I have liked the progressive rock band RUSH for a long time. However, I did not appreciate the sophisticated lyrics and performances until the epic song “2112” was analyzed by Elizabeth Zharoff on the Charismatic Voice podcast. Enjoy the ride.

“2112” Song Only with Graphic Novel Images

This music video is the version with the graphic novel images to illustrate the storyline that RUSH shares through their music. It is the same video that the Charismatic Voice used for a reaction. I love graphic novels due to my upbringing where I saved nickels to buy what we called a comic book back in the day. Enjoy the images and pay particular attention to the captions to the images. Not all the captions are suny by Geddy Lee. Enjoy.

Lyrics to “2112”

Not all the lyrics that appear below were sung by Geddy Lee, Instead, some of them were included in the introduction to the video or through the graphic novel version that accompanies the song. Brilliant!!!

'I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here, just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple Paper in the evening.

'My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under the Red Star of the Solar Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons. I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found something that changed it all...'

[I. Overture]

And the meek shall inherit the earth...

[II. Temples of Syrinx]

...'The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests...'

We've taken care of everything

The words you read, the songs you sing

The pictures that give pleasure to your eye

It's one for all and all for one

We work together, common son

Never need to wonder how or why

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls

Look around at this world we've made

Equality our stock-in-trade

Come and join the Brotherhood of Man

Oh, what a nice, contented world

Let the banners be unfurled

Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls

[III. Discovery]

'...Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful...'

'...I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can't wait to tell the priests about it!...'

What can this strange device be?

When I touch it, it gives forth a sound

It's got wires that vibrate and give music

What can this thing be that I found?

See how it sings like a sad heart

And joyously screams out its pain

Sounds that build high like a mountain

Or notes that fall gently like rain

I can't wait to share this new wonder

The people will all see its light

Let them all make their own music

The Priests praise my name on this night

[IV. Presentation]

'...In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the silent Temple Hall...'

'...Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet...'

I know it's most unusual

To come before you so

But I've found an ancient miracle

I thought that you should know

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There's something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you

Yes, we know, it's nothing new

It's just a waste of time

We have no need for ancient ways

The world is doing fine

Another toy that helped destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the plan, no

I can't believe you're saying

These things just can't be true

Our world could use this beauty

Just think what we might do

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There's something here that's as strong as life

I know that it will reach you

Don't annoy us further!

Oh, we have our work to do

Just think about the average

What use have they for you?

Another toy that helped destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the plan!

[V. Oracle: The Dream]

'...I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase...'

'...I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things...'

I wandered home through the silent streets

And fell into a fitful sleep

Escape to realms beyond the night

Dream can't you show me the light?

I stand atop a spiral stair

An oracle confronts me there

He leads me on light years away

Through astral nights, galactic days

I see the works of gifted hands

That grace this strange and wondrous land

I see the hand of man arise

With hungry mind and open eyes

They left our planets long ago

The elder race still learn and grow

Their power grows with purpose strong

To claim the home where they belong

Home to tear the Temples down...

Home to change!

[VI. Soliloquy]

'...I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last.'

The sleep is still in my eyes

The dream is still in my head

I heave a sigh and sadly smile

And lie a while in bed

I wish that it might come to pass

Not fade like all my dreams...

Just think of what my life might be

In a world like I have seen!

I don't think I can carry on

Carry on this cold and empty life

Oh, no!

My spirits are low in the depths of despair

My lifeblood...

...Spills over...

[VII. The Grand Finale]

Attention all planets of the Solar Federation

We have assumed control