Vocal Analysis of "Xanadu" by the Progressive Rock Band, RUSH

Another of the analysis of rock songs by the Charismatic Voice podcast. I like the sound and ability of the group to create images in my mind of what this retreat was like. As Elizabeth Zharoff notes towards the end of the analysis, perhaps this is not the magical place that some have believed. Great observation and lesson to learn. In any case, it is another great piece of analysis.

“Xanadu” Performed by RUSH

Here is the YouTube video that Elizabeth was reacting to for her analysis of the song.

Lyrics to “Xanadu”

'To seek the sacred river Alph

To walk the caves of ice

To break my fast on honeydew

And drink the milk of Paradise...'

I had heard the whispered tales of immortality

The deepest mystery

From an ancient book I took a clue

I scaled the frozen mountain tops of eastern lands unknown

Time and Man alone

Searching for the lost Xanadu

Xanadu

To stand within the Pleasure Dome

Decreed by Kublai Khan

To taste anew the fruits of life

The last immortal man

To find the sacred river Alph

To walk the caves of ice

Oh, I will dine on honeydew

And drink the milk of Paradise

Oh, paradise!

A thousand years have come and gone but time has passed me by

Stars stopped in the sky

Frozen in an everlasting view

Waiting for the world to end, weary of the night

Praying for the light

Prison of the lost

Xanadu

Xanadu

Held within the Pleasure Dome

Decreed by Kublai Khan

To taste my bitter triumph

As a mad immortal man

Nevermore shall I return

Escape these caves of ice

For I have dined on honeydew

And drunk the milk of Paradise

Whoa, is it paradise?