Imagine hearing this, the first Rush song you’ve heard, in 1982 at the age of 11. Played on a boom box by an upperclassman who you are “not cool enough” to ask what that incredible song is!! That was me!! It doesn’t take a philosopher to divine a message from these words. It only takes the mind of a teenager lost in the action of growing up to see the truth of this song!!
Those words get me everytime: "Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone." For many of us, the school years were not happy and carefree and we did not fit in anywhere.
They didn't need to study any philosophy on this, they LIVED it! They were the nerds in school, so Neil's (drummers) words, spoke directly to all us individuals, us outcasts, us misfits. Pressures in school, society, home to conform are constant. Question is, what part of that individuality are you willing to sacrifice when you get older? This has LONG been my #1 Rush track, the synth, drive, vibe & especially the words have always spoken to me!
Rush's drummer/lyricist Neil Peart said this song is "an exploration of the background from which all of us (and probably most of our audience) have sprung.'" Peart grew up reading adventure stories and science fiction, which for him were an escape from the confines of suburbia. As he got older, he took full advantage of his freedom, embracing travel and exploring other cultures.
You nailed it on Philosophy! The Drummer, Neil Peart is the main lyricist and an extensive reader. He read books all on the road. Their music is deep in philosophical concepts. Any Rush song you do, with lyrics, you have to pay close attention. There is a message in them. They did not call Neil "The Professor" for nothing!
Hey, Dame, just to let you know (if you didn't know already), the DRUMMER (Neil Peart) writes ALL of the lyrics !!! You might want to check out one of my favorite Rush songs of all time... MISSION off the album, "Hold Your Fire"... this song is fire, melodically, spiritually, and lyrically... FIRE Love your reactions, Brother
All the guys in Rush grew up in the suburbs and all of them felt like they didn't fit in. All three ended up dropping out of high school early to play music.
These lyrics helped get me through high school at a time when I felt very alienated. Conform or be cast out was what school was like exactly and Neil’s lyrics on this really resonated with me. His drumming really resonated with me as well and I learned so much from his playing with his thoughtful, compositional approach that was so radical yet so precise at the same time; huge influence. His dip into 7/8 within the verse is just the best, so creative.
I heard that when they were told by the record producers to generate a certain type of album, they rebelled and just made their own album, their own music, lyrics, and the bosses were pissed, but guess what, Massive Explosion in Sales worldwide. They followed their heart and didn't look back after that. Follow your instincts, people.
Rush has been my favourite band for over 40 years. They are icons, here, in Canada (and beyond). The tunes you have heard are a gateway drug to the huge catalogue of lesser known, but equally great Rush songs. Do not be afraid of this band's deep cuts! Rush has cultivated a huge, and hugely loyal following. If you go down this rabbit hole, you don't go alone.
Hey greg5510, over here in England we are crazy fanatical. 1979 my first gig, Manchester, the Apollo theatre, the Tour of the Hemispheres, Mind blown. We sing in this country " we wish you were English"😄. Actually we are glad they are Canadian. What makes Rush divine is a huge combination of factors and among them is their Canadianness. Good luck bud.
Probably all life-long Rush fans can tell you which song first attracted them to buy their first album. Subdivisions was that song for me and Signals was the album. I was 14 and in grade 9 when this song was released. I was geeky and certainly not one of the popular kids, living in my suburban city located just 60 miles west of Toronto. Needless to say, this song spoke to me. Hell, when I was in my 20’s I even rode the escalators pictured in this video, wearing a suit. I barely lasted a year in that particular rat race. There’s a scene from the 2010 documentary, Beyond the Lighted Stage, where it is observed that Rush stopped being the outcast it had been for most of the band’s career (because the cool kids at Rolling Stone had chosen not to like their music) when its legion of fans (predominated by one-time outcasts) took power in business, the arts, and entertainment. They used their positions to demonstrate their love for the band. And it worked.
I don't think it would be "all life long fans" bit, as there were PLENTY of fans of this band during the Permanent Waves/Moving Pictures era. But I know there are plenty who started their fandom with this song just from what I've read; I know I'm one of them. Heck, before this song I HATED Rush and their fans, after this song I loved Rush and made peace with their older fan base.
This cut always brings me back to New Rochelle (the *SUBERBS*) when I was a teenager in high-school, trying to figure out WHO I was, cruising in the Bronx for mind-altering substances, trying to get laid, and causing a raucous! One of my favorites when I'm feeling nostalgic and wanting to go back in time........
You should check out the Rush R40 tour live version and see them play it live more than 35 yrs later. Its still accurate as the original studio cut that you are playing.
As a die hard rush fan. I’m so glad to see your take on this song. And yes. You nailed the message. Be yourself. Stand out. Don’t let society tell you who to be. Thank you for this video. Clutch Trucker
they were beyond their years. The writing of the songs by Neil , the meaningful messages and stories told was very deep for many of the songs. Unmatched. Pretty much every song has messages and or from experiences. When music meant something. now? smh
I can't imagine making these choices as a reactor - I CAN tell you that Rush fans in general are experienced listeners. If you have 10 Rush fans giving you a song suggestion, it is not unusual to get 10 different answers. Also, even if they say the same song, one will suggest the studio version and others will choose from several good live performance recordings. These guys are just that good - if you had a chance to see them live, chances are you went more than once. I saw 3 times in 3 different decades. All three soooo good and the third one with two of my nephews who had a blast.
@@kevinmurphy65The 'cookie monster vocals' as you so elequently put them were long gone by this point. Geddy is comfortable in his mid range voice here!
@@Owlstretchingtime78 Was not my description, that was @ZIG4ZAG20. I have been a Rush Fand since age 14 and never thought 'cookie monster' once. I just thought it amusing thats all. Slainte!!
I saw another comment from Chris telling you about Neil's inspiration for the song and some influences. Neil was the band's lyricist by default when he joined. Partly because Geddy and Alex did not feel comfortable writing lyrics and partly because everyone knew Neil was a voracious reader and they all figured he was the best choice. He subsequently wrote some of the most significant, mind-shaping songs in rock. I have read two of his books. Explaining them is a long, tragedy tinged life story and they were very good "travel" type books, but were really about recovery, self exploration and growth.
The drummer, Neil Peart (Pronounced P(EAR)t or P(IER)t, was 29 years old when he released this video. This video (ruclips.net/video/l3T-9wCVQPw/видео.html) was recorded when Neil was around 62 years old. The audio was from 1981, and I repeat, Neil Is drumming note-for-note at 62. He has the power of a 29-year-old at 63. Watch the video with the close caption (C.C.) on. You will be amazed.
One of my all-time favorite tracks! 😊 I think you were spot on in your reaction. Suburbs are also called subdivisions, and in a subdivision everyone has to follow all of the rules and by-laws of the community, from the color of your house to the height of the grass on your lawn. It's all pre-decided. Society attempts to do the same with all of us as well, or we just don't fit in! Next up: "Beneath, Between & Behind". 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Didnt watch this video. Just not interested in some ghetto brothers opinion, just want him to know that. Now go back to your rap disaster hip hop or whatever you claim as music and leave the rock n roll alone.
Imagine hearing this, the first Rush song you’ve heard, in 1982 at the age of 11.
Played on a boom box by an upperclassman who you are “not cool enough” to ask what that incredible song is!!
That was me!!
It doesn’t take a philosopher to divine a message from these words. It only takes the mind of a teenager lost in the action of growing up to see the truth of this song!!
This song is as relevant today as it was in 1982 when it came out! It's timeless.
Sort of but now normality has become counter culture
Those words get me everytime: "Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone." For many of us, the school years were not happy and carefree and we did not fit in anywhere.
They didn't need to study any philosophy on this, they LIVED it! They were the nerds in school, so Neil's (drummers) words, spoke directly to all us individuals, us outcasts, us misfits. Pressures in school, society, home to conform are constant. Question is, what part of that individuality are you willing to sacrifice when you get older?
This has LONG been my #1 Rush track, the synth, drive, vibe & especially the words have always spoken to me!
Love, love, love this song! Just 3 guys. Geniuses
my favourite rush song of all glad you seemed to like it.
r.i.p. Neil peart
There will never be another RUSH.
Rush's drummer/lyricist Neil Peart said this song is "an exploration of the background from which all of us (and probably most of our audience) have sprung.'"
Peart grew up reading adventure stories and science fiction, which for him were an escape from the confines of suburbia. As he got older, he took full advantage of his freedom, embracing travel and exploring other cultures.
You nailed it on Philosophy! The Drummer, Neil Peart is the main lyricist and an extensive reader. He read books all on the road. Their music is deep in philosophical concepts. Any Rush song you do, with lyrics, you have to pay close attention. There is a message in them. They did not call Neil "The Professor" for nothing!
Hey, Dame, just to let you know (if you didn't know already), the DRUMMER (Neil Peart) writes ALL of the lyrics !!! You might want to check out one of my favorite Rush songs of all time... MISSION off the album, "Hold Your Fire"... this song is fire, melodically, spiritually, and lyrically... FIRE Love your reactions, Brother
All the guys in Rush grew up in the suburbs and all of them felt like they didn't fit in. All three ended up dropping out of high school early to play music.
it's Crazy. the Drummer, Neil peart wrote a majority of the lyrics for the band. he was a very deep, intelligent Dude!!!
These lyrics helped get me through high school at a time when I felt very alienated. Conform or be cast out was what school was like exactly and Neil’s lyrics on this really resonated with me. His drumming really resonated with me as well and I learned so much from his playing with his thoughtful, compositional approach that was so radical yet so precise at the same time; huge influence. His dip into 7/8 within the verse is just the best, so creative.
I heard that when they were told by the record producers to generate a certain type of album, they rebelled and just made their own album, their own music, lyrics, and the bosses were pissed, but guess what, Massive Explosion in Sales worldwide. They followed their heart and didn't look back after that. Follow your instincts, people.
Rush has been my favourite band for over 40 years. They are icons, here, in Canada (and beyond). The tunes you have heard are a gateway drug to the huge catalogue of lesser known, but equally great Rush songs. Do not be afraid of this band's deep cuts! Rush has cultivated a huge, and hugely loyal following. If you go down this rabbit hole, you don't go alone.
Hey greg5510, over here in England we are crazy fanatical. 1979 my first gig, Manchester, the Apollo theatre, the Tour of the Hemispheres, Mind blown. We sing in this country " we wish you were English"😄. Actually we are glad they are Canadian. What makes Rush divine is a huge combination of factors and among them is their Canadianness. Good luck bud.
The lyrics for their songs are written by the drummer
Probably all life-long Rush fans can tell you which song first attracted them to buy their first album. Subdivisions was that song for me and Signals was the album.
I was 14 and in grade 9 when this song was released. I was geeky and certainly not one of the popular kids, living in my suburban city located just 60 miles west of Toronto. Needless to say, this song spoke to me. Hell, when I was in my 20’s I even rode the escalators pictured in this video, wearing a suit. I barely lasted a year in that particular rat race.
There’s a scene from the 2010 documentary, Beyond the Lighted Stage, where it is observed that Rush stopped being the outcast it had been for most of the band’s career (because the cool kids at Rolling Stone had chosen not to like their music) when its legion of fans (predominated by one-time outcasts) took power in business, the arts, and entertainment. They used their positions to demonstrate their love for the band. And it worked.
I don't think it would be "all life long fans" bit, as there were PLENTY of fans of this band during the Permanent Waves/Moving Pictures era.
But I know there are plenty who started their fandom with this song just from what I've read; I know I'm one of them. Heck, before this song I HATED Rush and their fans, after this song I loved Rush and made peace with their older fan base.
This cut always brings me back to New Rochelle (the *SUBERBS*) when I was a teenager in high-school, trying to figure out WHO I was, cruising in the Bronx for mind-altering substances, trying to get laid, and causing a raucous!
One of my favorites when I'm feeling nostalgic and wanting to go back in time........
You should check out the Rush R40 tour live version and see them play it live more than 35 yrs later. Its still accurate as the original studio cut that you are playing.
As a die hard rush fan. I’m so glad to see your take on this song. And yes. You nailed the message. Be yourself. Stand out. Don’t let society tell you who to be. Thank you for this video. Clutch Trucker
Great analysis! Please keep up the good work, and I hope you dive deeper into the Rush rabbit hole!
they were beyond their years. The writing of the songs by Neil , the meaningful messages and stories told was very deep for many of the songs. Unmatched. Pretty much every song has messages and or from experiences. When music meant something. now? smh
This IS the rabbit hole!
🤗 Time for a RUSH playlist! 🥰🐰
I can't imagine making these choices as a reactor - I CAN tell you that Rush fans in general are experienced listeners. If you have 10 Rush fans giving you a song suggestion, it is not unusual to get 10 different answers. Also, even if they say the same song, one will suggest the studio version and others will choose from several good live performance recordings. These guys are just that good - if you had a chance to see them live, chances are you went more than once. I saw 3 times in 3 different decades. All three soooo good and the third one with two of my nephews who had a blast.
HEAVY without the tuned down 7 string guitars or Cookie Monster vocals. Just straight up mind blowing lyrical and musical chops.🤘🖖✌️🎹🥁🎸🎤🥇🇨🇦🎼
"...cookie monster vocals..." thanks for making me laugh. First album? 2112 with lawn mower money 1976 age 14. RUSH ROCKS!!
@@kevinmurphy65The 'cookie monster vocals' as you so elequently put them were long gone by this point. Geddy is comfortable in his mid range voice here!
@@Owlstretchingtime78 Was not my description, that was @ZIG4ZAG20. I have been a Rush Fand since age 14 and never thought 'cookie monster' once. I just thought it amusing thats all. Slainte!!
@@kevinmurphy65 Fair enough. My mistake! 👍
Careful nodding your head in 4/4 time when listening to Rush 😊
I saw another comment from Chris telling you about Neil's inspiration for the song and some influences. Neil was the band's lyricist by default when he joined. Partly because Geddy and Alex did not feel comfortable writing lyrics and partly because everyone knew Neil was a voracious reader and they all figured he was the best choice. He subsequently wrote some of the most significant, mind-shaping songs in rock. I have read two of his books. Explaining them is a long, tragedy tinged life story and they were very good "travel" type books, but were really about recovery, self exploration and growth.
All three of the band members were considered nerds outsiders in High school The drummer wrote this song the lyrics
The drummer, Neil Peart (Pronounced P(EAR)t or P(IER)t, was 29 years old when he released this video. This video (ruclips.net/video/l3T-9wCVQPw/видео.html) was recorded when Neil was around 62 years old. The audio was from 1981, and I repeat, Neil Is drumming note-for-note at 62. He has the power of a 29-year-old at 63.
Watch the video with the close caption (C.C.) on. You will be amazed.
Back in the day we used to call that small group, the fabulous few… And ask me immortals were never gonna be good enough to get in that circle…
You said, l"ive for your self and no one else" Well Rush sang about that as well. in the song called Anthem Check it out!
Long live RUSH
Geddy Lee’s parents were in the camps in WWII. This is what inspired this song.
Uhhh...NO.
that is Red Sector A, not this one.
One of my all-time favorite tracks! 😊 I think you were spot on in your reaction. Suburbs are also called subdivisions, and in a subdivision everyone has to follow all of the rules and by-laws of the community, from the color of your house to the height of the grass on your lawn. It's all pre-decided. Society attempts to do the same with all of us as well, or we just don't fit in! Next up: "Beneath, Between & Behind". 🔥🔥🔥🔥
You hit the nail on the head! Excellent!
This song is about wanting to be yourself while being faced with the pressures of conformity.
I like the 'Stormtrooper v. Jedi' analogy.
Appreciate it I made it up myself
you should go on whit the next one (the analog kid ) keep rockin,,😉 🤘🤘🤘
PLAY MORE RUSH❤🇨🇦
The restless dreams of youth
yoved got my friend .... A++
Why is the video all broken up by lines through it. ??
You life is pre decided by society's rules.
"Conform or be cast out. Be cool or be cast out." You didn't have to be a suburban kid to relate to that. Still don't...
Didnt watch this video. Just not interested in some ghetto brothers opinion, just want him to know that. Now go back to your rap disaster hip hop or whatever you claim as music and leave the rock n roll alone.
That comment deserves a little bit more explanation
Actually, I don't think anyone needs an explanation because you are just a jerk
Sorry about that I shouldn't have said that