Tom Sawyer

Rush

About Tom Sawyer

"Tom Sawyer" is a song by Canadian rock band Rush, originally released on their 1981 album Moving Pictures as its opener. The band's lead singer, bassist, and keyboardist, Geddy Lee, has referred to the track as the band's "defining piece of music ... from the early '80s". It is one of Rush's best-known songs and a staple of both classic rock radio and Rush's live performances, having been played on every concert tour since its release. The song has made many appearances in television and is frequently referenced in media.  


Year:
1990
4:37
19,363 
#235

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A modern day warrior
Mean, mean stride
Today's Tom Sawyer
Mean, mean pride

Though his mind is not for rent
Don't put him down as arrogant
He reserves the quiet defense
Riding out the day's events
The river

What you say about his company
Is what you say about society
Catch the mist, catch the myth
Catch the mystery, catch the drift

The world is, the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his skies are wide

Today's Tom Sawyer
He gets by on you
And the space he invades
He gets by on you

No, his mind is not for rent
To any God or government
Always hopeful yet discontent
He knows changes aren't permanent
But change is

What you say about his company
Is what you say about society
Catch the witness, catch the wit
Catch the spirit, catch the spit

The world is, the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his eyes are wide

Exit the warrior
Today's Tom Sawyer
He gets by on you
And the energy you trade
He gets right on to the friction of the day

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Rush

Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Lifeson, and drummer, percussionist and lyricist Neil Peart. The band and its membership went through a number of re-configurations between 1968 and 1974, achieving their iconic lineup when Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first United States tour. Rutsey's departure stemmed primarily from health concerns regarding his diabetes. In 2015 the band played their final show due to Peart's declining health. more »

17 fans

Written by: Alex Zivojinovich, Geddy Lee Weinrib, Neil Elwood Peart, Paul Phillip Woods

Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Year
"Tom Sawyer" was released in 1981, as part of Rush's album, "Moving Pictures".
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S, but it fared much better in Canada where it reached number 24.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by a character from Mark Twain's novel. However, the song’s lyrics don’t translate the novel’s plot directly.
Band Members
The song was primarily composed by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the lead vocalist-bassist and the lead guitarist of Rush respectively, with contributions from the lyricist, drummer Neil Peart, and friend Max Webster's lyricist Pye Dubois.
Instrumental Excellence
Neil Peart's drumming in the song is considered one of the greatest drum performances in rock.
Music Genre
"Tom Sawyer" is regularly classified as progressive rock, a genre characterized by complex song structures, irregular time signatures, and advanced musicianship.
Song Meaning
The song is known for its cryptic lyrics that reflect a rebellious spirit. These words celebrate a free-spirited individual who refuses to be tamed by society.
Live Performances
"Tom Sawyer" was one of Rush's most performed songs in the band's live shows, underscoring its popularity among fans.
Media Features
The song has appeared in several films, television series, and video games, including the film 'I Love You, Man', television series 'Chuck', and the video game 'Rock Band'.
Legacy
Despite its lukewarm chart performance, "Tom Sawyer" has since become one of Rush's most popular songs and is a staple at classic rock radio stations. Today, it's considered a definitive piece of the 1980s rock music era.

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    Tom Sawyer

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1981

    Billboard #44


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