Lyrical Greats (pt.2)

Here we are once again!

'The Weapon'
From the album: 'Signals' - 1982

A Key Line:
With an iron fist in a velvet glove we are sheltered under the gun

Chorus:
And the things that he fears are a weapon to be held against him...

Thoughts:

Perhaps the most influential lyrics to ever been written by Peart. I know the line, "Thy kingdoms will be done" is a slightly modified version of a quote from The Lord's Prayer in the New Testament. What's also worth noting is that the quote "We've got nothing to fear - but fear itself?" is from the third sentence of President Franklin Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address on March 4th of 1933. Having said that, I think that it's quite clear that this song aims at delivering the message of control, obedience and the population being mislead - whether that be in a political or religious format. And on that note, I think it's unbelievably amazing how well this song reflects the current administration in United States.

Now, we move onto the album 'Grace Under Pressure' - which to say the least, is full of excellent lyrics.

'The Enemy Within'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
Steely-eyed outside to hide the enemy within

Chorus:
I'm not giving in to security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
Experience to extremes...

Thoughts:

Considering it's part of the 'Fear Series', (which includes four parts, one of which is 'The Weapon) I feel the message of this song is quite clear. It follows the same premise as 'The Weapon' - obedience and control.

'Distant Early Warning'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
That the truth is not the truth?

Chorus:
The world weighs on my shoulders
But what am I to do?
You sometimes drive me crazy
But I worry about you

Thoughts:

A song clearly influenced by the fear of superpowers and nuclear annihilation.

'Afterimage'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
Suddenly, you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon

Chorus: (doesn't really have one..is this it?)
I feel the way you would
I feel the way you would

Thoughts:

I know for a fact that this song was written about friend of the band who died in the early 80's. It's a short song with few lyrics, but nevertheless, they hit hard.

'Red Sector A'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984

A Key Line:
Skeletons, they shuffle away

Chorus:
All that we can do is just survive
All that we can do to help ourselves is stay alive

Thoughts:

Well..the song is about the holocaust and the unspeakable acts which the Jews suffered. The basis of the song was written by Peart with input and inspiration from Lee (who's parents were survivors).

'Marathon'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985

A Key Line:
It's not how fast you can go

Chorus:
From first to last
The peak is never passed
Something always fires the light that gets in your eyes
One moment's high, and glory rolls on by
Like a streak of lightning
That flashes and fades in the summer sky

Thoughts:

Self explanatory - but the use of a 'marathon' is a metaphor for life.

'Territories'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985

A Key Line:
Don't feed the people, but we feed the machines

Chorus - There isn't one!

Thoughts:

As described by Peart, the aim with PW was, well, power. The corruption of it to be exact and I interpret this song to be a look at China's situation (at the time).

This song deserves great praise as it reads like a book.

More tomorrow!