Something people rarely understand about the chorus: "Those who wish to seem," refers to people who want fame for fame's sake. "Those who wish to be," refers to highly motivated people who are passionate about what they do. Neil is identifying as someone who wants to "be," and saying that someone like that needs to try their best to avoid the trappings of fame and focus on what matters most to them: being the best they can at what they love doing.
And that is how he lived his life. When not lyric writing, recording or touring, he lived his life not the life of a ‘rock star’. I remember from the time I discovered Rush, with their second album release, the three of them lived a private life. There are many bands who were very different, who were ON all the time. Didn’t separate their onstage life from real life....those bands generally didn’t last very long. Some died young, some burnt out. But Rush was born to do what they did. I’ve listened to them for so many years that their lyrics were kind of burned into my mind and damn if they didn’t have some of the deepest lyrics of all the music that I consider the soundtrack of my life!! Sorry to write so much...when I meant to only thank you for that great comment! TY Annie in TN
@@blondelebanese9922 also, in every city, Niel would get lost finding used bookstores and the others would sometimes have to find him. he is admittedly reclusive and introverted. his lyrics come from always being in his head, thinking, reading and expanding.
RUSH: Hey we're just three Canadian nerds. ALSO RUSH: Oh but we're going to gobsmack you with our lyrics. ALSO ALSO RUSH: Sorry, Oh hey, super Sorry but we're also going to be the most technical musicians anyone has ever heard. EVER HEARD. Cheers mate!
They are very technical, and that doesn't appeal to everyone, but, it was more about pushing their own limits and skills that the technical skils developed. I'm glad it did. Rarely do you hear music so... damn complicated & precise! Yet still pleasant, melodic and pleasing. I bloody love it 😃😃
@@krytonsbeast That's what made me fall in love with their music back when I was a teenager. It was so complex, yet so accessible, on so many different levels.
I can’t think of 3 more talented musicians. Neil Peart, the drummer was a true poet & philosopher. R.I.P. Check out Subdivisions. I grew up in that world & there was no place for me. Neil speaks the truth.
@@melissayost4888 I'd say Yes (prior to Owner of a Lonely Heart) was just the British precursor to Rush. Group absolute virtuosos, walking the line between catchy and progressive with sounds bigger than you'd expect. Yes and Roundabout are killer albums.
@@Julianlesk I love Yes and they are great in their own way, no need for comparisons. That said, I think what Rush achieved around Permanent Waves - Moving Pictures is unique and has never been done, before or after them. Condensing the complexity and all out energy of progressive rock into melodic, "shorter" catchy and beautifully written and arranged songs is what puts them in the Olympus of music.
Uhhhm is anyyone forgetting 2112? So much as thier middle finger to the music industry for trying to compromise thier integrity? "Spirit of Radio" kind of explauns it a few years later. One of their best songs to hear live BTW.
In case anyone did not know, limelight refers to an old type of stage light where a flame was applied to a stone that contained lime (calcium carbonate). The stone would then glow brightly. The light was then redirected with mirrors and/or a lens. Very bright indeed.
Says the person that knows nothing.Real bone-fide know-it-all's appreciate other know-it-all's. Hanging around them gives us a chance to improve our game.
Musical perfection in just under 4 minutes. With most tracks, you can think I wish they'd done this or that a bit differently. Limelight? You have to love and admire every second of it. Lifeson puts so much soul into his guitar.
Rush, one of the best bands ever, underrated for its complexity and people who likes comercial stuff, but for many of us, a big part of our life's soundtrack.....cheers dude!!
When you listen to Alex's solo you can feel the loneliness. It shows just how in tune with each other they were as musicians and friends. Professor I miss you and thank you for your teachings.
Love your reactions especially when it comes to Rush. It puts a smile on my face when someone new discovers Rush and understands the band musically and lyrically. You’ve done every song from Moving Pictures so you might as well finish it off by reacting to The Camera Eye. Keep up the good work....
One of my favorite ever of all time quotes comes from this song. "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend." The philosophy of Rush is so profound! I also used another line from this song in an English Literature class in college and after I turned it in my prof asked me if I was a big fan of Shakespeare because I used the quote in a unique and slightly different way (he said). The "All the worlds indeed a stage, we are merely players" line and I laughed and told him no, but I am very well versed in the philosophy of Rush and I know the band's lyricist/drummer certainly digs Shakespeare! Thanks for the reaction to a song I've known by heart for decades now!
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, --Shakepeare "As You Like It" Act II Scene VII
@@metheus108 yep. that quote. I remember being asked about the version by Rush I was using by my professor and telling him with glee about the band Rush and the philosophical insights it could bring. I think he was surprised a bit, but also thankful I was getting around to finding out about Shakespeare and where that quote I loved really came from.
I think the bottom line is, for a lot of us, we miss this band and, after seeing them perform upteen times since ‘82, for me, I wish they could still play. Thanks brother, for carrying the torch and bringing some entertainment to their craft. For without which, I might no longer remember the true genius that they bring...
I got to see them three times before they retired. One of Neil's lyrics says it best: "Better still to watch it die than never to have known it" - 'Losing It' from the Signals album - another great song! A little different than their "normal" stuff but still a fantastic listen.
Since you're learning more about Rush, you've probably learned that their drummer, Neil, wrote all of their lyrics. He is famously introverted and uncomfortable with fame. This is very much Neil expressing his feelings about living a life "on the lighted stage." It's a personal favorite.
I was in the Army at the time this album dropped, back then WAS NOT LIKE TODAY, a guy in my company had this cassette mailed to him and he had the only ghetto blaster, all these young Canadian boys (maybe 30 of us) dirty, smelly, tired, faces showing exhaustion from the days training would go to this platoons tent and we would just sit there all silent, cigarettes dangling from mouth and we would just shut the fuck up and sit and bob our heads and pretend to sing along. The power of music back then to instantly transform 18 year old boys who spent the day screaming, yelling and learning how to kill people to subdued, inward looking beings of thought was so special. The power of RUSH!
One of my favorite Rush songs!! The drum rolls at the end are OVER THE TOP GREAT. Neil Peart is SUPER.💜 I didn't appreciate him until I saw him in concert. 🤩👍💕💕
This is way your the best reaction videos. You caught the line. "I can pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" That is Neil Peart and the way he felt.. Thank you for keeping the music alive
Rush. The legendary power trio, unleashing their stunning songwriting and musicianship. This is one of their best-known radio hits, and just an iconic, emotional track from their 80's era. Play that guitar solo back a few times. You don't hear guitar work like that anymore... thank you so much for this one!!
Absolutely. Provides the band's history, some insight into their lives & personalities, commentary from other artists, & much more. Highly recommended.
As usual, these are Neil Peart's lyrics. He's the one in the band who never liked the fame aspect, and is the introvert of the band as well who likes to keep to himself.
This song is written by Neil and it's my favorite Rush song and my second being Freewill. Thank You Neil R.I.P. And Thank You RUSH as a whole for bringing forth an amazing new sound to the Music Scene and giving ALL of US a taste of Canadian Gobsmack!
From Rush The Trees. There is unrest in the forest oh, there is sadness with the trees. For the maples lost their professor, And the Oaks brought to their knees. R i p Neil Peart the best drummer the world has ever known. The trees are indeed sad
One of the greatest of Rush songs. Geddy’s bass work is so outstanding. The bass in this song carries you along like you are on a magic carpet, through the highs and the lows of struggling with the limelight.
I think i's not just the great sounding tracks that are drawing people to old school. I think is because the music industry has almost killed the music with real talent and no auto-tune. Any-who, I hope this trend grows. Thanks dude for choosing Rush!
I'm 58 years old and have been a fan of theirs since 1976 these guys and their art that they created have helped me through some of.my most difficult times, probably saved my life , Thank you for the reaction, I love to see people discover Rush for the first time. Peace out ✌️
What did you think of how the song sounds? One of their most composed and concise songs ever. Alex Lifeson’s guitar solo is one of his all time favorites. I think he terms it “elastic” if memory serves. Awesome song and reaction.
3 guys~ They don't sit down and " write" a song. Neil isn't just the drummer; he is the lyricist ~ they all write pieces of music and then see what lyrics fit with the music AND Geddy`s voice. I love watching you experiencing Rush I just wish you could have seen them live! THEY WERE MAGICAL 💖
Yeah, people can like Rush or not but no one can deny that they were possibly the most technically gifted rock band that still had groove and feeling. Not an easy road
And you just heard the loneliest "feeling" guitar solo ever. It's got a very sad feel to it. I love watching you learn about Rush. There will never be another band like them. Three MASTER musicians who actually liked each other and could make 40 years of music.
This song was less about people horning in on Rush fame and fortune as it is with Neil Peart's extreme discomfort with fame and how he shies away from the limelight when fans come up, even for something as benign as expressing admiration for their craft or gratitude for the music. He says he feels awkward and doesn't know how to react, and finds it difficult to be gracious and gregarious (I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend.) Geddy and Alex were much more comfortable being the public face during meet and greet type events and Neil avoided them like the plague. He also knows it is his problem and feels... Not bad, but regretful that he's not capable of being that guy and this song was not only an explanation but kind of an apology to fans.
Then he goes on to quote Shakespeare ("As You Like It," Act II, Scene VII)... "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages."
I love Rush, all of their music is indelibly written on my heart, but this song has been my favorite since the first time I listened to it! It played in my head throughout one of my best soccer games when I was only a junior in high school in 81...My love of Rush grew deeper with every album and I was crushed when I heard that Neil had passed. I've been listening to several of the books that he wrote and they are all amazing. He had such a way with words. So talented and he will be forever missed! Rest in Peace Professor!!
Yes, this is about Neil’s unbelievable shyness to the point of him seeming as very anti-social. He never understood the fascination of stardom. He just wanted his own space and his own place in it. Sadly, this was reinforced in August 10, 1997 when his only child at the time, 19 year old daughter was killed in a single car accident. 10 months later his common-law wife died of cancer. Neil writes with emotion and these events brought out a ton...
That was Neil Peart talking. “I can’t pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend. Very reserved, humble, introverted and private up to the end of his life. A very influential human being that although millions didn’t know him, they miss him as if they did. Rest in Paradise Neil.
Seeing him with Geddy and Alex at dinner, you'd think Neil was one of the most extroverted people you could meet, but looks can be deceptive when a steady supply of wine is involved. :D
Bro if you listen to their first album “RUSH” And then listen to the second album “FLY BY NIGHT” you will really see how important it was they found Neil Peart the Guinness... Rush probably would have never stamped the world like they did.. I love the band and the professor is my top drummer. John Blackwell number two... R. I.P. To both my heroes and thank you for listening to them
Rush is THE BEST BAND in the universe. The lyrics, musicianship, friendship, live shows, connection to their fans. Everything. They are the band of the misfits, thinkers, and spirituals
Just a RUSH every time I listen to any of their songs. Vintage or New they always bring you through a journey with every song they produce and especially the lyrics that Neil Peart comes up with...Man. There is Music...and their is RUSH! Please my friend you need to do a reaction on "The Garden". Thanks for the reaction.
Man I love that you are enjoying Rush music with the lyrics, because it is a full package with them. I'm a huge Rush fan, so I appreciate you recognizing them!
66 y/o Rush fan. So glad to see you get it! The 3 greatest musicians ever in the same group. BUT, what sets them apart is Neil Peart's (pronounced Pert) lyrics! DUDE, YOU WANT YOUR HEAD TO EXPLODE WITH LYRICS? ROLL THE BONES (LIVE)!
What else can be said about this song that hasn't been said in the last 35 years? It's perfection in progressive rock. It's Lifeson's best solo. It's drumming par excellence. Geddy Lee sings, plays an anazing bass part and keyboards with his feet...enuff said! In a thousand years it will still be perfect.
I'm not the kind of guy that gets emotional but when I see your reaction to songs especially when I know an awesome part or moment in a song is coming up, it is incredible watching your expression ...really gets me!
The guitar solo in this song would probably get my vote for the best solo of all time. It strikes me as being as close to perfection as one could ever hope to achieve.
Geddy Lee (bass/keys/vocals) talks about this in an interview. he says at first the band didn't embrace their celebrity and popularity, or found it difficult, because they were just doing what they loved and living their lives. But over the years they've gotten more appreciative and accepting of fans showing and telling how much the band means to them.
William Shakespeare - As You Like It "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages." Rush - Limelight "All the Worlds indeed a stage and we are merely players Performers and portrayers Each another's audience Outside the gilded cage" Outstanding piece.
This is my favorite RUSH song. As a person who has been involved in music and music production most of my life, it speaks to so many things that I have experienced. To say it speaks to me personally is something of an understatement. Great video Sir..!
I saw your brow raise when you heard NP on the kick. He was voted number one R&R drummer in the world for seven or eight years in a row. He put the work in and then he took a long cruise on his bike... They’re back.
Limelight and Subdivisions are a couple of my favorite Rush songs. Your reaction to Limelight reminded me of more perils of being famous in the Billy Squier song "Everybody Wants You". I'd love you to react to that song sometime.
Great song. Love that you have discovered some Canadian bands. Some of my favorite Canadian bands/singers for you to discover are: The Band (The Weight and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down), Neil Young (The Needle and the Damage Done, After the Goldrush, Only Love Can Break Your Heart), Triumph (Lay It on the Line), April Wine (I Like to Rock, Sign of the Gypsy Queen), etc. Keep on rockin!
This has always been one of my favorites by them. The lyrics insightful and the music a total jam. (kind of their calling card) How about that drum fill near the end? yowza
Just had to drop in and say congratulations to you! 100k and still going! It's been a great pleasure to see your channel grow by leaps and bounds since I first saw you. You definitely have "IT" when it comes to creating and growing a quality reaction channel. In my opinion it comes from you having "IT" as a quality human being. Thanks for the good times and all the best to you!
There are a lot of reaction videos on RU-vid. Most of them are shite, but yours are definitely topnotch. You have a great understanding and seeming appreciation of these songs, and it warms my heart to see a younger generation find joy in things that I have loved for years. Keep up the fine work.
