Xanadu
Rush
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To seek the sacred river Alph To walk the caves of ice To break my fast on honey dew 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 Kubla 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 honey dew 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 Kubla Khan To taste my bitter triumph As a mad immortal man Never more shall I return Escape these caves of ice For I have dined on honey dew And drunk the milk of paradise, whoa paradise
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Written by: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Background"Xanadu" is a song by the Canadian rock band Rush, which was released in 1977. It was a part of their fifth studio album, "A Farewell to Kings."
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Song CompositionThe 11-minute track is divided into multiple parts and includes an extended introduction composed primarily of atmospheric synthesizers.
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Literary InfluenceThe song is named after the mythical land of Xanadu made famous by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, "Kubla Khan". Thus, the song draws heavily from the piece of literature.
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LyricsLyrics of the song were written by the band's drummer, Neil Peart. They tell a story of an explorer who sets out on a quest to find the immortal land of Xanadu.
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Live Performances"Xanadu" has been a popular choice for live performances. It was played in its entirety during Rush's 1977-1992 tours, then later re-introduced in the 2015 R40 tour to celebrate 40 years of the band.
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Unique ImplementationsThe song is notable for the use of unusual instruments like wind chimes and bell trees, adding to its mystical, otherworldly sound.
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ReceptionDespite its length and complexity, the song is still considered a fan favorite and is heralded as one of Rush's finest works.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "Xanadu" in various styles, testifying to its popularity and influence. This includes Sarah Brightman, which was included in her album "As I Came of Age".
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Special Recording"Xanadu" was one of the few Rush songs to be recorded using a double-necked guitar, featured by Alex Lifeson for the rhythm and 12-string parts.
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Neil Peart's Drum KitNeil Peart used his iconic, massive drum kit for this song. The kit was special because it had over 30 pieces including numerous drums, cymbals, and a range of percussion instruments like bells and timbales.
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Citation
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"Xanadu Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31969010/Rush/Xanadu>.
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