2112

Rush

About 2112

"2112" (pronounced twenty-one twelve) is a song by the Canadian rock band Rush. It was released as a 20 minute song on their 1976 album of the same name. The overture and the first section, "The Temples of Syrinx", were released as a single and have been featured in most of Rush's setlists since. The "sci-fi" sounds in the beginning of the song were created using an ARP Odyssey synthesizer and an Echoplex tape delay. On the "2112 / Moving Pictures" episode of the documentary series Classic Albums, producer Terry Brown states the synth intro is composed of various parts played by Hugh Syme that were put together in a collage. Starting with the 1996-97 Test for Echo Tour, when any parts of the song were performed live, they were transposed down one full step, as heard on every live album and DVD from Different Stages forward. With the combined movements being twenty minutes and thirty-three seconds long, it is the longest song or suite in Rush's library. The song was adapted into a comic booklet, which used the lyrics of the song as lines for the characters and the narrations from the cover as intros. 


Year:
2005
8:24
69 

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

And the meek shall inherit the earth
We've taken care of everything
The words you hear the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes

It's one for all and all for one
We work together common sons
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 this world we 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

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

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 will help 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 will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn't fit the plan

I wandered home though 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 the planet 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

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

Attention all planets of the solar federation
Attention all planets of the solar federation
Attention all planets of the solar federation
We have assumed control
We have assumed control
We have assumed control

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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, Gary Lee Weinrib, Neil Elwood Peart

Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Concept Album
"2112" is not just a song but a seven-part suite that occupies the entirety of the first side of Rush's album also named "2112". This makes Rush's "2112" one of the earliest examples of a concept album in rock music.
Length
"2112" is Rush's longest song, running over 20 minutes. It was developed at a time when lengthy and intricate compositions were becoming more common in progressive rock.
Inspiration
The album and the title track were inspired by Ayn Rand's novella "Anthem". The theme revolves around individuality and collectivism, a concept predominantly found in Rand's work.
Rebellion Against Record Label
The creation of "2112" was a kind of rebellion by Rush against their record label. Their previous album "Caress of Steel" had not done as well as expected, and the label wanted the band to produce more commercially viable music. Instead, Rush chose to stick with their artistic vision and produced this progressive rock masterpiece.
Critical Acclaim
Though the album initially received discontent reviews, it is now considered as a classic and was a commercial breakthrough for Rush. "2112" has been referred to as their "comeback" album.
Permanent Setlist Fixture
Despite its considerable length, "2112" was often played live by Rush in its entirety, especially in the 70s and 80s. This illustrates the band's musical abilities and fans' love for the song.
Grammy Nomination
The overture of the song "2112" was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Instrumental category in 1977.
Sci-Fi Elements
"2112" is a futuristic dystopian story set in the year 2112, which adds a unique science-fiction element to the song.
Cultural Impact
The song "2112" is so iconic that it contributed significantly to the naming of the pop culture convention 'RushCon', which is a convention dedicated to the band Rush.
Album's 40th Anniversary
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the album "2112", Rush released a special edition that includes covers by various artists and a live version of the complete “2112” suite.

Discuss the 2112 Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "2112 Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27723445/Rush/2112>.

    Missing lyrics by Rush?

    Know any other songs by Rush? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    2112

    3M
    24,642     995

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Lou Gramm is more known as a member of which band?
    A U2
    B Mr. Big
    C Giant
    D Foreigner

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Rush's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Rush tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!