and lastly from their recent concert which they performed 33 tracks in a 3 hour performance ENDLESS STORY a change of pace song that was dedicated to their fans as the closing number. And I would recommend all of the tracks listed on their channel from this concert but I feel ENDLESS STORY conveys the genuine nature they feel for their fan base. Anyways sorry for the long comment about a band other than Rush on a Rush reaction but I feel they an important band just like Rush. Oh I would like to add another band I just recently sampled named ASTERISM they are a three piece instrumental band that is also from Japan. The bassist in this band is next level great and plays a 7-string bass. I recently discovered that the band had also caught the eye of the great Bootsie Collins which I found collaborated with them on a track or two. I am looking forward to hearing those tracks. I will admit Japan is killing it when it comes to legit instrumentalists playing music which was thought to be dead and gone. I really hope you consider sampling BAND-MAID and ASTERISM I feel they are important and will be worthy of your time.
Further Context for the Lyrics: - Peart was only in his mid-20s when he wrote this song (which was a lot younger than people in their mid-20’s today, given the cloistered existence of a small, Southern Ontario town in the ‘50s and ‘60s). - He and his bandmates had been exploring philosophical approaches to individualism for a few years by then, which had led them to a “freedom from” approach to the concept. - All three band members had grown up in stultifying communities (Alex as part of an expat community of Serbians, Geddy as part of a strict, Orthodox Jewish family, and Neil from a homogeneously white, Protestant town about 2 hours southwest of Toronto. Alex and Geddy grew up in what was then a Toronto suburb and had been friends since middle school. - Having been born in 1952 and 1953, all three were teens when the counter-cultural trends of the late ‘60s were at their height. - All three boys rebelled against these environments, with Alex’s story being most memorable because - by sheer coincidence - he was one of a handful of kids picked to appear in a CBC documentary about teens ‘today’ (in ‘69). Geddy’s story is recalled in his 2023 memoir, but essentially involves his adopting atheism in his early teens, after having had an inordinate amount of pressure placed on on him at ages 12-13, following in the wake of his father’s death. - Neil’s story is both less known and seemingly less intense than Geddy’s, but with the same result. His parents and grandparents which members of the United Church of Canada (which was chiefly an amalgamation of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches). The theology of these Christian denominations, at the time, was heavily influenced by the doctrine of pre-destination [which basically meant that it had already been decided by God whether one was bound for heaven or hell (physically, rather than metaphorically) before birth. But since that determination wouldn’t become known until the moment of one’s death, it was strongly suggested that strict adherence to the moral codes on offer was the best (only) course of action available [think of Pascal’s wager on steroids]. - Given all of the above, it wouldn’t be correct to say that Peart was writing about all forms of determinism standing athwart the progress of the flourishing of individual freedoms. No, this young atheist was directly attacking the religious experience in which he grew up, with which Geddy would have been in full agreement. Indeed, it was a common theme in their later work. - Now, as a Roman Catholic with a classical liberal mindset, I can certainly get behind the message of the song. It’s just that I would want to see it restricted to attacking expressions of religious practice/faith rooted in determinism. I’d also be happy to see the lyrics re-worked so as to attack the quasi-religion of scientism and scientific determinism (as it seems CB would as well). But the bottom line is that - in their lyrics, books, and interviews - at least Geddy and Neil had rejected religious faith completely. In their eyes, God had been reduced to something akin to a “mean Santa” - invoked by parents and others in positions of authority as a boogeyman to keep them in line. - Given their life experience, it’s quite understandable why the members of Rush rejected religious faith. It’s just a shame that - given their manifestly above average intellects - they apparently never delved any deeper, looking beyond a characterization of God and faith that would ring hollow for many observant Christians (or at least in Catholicism as generally practiced in Canada (as [still] the majority religion), as compared to the US, where evangelical Protestantism holds much more sway).
Excellent video. I love what you said about the preacher, and the things meant to divide us. I'm a fan of your Parents, and how they instilled strength in your family.
You have become my favorite reactor! I look forward to hearing your thoughts, your stories, and your bass breakdowns. I think you would love Geddy's bassline in Show Don't Tell and if you're looking for an odd bass line Chain Lightning is fun but odd
#6 on my all time fave list of Rush...and my fave 90 seconds in their entire discography...the solo section...you really should react to a live version...either Exit Stage Left or Rush in Rio🤘
My friend, you keep saying it the way you feel. I agree with everything you've said here. Plus, if you don't know yet, Neil wrote the lyrics for almost everything Rush performed. I was privileged to see them live 23 time. I would have been happy to have you by me at a show. Have a blessed day, and enjoy the Rush ride. I enjoy seeing you discover this music I've loved since I was 15.
Basically saying ,whatever you believe your destiny is predetermined ,and following or not following doesn’t change the outcome by following….you must use free will to change it
Secret Touch from the Snakes And Arrows tour is a personal fav and little deeper cut. Studio version is great too, but Geddy puts some extra bass sauce on the outro live.
I Love You...I'm a50 yr. old ,white-guy...Run for office, you got vote, Mr. President...thanks for the reaction....Vital Signs is cool,love it when you pick-up the bass...thanks again, Todd from Ohio....
Wow, was not expecting a mention on the channel. Thanks for choosing a song of my list of suggestions. I really enjoy your reaction and insights. You have a great ear for music, love that you pick up so many nuances on the first listen (drums, bass and guitar). Based on all your reactions I would love to hear the music played in your Church. It must be amazing. Looking forward to the next reaction. I appreciated the story and comments you shared, and how you related to the lyrics. Also like your cool retro t-shirt.
My favorite musical quote of all time... If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice. My husband feels this way and it always drives me crazy and I keep quoting if you choose not to decide you still have made a choice and it annoys him😂
Glad you commented on the time signatures. It goes from 6/8 to 7/8, and then from 6/8 to 8/8. Then goes to 4/8 and 6/8 during the chorus, and then 5/8 after the chorus. It's all over the place - in the best possible way!
Another album I'd like you to hear from is their 1989 album Presto, where Geddy was widely criticized for using a Wal bass, but I'd like to hear what you think of it; if you're getting into the lyrics, I recommend starting with The Pass. Cheers from Toronto! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
OR, you can just be real and talk about whatever you want to on your RUclips channel, and let people decide for themselves whether or not they still want to follow you. 🤷♀
I've been enjoying this band for many years my brother. Welcome aboard for your journey with this great group of musicians. I like when you pause and play your bass. Great reaction!!
Bro you have to do Show don't tell !!!!! Nasty bass grove and bass SOLO !!!! Yeah, a bass solo from the man !!!!! Check it out. Fire through and through !!!
Neil wrote 98% of their lyrics ... he was masterful in so many ways - - I'm not all about these people who are victims of everything ... yes, some people have had it rough, but you can't let that be what defines you. Glad to hear you see the world in the same way I do. We used to not be separated by politics ... one guy votes one way and another is different, no big deal ... things are so different now, and it's not for the better.
@rimskykorsakov2892 I mistyped your right he did write a lot of the lyrics but he didn’t write 98 percent I’m just saying he wrote a lot over half the songs and when I mean wrote I mean lyrics don’t know about the instrumentals tho
@@wholesomeyeet Geddy covered this on his book tour. Neil would separately write lyrics while Geddy and Alex noodled around with intrumentation and then they would mix lyrics to the music, adjust the lyrics and music accordingly while Neil would derive his masterful parts. It sounds like Geddy was the planner/organizer, Neil was the brains and Alex was the creative one that they made a point of recording as the solos were completely unplanned.
Until you've heard ever song you won't hear the best of rush. How does he do that? In 1979 my friends and I came to the conclusion of vise grips on ⚾️⚾️ if not that. I still have no idea.
Neil wrote 99.9% of the lyrics and he is really good at it. Try Natural Science... That is an amazing song with some nasty riffs in there !!! Lyrics are amazing. Remember the following title : Available light. That is a very deep cut, which after Neil's passing just went all the way to the top of my Rush favourite songs. The lyrics are about Neil and his view of life. That is rare as he mostly write about subjects as an observer and rarely as a participant but that one is very different in that way. Perfect blend of nostalgia and optimism. Check it out!
I’ve always thought of Neil Peart as a very “technical” but not necessarily “jazzy” drummer. But he’s a jazz fan, he played at a Buddy Rich tribute concert
If we do not own our situation, own our mistakes, we can't learn from them. Your father sounds like an awesome man. Came here for the Rush but enjoyed you insight.
Geddy wrote the vocal melody while accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar, but they were light, scratch vocals. He said that when he got into the studio to do the track, he realized he’d made a big mistake. Hitting those high notes in the middle section about blew his head off. Somehow he managed to do it night after night for decades afterwards. Got to hand it to an older guy who steps up to fulfill his younger self’s crazy idea.
You have a great ear!! I was in a few different Rush tribute bands. Busting my B#lls playing bass & synths. And I love your messages , your thoughts on every reaction. Peace!
As any defensive (dedicated) parent might say, I have no favourites amongst my children. Hence, I insist that ‘’the rest” of Rush is all (well, almost all) equally “the best.”
CB, about your gig experience (with a Democrat of some sort allowed to take the pulpit and preach a “gospel” of victimhood), I recently finished a [non-fiction] book filled with similar experiences - but with that exact same ‘gospel’ of victimhood being preached by Republicans. The book was written by an Evangelical conservative and acclaimed political writer from Michigan, Tim Alberta. I’d be happy to send you a copy if you’d like. Otherwise, you could just search for a recent interview with him and get the gist of his conclusions from there.
Great reaction from you Church Boi. The reason why RUSH is still after the death of Neil peart, the best drummer evert or even ever to come is so great isn't just their skills on their instruments, but the lyrics that are always important and even universal. They don't have a real love songs but they do sing about realationships between men and women as in one of my favotites, in 'Animate' from the album 'Counterparts', meaning the counterpart between women and men and the way they can compliment each other, That song is probably the heviest ever that RUSH has made in terms of the instrumentation, but it has this unbelievable drive from the intro 'one , two, three' til the end. I don't know this for sure, but I guess it has to be one of the most fast paced songs ever by RUSH. And the funny thing is that it is a love song and a plee for women to educate men about what women are. 'Counterparts' was a pure theme album and often discarded by even fans.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m not sure who originally said it, but I happen to agree with: “Don’t trust a preacher that tells you how to vote, and don’t trust a politician that tells you how to pray.”
"Never trust a musician with your girlfriend?" lol
@@stratcat3216 lol another truism. 🤣
Agreed. I was pretty grossed out by who he chooses to support. Not "christian-like" at all.
One thing I always love about Rush is that the solos are section, not just a place for the guitar player to shine. They always grab solos together and this track is a perfect example.
They were generous with each other in a way that other bands were not. Everyone in Rush was featured in most of their songs and, at the same time, they made sure that when one of them was soloing the backup parts accentuated and complimented the solo.
band solos....
You need to watch them play this live. This is one song where I feel the each play their own solo and then threw some lyrics in. It’s simply an amazing song musically.
Church Boy, I'm so glad you Love Freewill. Neil Peart wrote the lyrics. One my favorite Rush songs lyrically. Alex's melodic solo in the song Bravado. You're ready for Neil's drum solo must be the LIVE version from Frankfurt Germany. Check out the Dinner You'll get to see their personalities. Alex is the hilarious.
"Freewill" is not so much about independence and liberty but is rather a metaphysical statement about the folly of determinism; the idea that all of our thoughts, actions, choices, and paths through life are pre-determined either by some deity or other cosmic force that controls our lives.
Great comment!
You nailed it (but then, of course, you already knew that).
Which is exactly what our modern culture has become. They have determined so many conspiracy theories simultaneously (climate change, systemic racism gender, etc.) They are all cult-like movement that "know" (gnostically) what man-kind should be and are justified to force us all into their belief system.
Like maybe the fake news.
Church Boy's comments are still related. Here's how: Many folks' political and socio-economic theories are borne out of a kind of deterministic model that's derived (via cultural Marxism in its various manifestations in contemporary critical social theories) from Marx's historic materialism. That historical materialism is where the determinist idea first came that history is a clockwork pattern of slavery / serfdom / wage labor that all have a necessity to shift only through class struggle and the reorganization of distributed material goods, etc.
This idea, and its modern versions that are found in these "victimhood culture" programs, is completely opposed to the Enlightenment's commitment to the spirit of individual liberty. The ability of the human mind and reason, in partnership with morality, to overcome limits of growth and abundance, to overcome adversity and especially tyranny. We're not victims of unstoppable processes and enslaving circumstances. This is pretty much what Free Will is about.
Exit Stage Left version of this is magical.
Neil Peart wrote the lyrics. Freewill was something very important to him.
Freewill is important to everyone. We all have it. Free willy is good too.
YO, Mr. "BOY", I'm a 62 year old, White Guy, Former Lead Rock Singer, from the 70-80s!
Your OPEN Mind to "Rock & Progressive Structures" is so Refreshing!!! Knowing your "Spiritual" Roots, along with your Musical BASS Knowledge, gives you a Unique Outlook on RUSH's Complicated Song Structures!
It's Impressive how you Notice & Appreciate, Neil's "Etherical" Lyrics, that Meld with the Complex Time Signatures & Unconventional Melodic Structures, that Create such Diverse Song "Soundscapes"!!!
I'm Always so Impressed how you can HEAR Geddy, then Play his Riffs, VERY Close, EVERY Time!!!
I've been a SUB for a few weeks now and will look forward to Seeing & Listening to your next 20+ RUSH Videos!!! You'll LOVE ALL of them, Trust Me!!!
same age but Bass player ... naturally im 4 months late with the agree ^_^ ... as a low ender i think he has some sore fingers coming up
I'm a RUSH fan for well over 40 years. This song to me is about not having excuses for things that happen in life. I get this from the line "Blame is better to give than receive". The best description I heardfor RUSH's music by a recent reaction poster was "RUSH's music is like 3 superstars doing solos at the same time.
I'd love to see you react to Xanadu from Exit Stage Left. It's live and amazing.
You are the decisions that you make ........awesome church boy ..
Try band (triumph )
Their use of different shifting time signatures is legendary, they could go from 4/4 time to 7/4 time to 3/4 to 5/4 and more in the blink of an eye, it's incredible. I've been listening for over 30 years and they still leave me amazed. There is a lot more to discover !
You seriously need to have a listen to the live performance of Freewill from their “Exit…Stage Left” album. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Churchboy! Love that you are exploring my fav band & drummer of all time -saw them in 1980 for the first time and never missed a tour - you MUST see/react to YYZ live in Rio and as a bass man, you must check out Digital Man (Snakes and Arrows tour) AND Malignant Narcissism plus drum solo (Snakes and Arrows live)!!!
Peace! YBIC
Glad to see you are not afraid to say what you believe. Not enough of that in the world right now. Rush did the same in their time, bucking the status quo many times. Thank you for your reaction!
RUSH never supported djt, clearly.
Hallelujah !!!!
Finally back to their Top Ten songs.
It's time for 2 1 1 2,,,,,, the album version with lyrics but no video.
If it doesn't get blocked, the graphic novel video version is great as it better explains the story.
@@johncampbell756I think the cartoon distracts from the music.
@@leroythemaster4268 I'm used to people being confused by the story on first listen. If they go with a lyric only video, I hope the one they chose labels the song sections. That can be confusing on the first listen during the reaction. It's a lot more obvious after the fact.
It was nice to hear you open up. It is so true that politics can be so dividing. The beauty of music is it brings people together. God Bless you and keep your Freewill.
Here's the Famous George Carlin bit about Misc things, Then how Politicians are "Garbage IN, Garbage OUT"... ruclips.net/video/YLuZjpxmsZQ/видео.html
Your ear is incredible man. Perfect pitch and bass skills.
Now plz do Digital Man 😂
I appreciate your love for my favorite band Rush… I also appreciate your independence and your unwillingness to be force fed how you should feel. 👍🇺🇸
100% agree with your reaction and your viewpoints. Blessings!
Neil Peart wrote all the lyrics. He was well read and very thoughtful. Glad you loved the song and we are not victims.
Great reaction Church Boy! Neil is the writer of nearly ALL of Rush's song lyrics. He's the well-read, nerdy Professor (his nickname - Professor in the school of drums/percussion & a wordsmith). This is why many have mentioned that with Rush - as much as you focus on the music (and there's A LOT there to focus on), it's imperative to see the lyrics too - Neil always has something to say!
Check our Witch Hunt, The Enemy Within, The Weapon (collectively known as the Fear Trilogy), and I think it's high time you check 2112 (there's a great graphic-novel style video that includes all the lyrics!) Cheers!
I was surprised to hear that Alex & Geddy called him The Professor not because of his amazing skill, but because he reminded them of The Professor from Gilligan's Island with his brains and short hair early on.
I recall in a concert program around that time Alex said "I like the scary sounds". He is so good at expressive guitar that fills with emotion!
Good for you, for standing up for your principles. The song "Something for Nothing" touches a little on what you are talking about.
Yes! Agree completely. It's one of my favorite songs from their early days. Great energy. Great message.
Love your story after the song! Been a RUSH fan since 1974, but when I heard 2112 in 1976 I became a huge RUSH fan for life!❤
Same here, been a fan, my favorite band since 1974. And they have improved their skills as they aged!
A pinnacle Rush song. Their instrumental section here is one of the band's top 3 moments in their whole career. Its not really a guitar solo because they are all 3 breaking from the song's patterns in their own ways. But it never becomes a complicated mess. Incredible.
Thanks for sharing your story at the end that ties into this song's theme. Big respect to you for walking away from an event and a paycheck when you couldn't stand behind what was going on. So few people act on their convictions when there are incentives to just go along.
My thought about the topic and what you experienced: Society has never been without problems, injustices, and hypocricies, but at least it used to be something characterized by "virtue" culture ... meaning that everyone's beliefs and decisions were supposed to be based on thinking through what is the right thing to do.
But that has been replaced over decades now with a newer "victimhood" culture. This is why identifying as a victim of a circumstance, a person in power, etc, is supposed to be a virtue all by itself (no matter the character and morals of the person identifying as a victim).
So we have entire victim classes and intersections of victim classes that are based entirely on race, sex, ethnicity, religion, etc. And for those who are not members of certain victim classes, many think they are by definition privileged because they must be part of the oppressor class. This is really screwing with people's mentality... and the tragedy is that this ridiculous victimhood game can cause really bad blowback from other extremes. Some people are so fed up with the game but also so ignorant that they become blind to any true victims in society, and think only they themselves are victims of the oppressive victimhood culture! It's a mess all around!
So yeah, when a politician shows up one day in a church's pulpit, you set a great example: run, don't walk! Nothing good comes of it, no matter what political party the dude belongs to.
This is the first time watching a video of yours. Rush is a great band and this is a great song. What's more, you are a good man, my friend! I'm glad you stepped out on that gig. You did the right thing! God bless!
Good for You for standing to your principles! Free Will is such a great thought provoking song! Pay attention to their lyrics, they’re amazing! An mostly written by Neil.
Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete. Genetic blends with uncertain ends on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet. Genius lyric
Check out the 74 live concert...Caress of Steel and 2112..pretty sweet, thanks, Todd from Ohio...
3 guys soloing in harmony!
Great Reaction! Love your attitude on life. Working hard in the best country in the world and loving people. 😁❤️
If you want to see more jazz of Neil you can look at his playing at the Buddy Rich memorial Tribute where the song Cotton Tail has a nice drum solo in it. And if you want more drums of him, the drums solo live in frankfurt is a great display of the importance that he puts in composition.
Great reaction, Church! One of my favorite songs!! That bass you have sounding pretty good too! You should see Geddy Lee’s 400 page coffee table book call “Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass! Great pictures and stories of all the basses that he owns!! Keep the RUSH COMING! Be kind and God bless… from Texas!!
I would have loved a live version of this song. The guys are so much fun to watch! It is a banger of a song! They were known to solo all at the same time and this is one of them. One of Alex's best solos! 🤯
Neil wrote 98% of the lyrics.
Alex and Geddy wrote the music. They agreed right from the beginning to split the profits equally between them.
Everyone was an equal partner.
I am suggesting
The Trees official music video
Circumstances studio version
Secret Touch from the Snakes and Arrows tour
To see how close these are/were please check out Dinner with Rush. Their humility and humour are two of the reasons the band lasted together for over 40 years
I am loving your reactions and the fact that you can pick up those riffs right away.
Cheers 🇨🇦 ❤
I just power watched all your rush videos and watching you fall in love with the band is a joy, you have listened to some good ones and here's some of the best- By-Tor and the Snow Dog, Necromancer, Cygnus x-1, 2112 side one- in that order...... changed my life!
It's great to see a musician like yourself discover a band like Rush for the first time. There are few bands out there that can command respect from other musicians and Rush definitely is one of those bands. As an old school Bass player myself has always been a huge of fan of Geddy Lee and his baselines.
I recently discovered another band with an incredible bass player out of all places in Japan. This bass player happens to be a female in an all female group. This group is another one of those bands like Rush that has gained the respect of musicians for their musicianship and their songwriting abilities. They have a powerhouse Drummer who I consider a top 5 drummer who is simply a beast on the drums.
The lead guitarist is also a master at her instrument and is an extraordinary composer and I consider it to be a musical genius. And finally the Bass player is simply in a league of her own. She incorporates a variety of techniques depending on what texture the song demands. Most of their tracks are hard driving and demand the texture that comes from using a pick. She can seamlessly go from pick into a slap and pop technique and back to a picking technique effortlessly by hiding the pick between two of her fingers. She primarily incorporates that technique on a majority of their tracks but will also finger pick on tracks that require such texture.
All of her baselines are interesting and not typical. Many times it feels like she is soloing underneath each track. Her baselines never repeat note for note in 2nd and 3rd verses and choruses each are a variation of each other. She primarily uses a 5-string bass and I love the bass tones she gets out of her Orange Amp. She is also a major component that makes up the powerhouse rhythm section of this band. I haven't been this enamored with a band since I discovered bands like Rush in the late seventies.
This band has reignited my love for the hard rock/metal music of my youth. I consider this band as an important band keeping hard rock and a variety of other styles alive and well. I never thought in a million years that I would be into an all female group that primarily has songs in a language other than my own with an occasional English word here and there. I find myself mimicking the Japanese lyrics which is wild. This band has been highly prolific songwriters that average a major album release annually they have amassed an extensive library of tracks over a ten year period that are in the lower to mid hundred. You would be hard pressed to find a subpar track among them.
The name of this band is Band-Maid. Do not let the name and subsequent image they present fool you. They present themselves in maid costumes who are in service to the fans. They call their male fans masters and their female fans princesses where their music is seen as servings. This persona is based on the Japanese maid cafe culture that can be found in Japan. Regardless of the image and one's initial impression they are a legit world class group with world class instrumentalists. I personally love their image because as they like to say it's about THE GAP. The gap of seeing these ultra feminine young ladies wearing maid outfits while playing face melting hard driving music. I highly recommend everyone to sample this band.
Since this band has a vast array of styles incorporated ranging from Hard Rock/Metal punk, funk, jazz and pop within their tracks. I feel one must digest a minimum of 5 to 6 tracks in order to grasp the importance of this band. The bassist Misa has become one of my favorite bass players if not my favorite bass player. As many Band-Maid fans will say choose any track and it will be your new favorite. I believe that to be true but will list a few I enjoy to get the ball rolling which includes an instrumental track or two.
I would begin with the first track I ever heard from this band called: PLAY (live version) which can be found on Band-Maids channel where you can find the next recommended tracks as well. Next I would go with the first of instrumental tracks called ONSET (Live version). Next PUZZLE (Live Version), DICE (Music Video), the 2nd instrumental FROM NOW ON (Music Video) NO GOD (Live Version), and lastly from their recent concert which they performed 33 tracks in a 3 hour performance ENDLESS STORY a change of pace song that was dedicated to their fans as the closing number. And I would recommend all of the tracks listed on their channel from this concert but I feel ENDLESS STORY conveys the genuine nature they feel for their fan base.
Anyways sorry for the long comment about a band other than Rush on a Rush reaction but I feel they an important band just like Rush. Oh I would like to add another band I just recently sampled named ASTERISM they are a three piece instrumental band that is also from Japan. The bassist in this band is next level great and plays a 7-string bass. I recently discovered that the band had also caught the eye of the great Bootsie Collins which I found collaborated with them on a track or two. I am looking forward to hearing those tracks. I will admit Japan is killing it when it comes to legit instrumentalists playing music which was thought to be dead and gone. I really hope you consider sampling BAND-MAID and ASTERISM I feel they are important and will be worthy of your time.
Further Context for the Lyrics:
- Peart was only in his mid-20s when he wrote this song (which was a lot younger than people in their mid-20’s today, given the cloistered existence of a small, Southern Ontario town in the ‘50s and ‘60s).
- He and his bandmates had been exploring philosophical approaches to individualism for a few years by then, which had led them to a “freedom from” approach to the concept.
- All three band members had grown up in stultifying communities (Alex as part of an expat community of Serbians, Geddy as part of a strict, Orthodox Jewish family, and Neil from a homogeneously white, Protestant town about 2 hours southwest of Toronto. Alex and Geddy grew up in what was then a Toronto suburb and had been friends since middle school.
- Having been born in 1952 and 1953, all three were teens when the counter-cultural trends of the late ‘60s were at their height.
- All three boys rebelled against these environments, with Alex’s story being most memorable because - by sheer coincidence - he was one of a handful of kids picked to appear in a CBC documentary about teens ‘today’ (in ‘69). Geddy’s story is recalled in his 2023 memoir, but essentially involves his adopting atheism in his early teens, after having had an inordinate amount of pressure placed on on him at ages 12-13, following in the wake of his father’s death.
- Neil’s story is both less known and seemingly less intense than Geddy’s, but with the same result. His parents and grandparents which members of the United Church of Canada (which was chiefly an amalgamation of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches). The theology of these Christian denominations, at the time, was heavily influenced by the doctrine of pre-destination [which basically meant that it had already been decided by God whether one was bound for heaven or hell (physically, rather than metaphorically) before birth. But since that determination wouldn’t become known until the moment of one’s death, it was strongly suggested that strict adherence to the moral codes on offer was the best (only) course of action available [think of Pascal’s wager on steroids].
- Given all of the above, it wouldn’t be correct to say that Peart was writing about all forms of determinism standing athwart the progress of the flourishing of individual freedoms. No, this young atheist was directly attacking the religious experience in which he grew up, with which Geddy would have been in full agreement. Indeed, it was a common theme in their later work.
- Now, as a Roman Catholic with a classical liberal mindset, I can certainly get behind the message of the song. It’s just that I would want to see it restricted to attacking expressions of religious practice/faith rooted in determinism. I’d also be happy to see the lyrics re-worked so as to attack the quasi-religion of scientism and scientific determinism (as it seems CB would as well).
But the bottom line is that - in their lyrics, books, and interviews - at least Geddy and Neil had rejected religious faith completely. In their eyes, God had been reduced to something akin to a “mean Santa” - invoked by parents and others in positions of authority as a boogeyman to keep them in line.
- Given their life experience, it’s quite understandable why the members of Rush rejected religious faith. It’s just a shame that - given their manifestly above average intellects - they apparently never delved any deeper, looking beyond a characterization of God and faith that would ring hollow for many observant Christians (or at least in Catholicism as generally practiced in Canada (as [still] the majority religion), as compared to the US, where evangelical Protestantism holds much more sway).
Wasnt this song off their 1st album? If so, then John Rutsy was the drummer. Neil didnt come until the second album.
Excellent video. I love what you said about the preacher, and the things meant to divide us. I'm a fan of your Parents, and how they instilled strength in your family.
Outstanding reaction!!!! Love your passion!!!! You know your stuff!!!! You get it!!!! Cheers!!!
You have become my favorite reactor! I look forward to hearing your thoughts, your stories, and your bass breakdowns. I think you would love Geddy's bassline in Show Don't Tell and if you're looking for an odd bass line Chain Lightning is fun but odd
#6 on my all time fave list of Rush...and my fave 90 seconds in their entire discography...the solo section...you really should react to a live version...either Exit Stage Left or Rush in Rio🤘
Neil Peart writes the lyrics Alex and Geddy write the music 1st album is the exception ,good job brother
Check out "Dinner with RUSH"
My friend, you keep saying it the way you feel. I agree with everything you've said here.
Plus, if you don't know yet, Neil wrote the lyrics for almost everything Rush performed.
I was privileged to see them live 23 time. I would have been happy to have you by me at a show. Have a blessed day, and enjoy the Rush ride. I enjoy seeing you discover this music I've loved since I was 15.
Amen! Admire you and what you said and stand for! Love you brother!
Basically saying ,whatever you believe your destiny is predetermined ,and following or not following doesn’t change the outcome by following….you must use free will to change it
I remember that riff from the BIBLE! *EYE ROLL*
Oooh and La Villa Strangiato (Time Machine tour)!!!
Secret Touch from the Snakes And Arrows tour is a personal fav and little deeper cut. Studio version is great too, but Geddy puts some extra bass sauce on the outro live.
IMO top 10 Rush songs of all time, lyrically, structure, playing.
Try also Natural Science Studio version great Lyrics
Love your honest and enthusiastic reaction. The RUSH army is strong with you.
I Love You...I'm a50 yr. old ,white-guy...Run for office, you got vote, Mr. President...thanks for the reaction....Vital Signs is cool,love it when you pick-up the bass...thanks again, Todd from Ohio....
You have a good soul... I like to ear your take on the song AND on life in general. Keep going you do good!
You need to watch Neil's tribute he did for Buddy Rich's Hall of Fame induction.
Alex’s solo on this is fire.
Rush, fans could argue all day long about which one is the best song there’s so many good choices
Wow, was not expecting a mention on the channel. Thanks for choosing a song of my list of suggestions. I really enjoy your reaction and insights. You have a great ear for music, love that you pick up so many nuances on the first listen (drums, bass and guitar). Based on all your reactions I would love to hear the music played in your Church. It must be amazing. Looking forward to the next reaction.
I appreciated the story and comments you shared, and how you related to the lyrics. Also like your cool retro t-shirt.
Great reaction! You’re a man of conviction.
My favorite musical quote of all time... If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice. My husband feels this way and it always drives me crazy and I keep quoting if you choose not to decide you still have made a choice and it annoys him😂
Glad you commented on the time signatures. It goes from 6/8 to 7/8, and then from 6/8 to 8/8. Then goes to 4/8 and 6/8 during the chorus, and then 5/8 after the chorus. It's all over the place - in the best possible way!
King Neil. Most profound song writer EVER
Another album I'd like you to hear from is their 1989 album Presto, where Geddy was widely criticized for using a Wal bass, but I'd like to hear what you think of it; if you're getting into the lyrics, I recommend starting with The Pass. Cheers from Toronto!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
The Wal has my 2nd favorite Geddy bass sound, after the mighty Ric of course. Fender and Steinberger round them out.
I requested this a few times. Glad you got to it
You are 100% correct. Never talk about religion or politics at work, or on a youtube channel. It's a good way to divide your followers.
Ironic, because this is exactly what Neil did at work.
OR, you can just be real and talk about whatever you want to on your RUclips channel, and let people decide for themselves whether or not they still want to follow you. 🤷♀
Three guys each going off during the break, yet still meshing with each other ... in a way that I've never heard another band do. LOVE IT!!!
Keep watching rush my man you just scratching the surface of one of the greatest bands
I've been enjoying this band for many years my brother. Welcome aboard for your journey with this great group of musicians. I like when you pause and play your bass. Great reaction!!
Bro you have to do Show don't tell !!!!! Nasty bass grove and bass SOLO !!!! Yeah, a bass solo from the man !!!!! Check it out. Fire through and through !!!
There are literally dozens of essential RUSH songs, but you need to hear the title track of A Farewell To Kings, it's an important message.
Next Rush song. Faithless.
So much respect for you!
Love your reactions. Keep up your Rush journey!
Loving the journey , keep it going I’m here for it . Big Money live or studio is sick
Great reaction 🙌
dig watching you enjoy rush as well as hearing your views!
Appreciate your reactions, especially with your musical experience, mostly always Neil with the lyrics. Thank you and keep enjoying.
Awesome reaction ❤
If you like the lyrics in this, you will like "Circumstances" by Rush as well. The Lyrics are fantastic in all Rush songs.
Neil writes the lyrics. R.I.P the professor.
Neil wrote 98% of their lyrics ... he was masterful in so many ways - - I'm not all about these people who are victims of everything ... yes, some people have had it rough, but you can't let that be what defines you. Glad to hear you see the world in the same way I do. We used to not be separated by politics ... one guy votes one way and another is different, no big deal ... things are so different now, and it's not for the better.
He actually only wrote about over half of their songs but considering rush has 167 songs he definitely is the heart of the band
@rimskykorsakov2892 I mistyped your right he did write a lot of the lyrics but he didn’t write 98 percent I’m just saying he wrote a lot over half the songs and when I mean wrote I mean lyrics don’t know about the instrumentals tho
@@wholesomeyeet Geddy covered this on his book tour. Neil would separately write lyrics while Geddy and Alex noodled around with intrumentation and then they would mix lyrics to the music, adjust the lyrics and music accordingly while Neil would derive his masterful parts. It sounds like Geddy was the planner/organizer, Neil was the brains and Alex was the creative one that they made a point of recording as the solos were completely unplanned.
Until you've heard ever song you won't hear the best of rush.
How does he do that? In 1979 my friends and I came to the conclusion of vise grips on ⚾️⚾️ if not that. I still have no idea.
Love your Rush reactions... keep it up!
Neil wrote 99.9% of the lyrics and he is really good at it. Try Natural Science... That is an amazing song with some nasty riffs in there !!! Lyrics are amazing. Remember the following title : Available light. That is a very deep cut, which after Neil's passing just went all the way to the top of my Rush favourite songs. The lyrics are about Neil and his view of life. That is rare as he mostly write about subjects as an observer and rarely as a participant but that one is very different in that way. Perfect blend of nostalgia and optimism. Check it out!
Please do “where’s my thing?/Here it is“ live
Alex stated one time that that was one of his more difficult solos he ever did and it was always a challenge that he enjoyed to duplicate in concert
So that’s what passes for a “guitar solo” with Rush - more of a 3-way musical explosion!
I’ve always thought of Neil Peart as a very “technical” but not necessarily “jazzy” drummer. But he’s a jazz fan, he played at a Buddy Rich tribute concert
best instrumental part in music history
rush its so complex you need to hear few times to get it
If we do not own our situation, own our mistakes, we can't learn from them. Your father sounds like an awesome man. Came here for the Rush but enjoyed you insight.
Geddy wrote the vocal melody while accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar, but they were light, scratch vocals. He said that when he got into the studio to do the track, he realized he’d made a big mistake. Hitting those high notes in the middle section about blew his head off. Somehow he managed to do it night after night for decades afterwards. Got to hand it to an older guy who steps up to fulfill his younger self’s crazy idea.
Good for you bro for thinking out of the plantation .
Rush is my favorite band and I get giddy watching you react to them. Thank you!
The reason why I love Rush is because songs can have multiple meanings
You have a great ear!! I was in a few different Rush tribute bands. Busting my B#lls playing bass & synths. And I love your messages , your thoughts on every reaction. Peace!
As any defensive (dedicated) parent might say, I have no favourites amongst my children. Hence, I insist that ‘’the rest” of Rush is all (well, almost all) equally “the best.”
CB, about your gig experience (with a Democrat of some sort allowed to take the pulpit and preach a “gospel” of victimhood), I recently finished a [non-fiction] book filled with similar experiences - but with that exact same ‘gospel’ of victimhood being preached by Republicans.
The book was written by an Evangelical conservative and acclaimed political writer from Michigan, Tim Alberta. I’d be happy to send you a copy if you’d like. Otherwise, you could just search for a recent interview with him and get the gist of his conclusions from there.
Great reaction from you Church Boi. The reason why RUSH is still after the death of Neil peart, the best drummer evert or even ever to come is so great isn't just their skills on their instruments, but the lyrics that are always important and even universal. They don't have a real love songs but they do sing about realationships between men and women as in one of my favotites, in 'Animate' from the album 'Counterparts', meaning the counterpart between women and men and the way they can compliment each other, That song is probably the heviest ever that RUSH has made in terms of the instrumentation, but it has this unbelievable drive from the intro 'one , two, three' til the end. I don't know this for sure, but I guess it has to be one of the most fast paced songs ever by RUSH. And the funny thing is that it is a love song and a plee for women to educate men about what women are. 'Counterparts' was a pure theme album and often discarded by even fans.
The trees is a great one also about the state of society then and even now.
I will choose a path that's clear I will choose freewill