"Most of us" I'd just like to point out how he is putting himself in the camp of the common man. Dude was always so humble. I never forgot that. RIP Niel 😥
I fucking love Rush. Man. No one comes close to their songwriting. Instrumentation, timing, cohesiveness, their changes (OMG), lyricism, dynamics, knowledge, mysticism, electricity...Biology! Haha! What an inspiration.
johnny g Seems to me...it’s chemistry (they had mad chemistry with each other clearly, sticking together with no frills, no drama for a whole half century of music, all the way till the end)
@@halfoat316 Good point re:Mission. A very close relative also is ANALOG KID - ' You move me, you move me... w your bldgs & your eyes, autumn woods and winter skies.'
Since Neil’s passed, I have listened to The Garden countless times. Therefore I have been a leaky mess countless times. It is that good, especially the live version.
As someone who has now "lost it," this song is bittersweet for me. But I still try to spread love and light. You never lose the ability to do that. God bless Neil for having such clarity of vision to write this masterpiece. And God bless Jamal.
This is one of the rare Rush songs with a 4th musician: Ben Mink, of the Canadian band FM, plays electric violin on this song. Which is why they didn't play it live until decades later.
I was lucky enough to be at the show in Toronto when Ben played this song with them. The studio version is a year jerker, but that live performance just opens the flood gates!
@@Gaderelli Sure, and they did for incidental sounds in a lot of songs. But the electric violin part is too prominent and complex in this song to play to samples.
The second part is about Ernest Hemingway, he had cancer and rather than let it ravage and slowly kill him he shot himself in the doorway of his kitchen in 1961.
Love the Hemingway calls, “The Sun Also Rises” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. Such a tale of past talent or skill that is now gone. Makes us all think of past greatness and that we all age and loose whatever we once had. If we define ourselves by that past talent once it’s gone are we then gone? Makes you think about our mortality. Can we redefine ourselves if we can’t play ball, dance, sing, write books? Do you give up or reinvent yourself?
Great insight you have, very good questions. I suppose we should do as RUSH did. Reinvent ourselves to keep on, instead of stagnating. When they tried the synthesizer melodies in early 80's many fans were disappointed, though they never abandoned totally the guitar master Alex's stellar work. Some of their best work came from this period.
LeewardStudios , beautifully stated, food for thought for the young at heart. I feel the outward decrepitude with the equally strong inner resolve! They gonna have to kill my ASS! TEXAS!!
The song was inspired by Neil reading the story of Hemingway struggling to write an introduction for the JFK inauguration. He stood in his kitchen and wept because he couldn't come up with anything to write. Sadly he took his own like not long after.
when i first heard this song in my 30s i really could not identify with it .i am now 56 and and the words are hard to find . this is now now me . time has gotten away from me.
I think they met Ben Mink when they toured with FM. Black Noise by FM is am awesome album but was recorded prior to Ben Mink. Ben Mink is also a long time collaborator with kd Lang, another great Canadian talent.
I've been a Rush fan as long as I can remember, and Losing It was one of those songs that always evaded me. I remember really listening for the first time and being so gutted by the lyrics. Listening now after Neil's death is really hard, imagining his final years and the deterioration of his health.But I truly believe Neil found his peace well before he was gone.
I can remember an interview with him after he retired where he said he didn't even have a drum kit in the house. At the time I thought, "Why?" Now of course it's clear. He knew when to cut ties. The guy was remarkable even in his last days. He just accepted it and moved on.
And I'm the opposite. I started listening to Rush "late" with Roll the Bones having just come out. All of my friends listened to them and I had heard a few songs that would come up while we were playing cards and someone would toss Chronicles is the CD changer. All my friends said to buy Chronicles (which I did) and figure out if I like the newer stuff or older stuff. Anyway, I'm starting to digress so back on topic. The first time I heard Losing It I literally lost it. It instantly became my favorite Rush song and to this day it still is. I wish I could give a reason for it, but I can't. There's just something about it that I feel in my core and it gives me the chills every time I hear it.
Damn, picking Rush songs is no easy task, they have so many good ones. I think you would like 'The Pass' and 'Red Sector A', both from different decades with different sounds.
One of Rush's most beautiful yet haunting songs. Very few, if any other rock bands had the chops and finesse to write a song like this, and juxtapose that with their ability to write '"rip your face off" thought provoking prog rock. Miss these guys!
Easily my favorite deep cut of Rush songs that does not get enough attention. From the clear, beautiful, deep, and relate-able images of the dancer and the writer... to the simple yet poignant phrasing of the chorus... the listener understands losing one's skill... and the struggle of never even reaching it. A beautifully melancholy song. I would recommend Time Stand Still. It still gives me chills. It's from their late 80s album and has that noticeably late 80s sound they did, but the lyrics are similarly melancholy and poignant; all about wanting to hold on a little bit more to the great moment before it passes.
Neil's writing really improved in the storytelling vein on this album between this song and Subdivisions. Both economical, poignant vignettes that for the first time became relatable. Subdivisions directly and Losing It indirectly since most of their fans in 1982 were under 35.
F that!!!! "Between The Wheels" (the best piece from that album!) and "Afterimage" [Now, with the painful relation to Neil, himself, in those lyrics! 😭😭]
@@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra Afterimage is the song I seem to gravitate to each time we have a death in the family. Sadly, I am resorting to it again today.
My all time favorite Rush song. The valley's & peaks, the Killer Violin, Alex's masterful guitar work, Neil's lyrics, Geddy's vocals in a more-listenable Lower register.
This song means so much to me...I lost a leg the month after seeing Rush in their last concert in Toronto...and they played this song live for the first time on that tour.
Sometimes watching Rush live is just the way to go. They were so amazing live, particularly in Rio. However, I really love your Rush reactions that use lyric videos because they demonstrate Neil's mastery at the craft. Countdown and Manhattan Project are two songs that would be best to react to with the lyrics. Those songs tell powerful stories and the lyrics are pure art.
Neil was brilliant. You should watch the live version of this. It’s one of the versions that the string player from clockwork angels tour comes out on one of the shows on their last tour and they play the song love it’s fantastic and the song the garden that some people have requested is wonderful from their live show
This has been my favorite song for 20 years, and I swear that violin solo STILL rips me to shreds every time I hear it. Everyone who covers it never does it nearly as perfectly as that studio recording. It's no wonder they never played it live until the end, that magic was once in a lifetime. I think that adds even more to the theme of the song - that the studio recording was a once in a lifetime perfect event, and we'll never hear anything just like it again.
I've been listening to this song since it came out in 1982. It has meant more as I have gotten older as I can relate to it. I have dreams that have not come to pass and have lost "it" many times. I love the Signals album. If you like the Police, you should respond to Digital Man as it has a ska/reggae feel.
This album came out shortly after my brother introduced to Rush. I was 10 and Losing It was the first song that made me feel emotion from music in such a way. Though at the time the lyrics didn’t make much sense to me, but the music, especially the electric violin solo by Ben Mink, made me wanna tear up. I remember thinking, how does this band that shreds so hard turn around and make me feel like this?? The hook was really in me then and I feel so fortunate that they played this live for the first time on their last tour, so emotional. I was at the final night of the tour in Los Angeles, with the rumors swirling that this could be the last tour but no one knew for sure, until... The moment when Neil came to the front of the stage and all 3 took a bow, it hit home that this was indeed it... I began reeling with emotions, my mind flashing through my lifetime with this band, the connections, the friendships, my family that I shared it all with, I was a mess. The house lights come on, I begin to look around and realize so many around me, obviously feeling the same as me, crying, embracing... it was unreal, strangers all consoling each other and understanding what we just witnessed, not just that night but for how ever long you’d been a fan of these amazing guys. RIP Neil and thank you for all that you did.
Alice Cooper has 27 studio albums and hundreds of way way better songs then The Beatles and The Stones combined. It's been 40 years since The Rolling Stones released a great album. Alice Cooper has released 15 good or great albums since the last time The Rolling Stones released anything good. lol.
One of my favs from Rush. Fine lyrics and that rhythm pattern is just unreached. R.I.P Professor! No one will EVER write such lyrics again. And I agree- The Garden is just beautiful.
When I heard that Neil had passed, the line "Sadder still to watch it die than never to have known it" from this song was the first of his lyrics I thought. Then, through the comments of other reactors doing other tributes, someone said that the line "The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect" from "The Garden" is the one they thought was the best line. Either one is a fitting tribute! Thanks for seeing into the lyrical - and musical - genius of Rush I've been experiencing since 1981!!!
Love to see you react to Rush. Im with Rich react to The Garden lyric video. Rush's last song on their last album. You'll likee. God bless and good health to u and your family. ✌
As a very young man in the 80's, I came across this song. As a RUSH fan and a drummer, I connected with so many of their songs, but this one touched me in a much different way than any of the others did. It spoke about something that I had not considered. Since I was so young, I felt like my abilities and opportunities would last forever. Neil's lyrics in this song told me that was not the case. As I lived through over 20 years of performing in bands I carried this song in my heart and tried to make the most of my time. Now, I'm old. I can no longer perform live on stage. I have "lost it". However, I look back on those years with fondness. Though I never became a professional drummer, I did live the life of a paid musician and played on some large stages and with MANY fantastic people. So, thank you for bringing this song back to my consciousness, and thank you Neil for providing the insight through the lyrics of this song that allowed me to make the most of the time when I had it. God bless you all.
I've been a Rush fan for over 30 years and they still blow my mind very regularly. This particular song is some of the best songwriting I've ever seen by any artist. The lyrics, the music, the structure of the song, the delivery, even the production. You simply can't get much better than this, and they put this out back in 1982!
Neill was so humble to write" some are born to move the world... and then " but most of us just dream about...Man, he definitely moved the world! And in a beautiful way...
SO glad you did this one. One of my favorites! Some could argue that Neil Lost It in his final years- finally unable to play drums like he once did because of severe tendinitis, causing RUSH to stop touring. “Sader still to watch it die than never to have known it.” One wonders if Neil felt this way in his final years. His legacy lives on, and will forever due to his lyrical genius and best drumming EVER! Your favorite drummer’s, favorite drummer. One word-Greatness!
Nice reaction once again Jamal, thank you. Others have said it and I also encourage you to check out the live version of The Garden by Rush. It’s amazing.
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to experience Rush from the beginning. Their was always something that drew me towards them. They will always inspire me ❤
@@badroto2413...Rush listeners might crap on an album, a song or a "stage". Rush FANS just have different hierarchies of preference. Whatever moves you....its ALL good(great!;).
I agree. Signals is definitely one of their best albums, front to back. And this song has always been one of favs. I love ALL Rush. The early and the later stuff. FAVS. I teared up when I saw that he reacted to this track. 🥺❤
One of the most beautiful and saddest songs ever penned. The instrument played at the start and featured prominently in the instrumental was an electric violin played by Ben Mink. He played this live with them at one of their gigs on their last tour. Ironically it was the first and last tour they played this song live. Tears rolling down my face, remembering Neil. Thanks man. Stay safe.
I've loved this song for a very long time. As a drummer it's fun to play as well. My father was one of the top mechanical engineers here in the US. I mentally changed some words in my head for the writer and it literally was my father. Genius to a shell of a man. I miss him every day. Thanks Jamel.
It's good to hear you say that you've got a lot more Rush to go, 25 videos and counting, keep em coming! Might I suggest Red Sector A, Headlong Flight, New World Man, Passage to Bangkok, and Anthem, just to name a few. Stay safe in the Rush rabbit hole!
That's what makes music and this band so great. There will never ever be a band like Rush ever again. 40 wonderful years of the best badass jammin band to ever grace the planet. Nice reaction Jamal. and it's cool how much you appreciate this band.
Another masterpiece from power trio. Amazing. This song is so beautiful "Some are born to move the world To live their fantasies" Thank you Neil and Rest in Power "Professor"
If I had to recommend some Rush stuff, I'd dip into their 2000's stuff. Armor and Sword, The Larger Bowl, The Way the Wind Blows, Clockwork Angels, Wish Them Well, The Garden... Loads of good stuff to look at!
This is one of my favorite RUSH songs & I loved your reaction to it. You really emphasized the weight and meaning of the lyrics. I don't know who suggested this song to you but thank you for reacting to it and showing this trio of musicians the honor they deserve for writing, arranging & performing this song. Stay well Jamel!
Thanks Jamal...your a gentlemen and a scholar...Rush is such an important band...especially now...they did alot of these songs 40 years ago...30 years ago...but they were like highly refined time capsuled messages ..meant to especially be opened in troubling times like today when people need Neil Peart and Rush's amazing Insights and gifts for humanity...and their killer grooves...Thanks again Jamal..still rocking here in SW Florida....Morgan
They played this song for the first time in 2015 in over 30 years when they first played it on the Signals tour. Long time fans knew they were talking retirement and knew the somber reasons why they played this on their final tour. Now,since Neil’s passing,I can’t stop crying because of its truth and inevitably for all of us.
Another great reaction. I have been listening to them since 1974-75. I think what I love about them most is that there song themes are so deep and different. They dont write about the cliche things. Their songs challenge us to look within at ourselves. The best of ourselves and our shortcomings. It's just very mature and intelligent. Their music really transcends genres!
Thanks for continuing to call out RIPs for Neil. We fans all miss him dearly. BTW, I'm going to repeat my sincere hopes that you react to Cygnus X-1. It will blow your mind!
The fact you stopped at "Some are born to move the world...." - just my all time favorite lyric part - and you talking about this on RU-vid is just absolutely THE BEST!!!! Keep up the awesome work my friend.
Glad you listened to this one. Between the lyrics, the violin, and the remarkable instrumental aspects....this song never fails to bring me to tears. I now find myself getting close to my 60's and pondering this next phase of my own life.
One of my favorite Rush songs. I saw them perfom this at the Forum on their farewell tour. So haunting and tragic, yet beautiful. Has so much more emotional impact now that Neil has passed. Thanks for doing this one, Jamel.
Amazing how prescient Neil's lyrics were here. This concept is exactly why he retired from drumming in 2015 after the R40 Tour. He knew his body was no longer up the the grueling task of playing Neil part drum parts due to tendonitis and aging -- so he went out on top, rather than publically "losing it." He had said in an interview around 2015 that he could probably play Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones) drum parts when he was older (70s), but not Rush drum parts. And Ben Mink on the electric violin just sizzles. I think they played this 3 times on the R40 Tour, once with Ben Mink and twice with Johnny Dinklage (Brother of Peter aka Tyrion Lannister). I love how you appreciate Neil's crafting of amazing lyrics and Geddy's ability to then fit them to the music and develop beautiful melodies. This song always grabs my heart. RIP Neil.
Some of Neils best words. I went to Cinema Strangiato and they played this from the 2015 concert-one of their last and when it ended, you could hear people crying in the theater.
Tears pricking my eyes now. This song has been with me for many years, and is a stand out track from a stand out band. A powerful reminder to those of us who dream: Use it, or lose it people. Thanks J.
One of my favorites on this album. They played this on their R40 tour for the first time ever, However they had not added this to the setlist till after they past though Florida. When they played this for the first time in Canada live, they had the original violinist come on stage and play. Later on they used one of the violinist from the Clock Work Angle tour play it..
My fav line of the whole song is "Sadder still to watch it die than never to have known it". That sums up the whole song right there. Great song from a great record.
I love the Signals album. Maybe also because I first saw Rush on this tour. 'Losing It' touches my soul lyrically and musically. Ha, when I listen to other Rush songs again, those will too. Rush music and lyrics are intertwined like nothing else I've heard.
Neil got the idea for the song after hearing about Ernest Hemingway who couldn't write toward the end of his life. It was so depressing it would make him cry. Hence the old man with the white beard with tears of rage. The 'sun will rise no more' is a reference to Hemingway's novel "The Sun Also Rises".
This song has always been one of Rush's neglected gems and is in my top 5 songs by this group. Thank you for choosing it, bro. The lyrics are profound and poignant. The guest musician is the outstanding violinist, Ben Mink. You can see him perform on the live version of this song (on RU-vid).
This is one of my favorite Rush tunea, from a 45 year fan. I saw the Signals tour, and when this song was played, Been Mink from the band FM (who plays the violin in this song) played with them. He had flashing lights on his violin. It was absolutely fantastic. So glad that you reacted to this song!
One of their finest songs ever and so glad you did a reaction on this incredible piece of work. This was a very special song because it featured the amazing Ben Mink on violin. You gotta see the live version they recently did. Thanks for doing such a great song by my favorite band ever! RIP, Neil.
