Classical Composer Reacts to The Garden (Rush) | The Daily Doug (Episode 180) 

This song kills me. It was Neil's goodbye letter to us.

if they dont play this at my funeral im not going.

Neil Peart was a gift to humanity. His desire to learn, see, and do everything and do it as excellently as he could should be an inspiration to everyone .

I discovered Rush when I was 14. I'm now 54 and they've been my favourite band all this time. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone like them. A supremely class act. They could have so easily rested on their laurels, but they always strove to better themselves, to reinvent themselves, and that's what endeared me to them. Each of them with the most amazing skills. Humble and down to earth guys, hard working, with empathy for others. When I first heard The Garden, I knew it was their swansong. I knew it was over. They didn't need to say it. I could tell. And I struggle to listen to it now, especially since Neil went, without tears. It's always ripped me apart inside. This is how you bow out. Not with bombastic overtures, but with dignity and a quiet pride. Rest easy guys. You did good.

This song is so fitting as the coda to Rush’s career, whether it was meant that way or not. Neil was always preoccupied with the passage of time.

This song is so beautiful I can barely listen to it without crying

This is a tough song for me to revisit. I'm sure most true Rush fans would feel the same. Talk about an end to one amazing era. Miss ya Neil!

You’re a good man, Doug Helvering.

I'm not crying. YOU'RE crying. Beautiful song, beautiful reaction.

The last song of Rush! 😢 It was an honor to hear them play this live

I went through the dark night of the soul right when this song came out. I'm a lifelong fan of Rush (40 years). I was able to take my wife and nephew to a concert separately and that is an experience that has a unique value to me. As others have said, I have a very hard time listening to The Garden without tears mostly because of the extreme difficulty I was going through at the time. BEST.....BAND......EVER!

This is the song I sat and listened to by myself in my fathers house after he passed away 😪

There is only one RUSH. Three master musicians who came together to bless us with 40 years of music. Their last song on their last album is their greatest gift to humanity. No one else is like them. RIP PROFESSOR

I swear to god there's not been a single time I've listened to this song that I haven't ended up sobbing like a baby. Especially after Neil passed away.

My heart still aches from Neil being gone. I am a drummer and he is my Idol as a drummer, none finer. Excellent work Doug keeps up the fantastic work!

RUSH is, in my view, the greatest rock band that has ever existed, on every level. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have their music in my life since I was a teenager. I have been a fan of their music since the mid 70's and I have grown over the years as much as their music has, their musing being a part of my growth. They have given me inspiration and emotion on every level. My life would have been much different without them, not nearly as colorful or interesting for sure. I feel so fortunate to have had them as a part of my life. .. R.I.P. Neil .. we miss you very much!

All these years later, there are still no words for what this songs gives to me. Reflection, pain, loss, hope, optimism, time. All of it. no band and I mean NO band EVER left their fans with a 'goodbye' as poignant as this song. What a gift.

Just one of 2112 reasons why Rush is the best group in the galaxy. This song is symbolic not only for its placement in the actual story of Owen, the character in Clockwork angels, but as a general message about the etherealness of time, and importance of enjoying life and taking care of our own hearts. R.I.P. Neil.

R.I.P Maestro Peart. 🖤🖤🖤

As someone who's never played an instrument (at least, not very well), it always amazes me when someone hears a song for the first time and can immediately jump in and play along as if they're a member of the band.

Thanks for this Video about the last song of Rush. My wife and me select one line of "the Garden" as a sloagen for our wedding. "The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect So hard to earn, so easily burned" an I asked Geddy to Singh his Bass book with this line. I told him this story as well. I will never forget his smile on his face. ❤

Even when Clockwork Angels came out, this song was extremely emotional for me. Now that Neal and passed and the context that this song ended up being Rush's and Neal's swan song has made it so I can't listen to it without crying. So powerful.

Doug, you’ve made a lot of Rush fans happy and sobbing at the same time.

"There's only one band that sounds like them. What kind of band is Rush? It's Rush." - Gene Simmons

As a huge Rush fan, this song always brings me to tears. This song now reminds me of the loss of Neil but makes me smile to think of the wonderful garden of songs he left

Raising a glass of the Macallan

Thanks for the piano Doug - once you started playing along it really felt part of the song and lifted it tonally - brilliant

A year and a half later and it still hurts to know Pratt is no longer with us. Beautiful song and so fitting to be the last song of their catalog.

The Garden makes me weep every time. All things must come to an end and pass away and the measure of our love for them is the void they leave in their wake in our heart. Since 1980 Rush has been my best friend, music I could turn to in those times I felt like such a misfit. They comforted, inspired, empowered and equipped, gave me the reason to press on. People with a gift to provide this kind of healing are truly blessed by God whether they know it or not.

BS"D This song is a pinnacle of maturity and brilliance, talent and humanity! I haven't heard this in so long, your analysis and insight was spot on. The lump in my throat is quivering... Time to work on my garden.

With the sad news about Geddy's mum this past week this song seems even more apt and beautiful. If you are not aware Doug, his mum was a holocaust survivor. Both she and his dad suffered in concentration camps, in fact they met in Auschwitz and later when freed reunited in Canada. Her story is a brave one. Sadly his dad passed away when he was about 12, it seems due to health issues from his treatment at the hands of the Nazi's. One of Rush's most powerful songs written by Neil was "Red Sector A" from "Grace Under Pressure which was partly inspired by Geddy's mum's story. You can hear the emotion in his voice when he sings it. There are some live recordings of it which are harrowing and powerful. "The Garden" is stunning and a fitting memorial to not only Neil, but good kind and generous people everywhere who pass. Lovely analysis.

Thank You Doug for doing this. Even as a Rushaholic - I did not discover the poignancy of this song until recently and your analysis was similar to mine. Neal came into these insights several years before his diagnosis - so I guess one could say his was a life well lived !!

I love Rush's old songs, but when Clockwork Angels got released, I was transfixed by The Garden. It touched me so deeply at the time, and became one of my favorites. Looking back now, it just enhances the feeling. What an amazing band. Thanks for covering this.

You can't go wrong with Rush. What a mix - really excellent.

By far, no close second, the GOAT. God bless Niel, Alex and Geddy for making my life fuller. 🙏

Rock and roll Never Dies. It just passes out every now and then and wakes up on the daily Doug.

Neil's gift to us was his garden. The seeds he's sown through his melodic drums, and captivating lyrics shall continue to grow. As long as we admire it's beauty, it will forever thrive.

Thank you Doug, as a Rush fan I got to say that “The garden” has a special place in my heart. To have THAT as a last song in simply sublime. It’s impossible for me not to get goosebumps when this song is playing.

This song is so, so beautiful. Still brings a tear or two to my eyes cause I always remember Neil.

I played xanadu for a buddy of mine recently, i informed him that it was 3 guys...he looked at me with disbelief and promptly told me to f off.... i appreciate your respect for rush doug, they have been a very important part of my life for a very long time and i am glad you enjoy them a well.

When you're in the 2nd row in front of Geddy watching and hearing this live like i was 9 years ago, my inner vibrations went off the chart and I can most certainly say I had an existential experience that will last with me forever. Doug, your reaction here, triggered it again for me. My garden is my new young family of two daughters and a beautiful wife, home, and good job. Your review here was inspirational once again. Cheers to you! Neil's lyrics on this swansong could not be more fitting to anyone's life. I think I want it played at my funeral.

One of my favorite guitar solos. I wish it was another 30 seconds or so longer. RIP Neil.

If you’re looking for something else by Rush with really powerful lyrics try “Losing it” from the Signals album. Just different class.

This song gets me every time. It's such a direct meditation on impermanence and all the more poignant after Neil's passing. So moving, beautifully structured. Thanks, Doug, for reacting to this so sensitively and obviously getting its message.

I first became aware of Rush when I was in 5th grade in 1981, with the release of the Moving Pictures album. Over the next several years they became my favorite rock band, and they still are to this day. Though many of their songs have touched and moved me over the decades, I think this is perhaps the most beautiful song they ever came up with. With the passing of Neil, I've come to think of this as Neil's personal song, as the lyrics seem so fitting to his life. RIP, Professor.

Man I love Rush so much. I will forever miss Neil and his brilliance. Of course he lives on in their music. He was a gift to so many while he was here on this earth. I was so blessed to have attended the first concert of the R40 tour in 2015 in Tulsa (I have lived in this area since 2012). It was their last tour and a fitting end to their amazing journey as a band. Neil died with them having had a final tour that was out of this world good. RIP “New Guy.”

So many of Rush’s songs, in particular Peart’s lyrics, speak specifically to the human spirit. Sadly missed but never forgotten. It’s taken me a while to get over the loss - I can’t imagine how it was, and is, for those who knew him best. Thanks Doug.

One of my favorite songs by Rush, which of course means it's one of my favorite songs of all time. Period. What a lyrics by Neil, what a way to say farewell. He left us with a glimmer of hope, and a lesson we should never forget. The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect, indeed. This one makes me so emotional it's unbelievable, but in a good way.

Neil's writing (his several books) and song lyrics played a meaningful role in shaping me; now 49 years. Rush as a whole has, but especially Neil. Im a guitar player, but it was Neil who really drew me in. Another, was Eddie Van Halen for his sheer inventiveness and originality. We lost both of them within the span of a year. I broke down those days-it was an all day experience. Of all the things my orbit collects in its sweep, these two people are always on my mind.

I still can't listen to this song without crying. RIP Professor. And you sir, you played the piano beautifully with this song. Kudos.

You never cease to amaze me with your ability to just pick up and start playing with the song. You have great ears. Thanks for the reaction and kind words towards the band, and especially towards Neil.

Best reaction ever! My family has known for years that the garden is what I want played at my funeral with the lyric card in everyone's hand. Peace!

The last song of the last album from Power Trio. A beautiful goodbye From ultimate classic rock: "I stood in the control room listening while the strings were being recorded," Peart recalled in the bio. "It occurred to me that all songwriters should experience the sensual delight of hearing their songs performed by an accomplished string section. For example, when these virtuoso artists on violin, viola, cello and double-bass executed David’s plangent orchestration for 'The Garden,' there was not a dry eye in the studio."

A "Clockwork Angels" album reaction would be phenomenal

OK, that had me in tears. RIP Neil Peart. Beautiful, profound message, thank you Doug and all

Profundity, spirituality, musicality, humanity. In other words, Neil Peart. I don't know whether to believe in an afterlife, but I know that he and the art he made with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson live on and continue to change lives - mine included - and all for the better. What a great legacy. Would that we could all say that when our time on this earth draws to a close.

You are quite right Doug. There isn´t (or wasn't) a band like them. They exuded not only musicianship, but also a real lifetime brotherhood that it´s a rarity in this ego-machine world of rock-stars. Of course there´s a mountain of musical material in their account. Let me suggest you to try another 70´s finale masterpiece called NATURAL SCIENCE (from Permanent Waves). Greetings from Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina in the dawn of our 205 th. Independence Day. Alejandro Bianco Dubini saying goodnight

My father died 18 months after I was there for the live version of "The Garden". It was my favorite song on the album even before I saw it live. I pictured my father's life in this song since the day it was released. I told dad I was going to the concert,,, And out of the blue, my dad said to me, "Son. Let me pay for tickets and flight." After his death, I have heard and/or read comments, people make to my about my father. For example: ("Royce was best boss in the world. You couldn't ask for a better boss." and my favorite,,, "When Royce Faulkner spoke, people wanted listened.") I can say without, any doubt, "My dad tended His Garden. His memory will resonate in the hearts of many others than just mine"

Such a profoundly beautiful song. The studio version is even better. What a way to end a career.

One of the most magical things about Rush is that they showed how prog and pop weren't mutually exclusive. Certainly they had the technical and compositional talents to impress and attract musicians, but they wouldn't have been the international superstars they were without their pop sensibilities that appealed to your average music fan.

Clockwork Angels is my favorite Rush album. Thanks for doing this beautiful song, Doug!

You nailed it Doug, there is NO other band like RUSH and there will never be again… truly beautiful humans and truly amazing musicians ❤️

Did NOT see that coming! I have grown a habit whatching these videos, with headphones on, while doing the dishes. Not a huge Rush listener but I gave it a go and by the end of this song I was in tears. Powerful stuff!

This song always pulls at my heartstrings. The lyrics are a perfect summation of Rush as a band and as people!

This band means so much to me. From the 14 year old hearing Xanadu in 77 for the first time to The Garden. Blessed to have seen them 20+ times. Mainly in the UK but also lucky enough to have road tripped 6 shows on the final tour. Oh man, they have helped me understand stuff with a wider reality. I used “The future disappears into memory…’” section during my eulogy for my Dad in 2019. Such a special lyric and will forever make me cry…

Never before like this time I love your piano playing along.

The final verse was inspired by Voltaire's "Candide". Terrific stuff.

Incredible. Can’t listen to it with dry eyes. Thank you for this, so glad we could all share it here. ❤️

Thanks for that one, Doug! Still have trouble listening to it without crying. I have to remind myself it's the journey and not the end we should cherish. 🥺

Its a brilliant closure and memory to Neil fantastic

Your moments of piano intervention gave the song a special touch/depth. Your reactions are other-level, intellectual, and heady. I appreciate your deep insight, sir.

One thing I absolutely adore is that Clockwork Angels is their last album and they were in their late 50's when they wrote it and it's an absolutely excellent and really heavy album.

Thanks Doug, you’ve shown me anew a song I thought already knew, and nurtured my garden in doing so. Peace to you, brutha.

Rush taught me how to write properly. I'm 49. I've been a multi-instrumentalist since age sixteen and written hundreds of songs, but I only started listening to Rush a few months before they announced that they wouldn't be doing any more touring. I listened to Counterparts first, then created a playlist of all albums in order and listened to it on repeat every day while I worked. I learned something very important from Rush - space. It's not about the riff, the progression, or the fancy rhythms, it's about leaving space to allow them to breathe. Before Rush, I'd write songs where a 9/8 or a 7/8 would be quite obvious. People who weren't into non-standard time signatures would find them to be jarring. After immersing myself in Rush, I changed how I approached time sigs and now even my kids can listen to my stuff and not get thrown off when a 4/4 transitions to an odd time sig. I even have a part in my most recent song where it has one bar with 5, next bar with 6, then 7, then 8, then 7, then 6, then 5, and back into the straight 4. Not a single confused face from either of them. And all thanks to understanding Rush's approach to making the complex sound simple. Amazing band. I should have listened thirty years ago when my friends recommended them.

Time may be the infinite jest, but music - like life - can't exist without it. RIP Neil.

One of the greatest songs (musically and lyrically) ever written!

God Bless You Neil and Alex and Geddy.....it is a lifetime of memories we share.....I also don't have words....

I come back to this time and time again. When Doug starts accompanying on the piano, it's perfection....

This song fills me with so much love and hope, it overflows. Rush are utterly and specifically, Human.

Wonderful Doug! The Garden is such a special song for Us Rush fans and frequently can move us to tears. Thank you.

I still get emotional every time I hear this song. Masterpiece. RIP Neil

You should give a listen to "The Camera Eye" from the Moving Pictures album.

A fine tune indeed! Next you need to check out either “Marathon” (Power Windows) or “Mission” (Hold Your Fire), both of which also have very inspiring and uplifting lyrics 😀

The US Army band pays homage to Neil with their rendition of “Time Stand Still.” A powerful, moving tribute to an amazing man.

Neil Peart captured what his thoughts of life were. Much of his lyrics span an individual life time of experience whether happy, sad, young or old. Nearly all their songs can make you think of a time or place in your own life.

Love the piano being brought into the reviews! Really gives the music theory you explain depth

thanx as always for your brilliant job. thanx for your time, for your knowledge and for your kindness

I didn't realize that I was waiting to watch this video until my eyes could leak a little bit, but that's what happened. A band could not have a better final album than Clockwork Angels, nor a better final song than this one. Funny thing, the whole album is such a romp that this little confection at the end is easy for me to overlook. Yet watching this, I realize it's longer than I thought at 7 minutes and change, and it's such a perfect, poetic ending to one of my favorite bands.

They are the reason I became a musician. My absolute all-time favorite band, and the soundtrack of my life (cliché but true). I was blessed to see them live over 40 times, and I couldn't miss them more. This song brings me to tears almost every time. What a finale they left us with. So many beautiful and wonderful gifts they gave us.

This is by far their most beautiful song. It's a perfect culmination and exclamation point for their career. This song brought me to tears when I listened to it the first time and I realized it was Neil's farewell to Rush fans. Then I made myself listen to it the week Neil died and I broke down sobbing. I learned yesterday my dog is dying from cancer and it got me again. Nice breakdown. Despite the ugly crying, I enjoyed your commentary and your piano playing.

I became a Rush fan two weeks after All the World's a Stage came out, and I totally agree that The Garden was a pre-emptive farewell to us from Neil Peart! I have found myself listening to this tune more than any other over the past several years, and will make my wife have it played at MY funeral!!! RIP Neil! Thanks for everything!

I like this channel, but I feel like you sometimes get so caught up in finding and riffing on the chords that you miss what's going on over them. Alex's guitar solo on here is one of the most emotive things ever played on the instrument. It doesn't need any help.

It's hard to hear The Garden since Neil passed and not feel the tears welling up- darn just thinking about it! Great reaction. Beautiful song, beautiful lyrics, beautiful people!

I love when you bring us Rush. My favorite band for over 40 years! This is one of my favorite songs too although it's hard to get through without tears these days.

So beautiful. RIP Neil. How can he continue to speak to us? Oh how we need his guidance now.

I love your daily Doug, and look forward to listening to your expert musical knowledge on the songs that I have grown up listening to without knowing anything about how they are constructed or put together. Doug, would you mind not playing the piano so much, you drown out the very song we are trying to listen to. This is the first time I have listened to this piece, and all I got was your piano. It is too loud, you might be able to hear the song in your headphones, but on you tube your piano is just overwhelming.

A moment during the Q&A with Geddy Lee in Nashville for his book - "Have you written the perfect song, and why is it the Garden?" Nailed it.

I saw them playing this live in Manchester UK. It was just the most amazing thing I have ever seen and I will never forget it ❤

Dirk, Lerxst and Pratt are the best! Their music helped to mold my heart and soul. Rest in peace, Neil Peart....

I really, really enjoyed this. Breaks my heart and fills me with joy.