| LYRICS
"2112"
I. Overture
Words and Music by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart
"And the meek shall inherit the earth."
II. The Temples of Syrinx
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
- ... "The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the
heart of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them,
to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and
directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are
all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests..."
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.
III. Discovery
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Alex Lifeson
- ... "Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that
was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust
of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands.
I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful" ...
... "I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn
the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with
my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my
own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples!
I can't wait to tell the priests about it! ..."
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
IV. Presentation
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Alex Lifeson
- ... "In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked
up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose
to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the silent
Temple Hall." ...
... "Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were
words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I
watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument
to splinters beneath his feet..."
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
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 as strong as life
I know that it will reach you
Don't annoy us further
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
V. Oracle: The Dream
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
- ... "I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so
vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle
as he stood at the summit of the staircase" ...
... "I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities
and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this
world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw
a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed
by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become
with the loss of all these things ..."
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..
VI. Soliloquy
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
- ... "I have not left this cave for days now, it has become
my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the
waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control
of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope
is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and
know peace at last."
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...noo!
My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood spills over..
VII. Grand Finale
Music by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart
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.
"A PASSAGE
TO BANGKOK"
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
Our first stop is in Bogota
To check Colombian fields
The natives smile and pass along
A sample of their yield
Sweet Jamaican pipe dreams
Golden Acapulco nights
Then Morocco, and the East,
Fly by morning light
We're on the train to Bangkok
Aboard the Thailand Express
We'll hit the stops along the way
We only stop for the best
Wreathed in smoke in Lebanon
We burn the midnight oil
The fragrance of Afghanistan
Rewards a long day's toil Pulling into Katmandu
Smoke rings fill the air
Perfumed by a Nepal night
The Express gets you there
"THE
TWILIGHT ZONE"
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
A pleasant faced man steps up to greet you
He smiles and says he's pleased to meet you
Beneath his hat the strangeness lies
Take it off, he's got three eyes
Truth is false and logic lost
Now the fourth dimension is crossed
You have entered the Twilight Zone
Beyond this world strange things are known
Use the key, unlock the door
See what your fate might have in store
Come explore your dreams' creation
Enter this world of imagination
Wake up lost in an empty town
Wondering why no one else is around
Look up to see a giant boy
You've just become his brand new toy
No escape, no place to hide
Here where Time and Space collide
"LESSONS"
Words and Music by Alex Lifeson
Sweet memories Flashing very quickly by
Reminding me Giving me a reason why
I know that My goal is more than a thought
I'll be there When I teach what I've been taught
You know we've told you before
But you didn't hear us then
So you still question why
You didn't listen again
Sweet memories I never thought it would be like
this
Reminding me Just how close I came to missing
I know that This is the way for me to go
You'll be there When you know what I know
"TEARS"
Words and Music by Geddy Lee
All of the seasons
And all of the days
All of the reasons
Why I've felt this way
So long
So long
Then lost in that feeling
I looked in your eyes
I noticed emotion
And that you had cried
For me
I can see
What would touch me deeper
Tears that fall from eyes
That only cry?
Would it touch you deeper
Than tears that fall from eyes
That know why?
A lifetime of questions
Tears on your cheek
I tasted the answers
And my body was weak
For you
The truth
"SOMETHING FOR NOTHING"
Words by Neil Peart, Music by Geddy Lee
Waiting for the winds of change
To sweep the clouds away
Waiting for the rainbow's end
To cast its gold your way
Countless ways
You pass the days
Waiting for someone to call
And turn your world around
Looking for an answer to
The question you have found
Looking for
An open door
You don't get something for nothing
You don't get freedom for free
You won't get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dreams might be
What you own is your own kingdom
What you do is your own glory
What you love is your own power
What you live is your own story
In your head is the answer
Let it guide you along
Let your heart be the anchor
And the beat of your own song
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