I have fallen into blogging songs lyrics perdiodically. I think this will become a routine as I like to share song lyrics that I feel convey a message or that mirror thoughts that are on my heart. So today I include two songs from one of my all time favorite bands, Rush. These two songs are a perfect prelude for my next post that is in the edit phase.
I love these two songs and they should be required listening for every teenager!
Lyrics: Neil Peart (percussion)
Music: Alex Lifeson (guitar), Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keyboards, foot pedals)
Subdivisions
Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown
Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone
(Chorus)
Subdivisions
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
Subdivisions
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help disprove the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
Drawn like moths we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly
Just to feel the living night
Well some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere
To relax their restless flight
Somewhere out of a memory of lighted streets on quiet nights...
(Chorus)
Subdivisions
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
Subdivisions
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help disprove the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
War Paint
Girl before the mirror appraises her disguise
Child become a mother tries to fix her eyes
No more of his excuses it has to be today
She can keep her fantasy if she can get away
Paint her name on a one-way street
Painted cheeks with angry heat
Wounded pride on painted eyes
Paint the night with battle cries
All puffed up with vanity
We see what we want to see
To the beautiful and the wise
The mirror always lies
Boy before the mirror checks his camouflage
Polishes his armor and the Charger in the garage
No more lame excuses it has to be tonight
He can take the Princess if he can take the fight
Pound the drums with martial beat
Pound the streets with marching feet
Wounded pride, distorted eyes
Paint the night with battle cries
All puffed up with vanity
We see what we want to see
To the powerful and the wise
The mirror always lies
Boys and girls together
Mistake conceit for pride
Ambition for illusion
Dreams for self-delusion
Girls and boys together
See what it is we lack
Boys and girls together
Let's paint the mirror black
Paint it black!
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Gethsemani Homilies by Matthew Kelty, O.C.S.O.
8 comments:
I'm not teaching literature this coming semester, so you are really helping me stay on top of my poetry analysis skills.
JMG, I think you would really like Neil Peart's writing.
He usually writes lyrics in a poetic fashion. If you remember the song lyric I passed to you about thunderstorms many many months ago, that was some of Peart's lyrics.
He has written several books two of which are a great read even if you don't care about Rush.
Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road
I have referenced this one in my blog several times. He wrote this about riding across North America on his motorcycle while trying to recover from the deaths of his daughter and his wife within the same year.
Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa
This one is about a bicycle journey he took across West Africa.
Tony
I especially like the first song. Teenager or not, I think all of us can relate- no matter which subdivision we are a part of.
Tony, I did some quick google research on Neil Peart--he sounds very interesting--it looks like he's been around for a while--and I haven't heard of him til now--he has some devoted followers out there though!
I love songs-lyrics--they get to running around in my mind--and I can't get rid of them--and if they are good--I don't want them too!
I think I can see why you enjoy these--very insightful for our American society. They should be required listening for parents of teens as well as the teens themselves!
He has been around for a while. Rush just celebrated their 30th anniverary with big tour in 2004. They are one of the few old rock bands that sound just as good now as then, if not better. Very professional.
Neil is very insightful even though he is not a Christian. Great writer.
Ghost Rider is a must read on dealing with tragedy. Great insight into a soul and the healing process.
Tony
Great lyrics, and still so timely. Wow - Rush! That takes me back a few years.
Amy, they are still kicking and kicking well. Just released a DVD of their 30 anniversary tour and it is incredible.
Their last two albums (CDs, just can't quit saying album) were released in 2004 and 2002 and they have released album steadily throughout their whole career.
Tony
Tony,
WHY are you on the "watch" list?
WHAT are you NOT mentioning?
IS it a mistake?
I'M just curious.
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