I’m glad to see that this tribute to Neil continues. I just wanted to point out that Neil’s lyrics were as significant as his drumming. So often, Rush’s music has been called cold and mechanical. And although this may be partially true at times, I have always thought that it is Peart’s lyrics that gave the music soul and emotion. Here’s a bit of Peart philosophy:
Natural Science — “Science like nature must also be tamed.”
“The most endangered species, the honest man will still survive annihilation.”
Circumstances — “Innocence gave me confidence to go up against reality.”
Second Nature — “It ought to be second nature, at least, that's what I feel. Now, I lay me down in Dreamland. I know perfect's not for real.”
Territories — “The whole wide world, an endless universe, yet we keep looking through the eyeglass in reverse.”
Vital Signs — “Everybody got to deviate from the norm.”
Analog Kid — “When I leave, I don't know what I'm hoping to find, and when I leave, I don't know what I'm leaving behind.”
Mission — “If their lives were exotic and strange, they would likely have gladly exchanged them for something a little more plain. Maybe something a little more sane.”
The Camera Eye — “I feel the sense of possibilities. I feel the wrench of hard realities.”
The Weapon — “Like a steely blade in a silken sheath, we don't see what they're made of. They shout about love, but when push comes to shove, they live for the things they're afraid of.”
A Farewell to Kings — “The hypocrites are slandering the sacred halls of truth, ancient nobles showering their bitterness on youth.”
The Spirit of Radio — “One likes to believe In the freedom of music, but glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity.”
Tom Sawyer — “What you say about his company is what you say about society.”
Jacob’s Ladder — “Follow men's eyes as they look to the skies. The shifting shafts of shining weave the fabric of their dreams.”
Losing it — “For you, the blind who once could see, the bell tolls for thee.” (It’s eerie that Peart could see this, long before his time).
Turn the Page — “How can anybody be enlightened? Truth is after all so poorly lit.”
Peart would mention how Geddy had the ability to sing his lyrics with the emotional integrity, as if they were his own. If anyone wants to read and learn a lot about Rush through Peart’s writings, check out some of the tour books. I was lucky to see Rush play 8 times, and have been able to collect all but 3 of their tour books. All combined, they read like one novel on the band’s history, and highlight some great writing from Neil. Peart would always emphasize that Geddy was first, a bassist; second a vocalist; and third, a keyboardist. Peart may have been a drummer first, but he was very much a great writer.
