Farewell To Kings
Rush
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When they turn the pages of history When these days have passed long ago Will they read of us with sadness For the seeds that we let grow? We turned our gaze From the castles in the distance Eyes cast down On the path of least resistance Cities full of hatred Fear and lies Withered hearts And cruel, tormented eyes Scheming demons Dressed in kingly guise Beating down the multitude And scoffing at the wise The hypocrites are slandering The sacred halls of truth Ancient nobles showering Their bitterness on youth Can't we find The minds that made us strong? Oh can't we learn To feel what's right and what's wrong? What's wrong Cities full of hatred Fear and lies Withered hearts And cruel, tormented eyes Scheming demons Dressed in kingly guise Beating down the multitude And scoffing at the wise Whoa can't we raise our eyes And make a start? Can't we find the minds To lead us closer to the heart?
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Written by: Neil Elwood Peart, Gary Lee Weinrib, Alex Zivojinovich
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Creation"A Farewell to Kings" is the title song from Rush's fifth studio album released in 1977. This album marked a transition for the band towards more complex compositions and storytelling.
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InspirationThe song's inspiration came from a profound thought about the dissatisfaction with the leadership of the day and a wish for a purer, more honest form of governance. It is a sentiment that carries a certain relevance to this day.
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Musical InstrumentsFor this song, Alex Lifeson, finished recording with a 12-string guitar. This gave the song that distinct, rich, and ‘full’ sound that it is renowned for.
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Unique SoundGeddy Lee's distinctive high-pitched vocals together with the band's blend of hard rock and progressive elements gave "A Farewell to Kings" a unique sound that contributed to Rush's evolving style.
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Band MembersThe band members who worked on "A Farewell to Kings" include Geddy Lee (lead vocals, bass, and keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitars, backing vocals), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion).
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Album Success"A Farewell to Kings" went platinum in the US - selling over one million copies, showcasing the commercial success of the record, and increasing Rush's popularity.
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Song ThemesThe song can be seen as a critique of monarchy and governments, aligning with Rush's anarchist or libertarian philosophical orientation noted in many of their works.
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Studio RecordingThe song, along with the entire "A Farewell to Kings" album, was mainly recorded at the Rockfield Studios in Wales, a location also used by other prominent rock bands like Queen and Black Sabbath.
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Song Length"A Farewell to Kings" is approximately 5 minutes and 51 seconds long - longer than typical radio-friendly rock songs, which illustrated Rush's exploration into prog (progressive) rock territory.
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TouringAfter the release of the "A Farewell to Kings" album, Rush embarked on an extensive touring schedule, during which the title song was frequently played.
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Cover ArtThe album cover for "A Farewell to Kings" features a puppet king sitting on a throne in front of a devastated cityscape, representing the song's critical message toward ruling authorities.
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"Farewell To Kings Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25880002/Rush/Farewell+To+Kings>.
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