I found a typed paper that I had written for P.A. English, Period 2, Mrs. Cohen, entitled “Paralysis Through Analysis – ‘Subdivisions’ by Neil Peart”. Back then, we actually had to use a typewriter, and use white out and a black pen to make any edits. I may have even asked my Mom to type it for me on a Sunday night, since I had waited until the last minute to write it, and she was an expert typist.

“Subdivisions” is a work which concerns itself with the concept of “suburbs” and how living there affects young people during their adolescent years. Lyricist and poet Neil Peart has observed this situation and interpreted it in a concise, imagistic, understandable manner. Mr. Peart uses imagery, figurative language, structure, and tone to convey his thoughts and insights on the subject matter.

In writing “Subdivisions”, Neil Peart used imagery to give his audience a general idea of what life in the suburbs is like; to help them put a more accurate picture in their heads than they might have imagined had he not described the setting. He describes the physical location of suburbs as geometrically stretching out from around the cities. They are somewhere “in between the bright lights and the far unlit unknown” (L.3). They are seen as a cross between the densely populated, action-filled city and the dark, lonely wilderness. In lines 8 through 15, Peart gives the audience a taste of what teenagers do and what they must do to survive in the suburbs. He gives a very powerful, insightful image of life in the suburbs.

The two most prevalent aspects of figurative language in “Subdivisions” are simile and metaphor. The bright lights of the city draw people out of the suburbs “like moths” (L.16). Peart is comparing the fascination people have with cities to the force that compels moths to fly into bright lights. He continues by saying that many must be “lit up like a firefly just to feel the living night” (L.19). This might mean that people have to be “lit up” or somehow awakened out of their dullness to feel life, as a firefly must wait until nighttime before his light can be seen clearly. Metaphor is also used to compare the suburbs to “an insulated border” (L.2) that keeps the city protected from the unknown wilderness and vice versa. Peart also brilliantly rewords and reworks the “rat race” concept to illustrate how people lose when they feel compelled to sell out to get something out of their life. They “get caught in ticking traps” (L.22) from which there is no escape and they start to feel lower than rats.

The structure of this work is used to show various aspects of the central theme while maintaining a continuity of progression. Each section of the work is about the problems and pressures of growing up in a suburban environment. The “characters” in each section progressively get older and face different problems. In the first subdivision, young dreamers and misfits must cope with the pressure of growing up with expectations placed on them, with no one to explain their own feelings and ideas to. The next subdivision deals with high school peer pressure to be like everyone else, or else. Next, older kids must drive into the city to find something exciting to stimulate them. The final subdivision of the story focuses on adults who have been unable to live up to their predecided expectations, and the problems they have handling stress.

The tone Neil Peart has taken in writing “Subdivisions” is multi-faceted. He is critical of the situation many suburbanites have been placed in, but he has written with compassion and sympathy for their “restless plight” (L.23). He has grasped the desperation of some of these people, as evidenced in lines 20 through 24. He shows how they have sold out their big dreams and now are forced to dream the sad, simple dream of going far away where they will be out of the memory of such a peaceful setting as a “lighted street on a quiet night” (L.24). There is great irony in that last stanza.

“Subdivisions” is one of my favorite songs, for many reasons. Even without the expert musical accompaniment of Rush, Neil Peart’s lyrics alone touch me deep inside. The message is totally truthful and incredibly insightful. Most of all, besides the theme, the words themselves are so perfectly chosen. They rhyme in various places and are also alliterative and assonant. Neil Peart is truly a master and he deserves to be recognized as one of the poetic geniuses of his time.

Neil Peart has used imagery, figurative language, structure, and tone to create a picture of life in the suburbs. “Subdivisions” is a work that has captured every aspect of the atmosphere and the essence of suburban life.

Mrs. Cohen’s grade and comments:

Intelligent, insightful and well written.

You demonstrate good understanding of this poem, poetry and writing about poetry.

A.

“Subdivisions” by Rush

Sprawling on the fringes of the city in geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights and the far unlit unknown

Growing up – it all seems so one-sided, opinions all provided
The future pre-decided, detached and subdivided
In the mass-production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone

Subdivisions
In the high school halls, In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
Subdivisions
In the basement bars, In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out

Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth

Drawn like moths, we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Out cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly just to feel the living night

Well some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere to relax their restless plight
Somewhere out of the memory of lighted streets on a quiet night

My High School English Paper on Subdivisions by Neil Peart first appeared on Game On Media.

Metal Hall of Fame All-Star Jam

L-R: Joe Satriani, Pat Gesualdo, Geoff Tate, Steve Vai, Chris Poland

Photo: Ron Lyon

2020 Metal Hall of Fame

40 photos

Metal Hall Of Fame 2020 Induction

16 photos

Metal Hall of Fame Gala Now Available on Amazon Prime Television first appeared on Game On Media.

Two weeks after hearing of the passing of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, I am still reeling. Like many fans, I have been playing their entire catalog, rediscovering old favorites and digging deeper into albums that were not part of my regular rotation. The finality of a career that spanned my entire lifetime ending stirs up so many feelings.

“Well I guess we all have these feelings we can’t leave unreconciled.” – Neil Peart, Open Secrets

Choosing only five faves from 20 studio albums is no easy task. As the title suggests, everybody knows “Tom Sawyer” and every fan appreciates that the band would not have continued to exist without “2112”. Peart’s lyrics have a lot to do with narrowing my selection, with his philosophical musings and observations completely on point. Many of his thoughts remain on my consciousness on a daily basis, more so than even the Catholic teachings I was raised on. The combination of their unique musical style and thought provoking words are what elevate Rush to legendary status. Here are my Five Fave Rush songs.

#5 – The Spirit Of Radio – Permanent Waves – 1980

“The Spirit Of Radio” is the first Rush song I remember hearing, waking me from my bed as my radio alarm clock played WBAB on Long Island. Bob Buchmann let me know that these magical sounds were produced by a power trio from Toronto, named Rush, and I was hooked. It remains a highlight of any live show, and I have a picture that I took of Geddy Lee singing this framed in my dining room. This one is where the magic started for me.

And the magic music makes your morning mood.

#4 –  BU2B – Clockwork Angels – 2012

“BU2B” aka Brought Up To Believe is the last Rush song I remember freaking out about when I first heard it. The same magic of driving bass, exquisite guitar and incomprehensible drums that I had experienced in 1980 were back in 2012. Lyrically, it continues on the thematic thread that ties much of their work together. To me, it means to lift your head, open your eyes and not take what is handed to you without critical thought. “Clockwork Angels” now stands as the band’s 20th and final studio album, as well as one of their best.

Believe in what we’re told. Blind men in the market buying what we’re sold.

#3 – Limelight – Moving Pictures – 1981

“Moving Pictures” side 1 is by far the most played vinyl record in my childhood basement in the middle of Long Island. “Tom Sawyer” kicks it off, “Red Barchetta” takes you on an exciting ride, “YYZ” has you spazzing out playing air everything, and then “Limelight” tops it all off. Perhaps their tightest song, with Alex Lifeson’s best guitar solo, and clever lyrics pulling from Shakespearean themes and warnings to be careful what you wish for. The line quoted below is most often used to justify Neil Peart’s reluctance to step out from beyond his epic drum kit. Despite the cutting lyrics, which continue to apply to anyone seeking fame, it is also a fun song to sing along with, as portrayed brilliantly by Paul Rudd and Jason Segel in the movie “I Love You, Man”.

Caught in the camera eye, I have no heart to lie. I can’t pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend.

#2 – Roll The Bones – Roll The Bones

“Roll The Bones” is the quintessential Rush song. No other band sounds like Rush, and no other song sounds like “Roll The Bones”. It flawlessly blends jazz, funk, prog, acoustic, and even has a rap breakdown! On the R40 tour, the rap was shown as a video lip synched by an array of stars, including Peter Dinklage, Chad Smith, Jay Baruchel, Les Claypool, Tom Morello, Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Trailer Park Boys actors John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, and Mike Smith. Through it all is the lesson that life is a game of chance, so stop fretting over why, and just jump in and live. Anytime I am debating what to do with my life, this song inspires me to action.

Why are we here? Because we’re here. Roll the bones. Why does it happen? Because it happens. Roll the bones.

#1 – Subdivisions – Signals

Every time I hear “Subdivisions”, I am pulled back in time to my childhood bedroom, playing the cassette on my boombox, looking out the window towards an unknown future that seemed so out of reach. The song is musically ominous and desperate, the band’s first (and best) use of keyboards to power a song. The lyrics are pure perfection, portraying the confusion and frustration of growing up as a teen in a relatively small town, without easy access to the bright lights of NYC that were so close, yet so far away. I practiced singing this song endlessly, wearing my “Signals” tour t-shirt with the baseball sleeves, never able to master the passion and range of Geddy Lee.

Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth, but the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth.

FIVE FAVE RUSH SONGS FULL LYRICS

RUSH – The Spirit Of Radio – Permanent Waves – 1980

Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Lyrics: Neil Peart

Begin the day
With a friendly voice
A companion, unobtrusive
Plays the song that’s so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood

Off on your way
Hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the Spirit ever lingers
Undemanding contact
In your happy solitude.

Invisible airwaves
Crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle
With the energy
Emotional feedback
On a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price –
Almost free…

All this machinery
Making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted
It’s really just a question
Of your honesty

One likes to believe
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity

“For the words of the profits,
Are written on the studio wall,
Concert hall –
Echoes with the sounds…
Of salesmen.”

RUSH – BU2B – Clockwork Angels – 2012

Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Lyrics: Neil Peart

WE WERE ALWAYS TAUGHT that we lived in “the best of all possible worlds.” The Watchmaker ruled from Crown City through the Regulators; the alchemist-priests gave us coldfire for power and light, and everything was well ordered. We accepted our various individual fates as inevitable, for we had also been taught, “Whatever happens to us must be what we deserve, for it could not happen to us if we did not deserve it.”

None of it seemed right to me . . .

I was brought up to believe
The universe has a plan
We are only human
It’s not ours to understand

The universe has a plan
All is for the best
Some will be rewarded
And the devil take the rest

All is for the best
Believe in what we’re told
Blind men in the market
Buying what we’re sold
Believe in what we’re told
Until our final breath
While our loving Watchmaker
Loves us all to death

In a world of cut and thrust
I was always taught to trust
In a world where all must fail
Heaven’s justice will prevail

The joy and pain that we receive
Each comes with its own cost
The price of what we’re winning
Is the same as what we’ve lost

Until our final breath
The joy and pain that we receive
Must be what we deserve
I was brought up to believe

RUSH – Limelight – Moving Pictures – 1981

Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Lyrics: Neil Peart

Living on a lighted stage
Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage

Cast in this unlikely role,
Ill-equipped to act
With insufficient tact
One must put up barriers
To keep oneself intact

Living in the Limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem

Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme

Living in a fisheye lens
Caught in the camera eye
I have no heart to lie
I can’t pretend a stranger
Is a long-awaited friend

All the world’s indeed a stage
And we are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another’s audience
Outside the gilded cage

RUSH – Roll The Bones – Roll The Bones – 1991

Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Lyrics: Neil Peart

Well, you can stake that claim —
Good work is the key to good fortune
Winners take that praise
Losers seldom take that blame
If they don’t take that game
And sometimes the winner takes nothing
We draw our own designs
But fortune has to make that frame

We go out in the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That’s the way that lady luck dances
Roll the bones

Why are we here? 
Because we’re here.
Roll the bones
Why does it happen? 
Because it happens.
Roll the bones

Faith is cold as ice —
Why are little ones born only to suffer
For the want of immunity
Or a bowl of rice?
Well, who would hold a price
On the heads of the innocent children
If there’s some immortal power
To control the dice?

We come into the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That’s the way that lady luck dances
Roll the bones..

Jack — relax.
Get busy with the facts.
No zodiacs or almanacs,
No maniacs in polyester slacks.
Just the facts.
Gonna kick some gluteus max.
It’s a parallax — you dig?
You move around
The small gets big. It’s a rig
It’s action — reaction —
Random interaction.
So who’s afraid
Of a little abstraction?
Can’t get no satisfaction
From the facts?
You better run, homeboy —
A fact’s a fact
From Nome to Rome, boy.

What’s the deal? Spin the wheel.
If the dice are hot — take a shot.
Play your cards. Show us what you got —
What you’re holding.
If the cards are cold,
Don’t go folding.
Lady Luck is golden;
She favors the bold. That’s cold
Stop throwing stones —
The night has a thousand saxophones.
So get out there and rock,
And roll the bones.
Get busy!

RUSH – Subdivisions – Signals – 1982

Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Lyrics: Neil Peart

Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown

Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone

Nowhere is the dreamer
Or the misfit so alone

Subdivisions —
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
Subdivisions —
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out

Any escape might help to smooth
The unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe
The restless dreams of youth

Drawn like moths we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly
Just to feel the living night

Some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere
To relax their restless flight

Somewhere out of a memory
Of lighted streets on quiet nights…

Five Fave: Rush Songs Not Named “Tom Sawyer” or “2112” first appeared on Game On Media.

“I hear their passionate music; read the words that touch my heart.” – Neil Peart, “Mission”

Hall of Fame Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart has died after a 3-1/2 year battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Rush played the final show of their R40 Live 40th anniversary tour on August 1, 2015 at The Forum in Los Angeles, California. For the past 4-½ years, fans have been hopeful for one more album, or one more tour, from their favorite band of all time. While Peart lived his life privately, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson continued to deflect questions about a reunion. Sadly, that will no longer be possible. As the band had stated throughout their R40 Live tour, that was their final celebration of a lifetime of musical magic and a legacy of performance perfection.

“We’ve taken care of everything, the words you read, the songs you sing.” – Neil Peart, “2112”

Neil Peart joined Rush just after their debut album was released, and was forever known as “the new guy” despite over 4 decades of service, pointing to the underlying sense of humour that the band shared amongst themselves and with their live audiences through hilarious video skits. Neil had always been an avid reader since his youth, and that continued on the road, leading Geddy to allow him to write the band’s lyrics. Peart wrote about topics not often touched upon in rock and roll, translating his understanding of literary works and the human condition into deeply insightful pieces of art that educated and inspired listeners. 

“Driven to the edge of a deep, dark hole.” – Neil Peart, “Driven”

In 1997, tragedy struck Neil Peart when his college-aged daughter died suddenly in a car accident. While dealing with the heartache, his wife Jackie got sick and quickly died. Peart’s best friend and motorcycle riding companion was incarcerated, so Neil took off on a long, private 55,000 mile motorcycle ride across all of North America, a voyage he captured eloquently in the book “The Ghost Rider”, one of 7 he published. He later met a woman who would become his wife, and they had a daughter together, providing him with a second chance.                                               

“The greatest act can be one little victory.” – Neil Peart, “One Little Victory”

In 2002, the band returned with a new album and world wide tour, creating excitement and appreciation in their fan base that continues to this day. They did not come back as a legacy act, cashing in on past glory. They continued to write, record and tour until 2015. Peart gave his all on stage, then rode off on his motorcycle to spend time with loved ones, letting his lyrics do the talking. He shared his pain, his hopes and aspirations, his condemnations and criticisms, his darkest realities and his wildest fantasies. Those who appreciate lyrics as much as melodies continue to devour and digest his timeless observations.

“You can do a lot in a lifetime, if you don’t burn out too fast.” – Neil Peart, “Marathon”

On April 18, 2013, Rush was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, after years of fans demanding that the institution recognize their greatness. Rush fans were rewarded when the event was moved from the Hall in Cleveland to the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California, which provided upper level seating for the general public. I was blessed to be living in southern California and able to find tickets for sale. The entire evening was incredible and full of stars, starting with Tom Petty, John Fogerty and Jackson Browne singing “I Love L.A.” with Randy Newman, and including Chris Cornell inducting Heart, Spike Lee inducting Public Enemy, Oprah Winfrey inducting Quincy Jones, Cheech and Chong inducted Lou Adler, and Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters inducting and performing with Rush. Geddy Lee gave heartfelt thanks to the fans, Alex Lifeson literally “blah-blah-blahed” to hilarious effect, and Neil Peart was as eloquent and poetic as we have come to expect. He seemed particularly proud to “receive this honour as a working band, in the middle of a tour, in (their) 39th year.”

“Growing up it all seems so one-sided, opinions all provided, the future pre-decided. Detached and subdivided in the mass production zone, nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone.” – Neil Peart, “Subdivisions”

Rush was the most important band of my teenage years, and so many of their songs are forever burned in my brain, heart and soul. Growing up in the 80’s, moving from record albums to cassettes to compact disks, growing from a shy middle schooler to a depressed high schooler to a productive, social college student, Rush was there every step of the way. Peart’s words echoed in my head as I struggled to find my way and my place in a confusing, hostile world. From “Permanent Waves” and “Moving Pictures” on vinyl in my basement, through “Signals”, “Grace Under Pressure” and “Power Windows” on cassette in my Sony Walkman while biking as far away as I could get from my hometown, right into “Hold Your Fire”, “Presto”, “Roll The Bones” and “Counterparts” on CD players in my college dorm and my first car, Neil Peart gave me validation that I wasn’t alone and hope that changes aren’t permanent, but change is.

“Why are we here? Because we’re here. Roll the bones.” – Neil Peart, “Roll The Bones”

Those that only know Rush from a distance may think of them as a classic rock band with science fiction lyrics, but that is only scratching the surface of the poetry in their lyrics. Each album has an underlying theme, and those themes touch on the very core of human existence. So many of Peart’s lyrical poems offer keen observation and wry critique of the human condition, but also a roadmap to the stars of an ideal future landscape that so many of his characters race towards. This optimism in the face of injustice has truly been an inspiration to me in my darkest hours and most desperate times. The belief that things can get better and be better are central to a productive humanity, and the prose of Peart echoes in my brain on a daily basis, forming the core belief system that I have held onto for the last 40 of my 50 years on this planet. Ever since I heard through my one-speaker AM radio/alarm clock as a 10 year old “I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose freewill“ and “It’s really just a question of your honesty”, I have been driven to manifest my own destiny.

“All of us get lost in the darkness. Dreamers learn to steer by the stars.” – Neil Peart, “The Pass”

Rush was also the most important band of the past decade of my life. After my 20 year high school reunion, I reconnected with childhood friends who I had lost touch with long ago. We began meeting in New York to see Rush together, anytime they played Jones Beach Theater or Madison Square Garden. I met up with other friends to see them play in Virginia and California. I was shocked to be granted a photo pass in September of 2010 on the Time Machine tour. It was my first year as a concert photographer, and when Geddy Lee looked straight into my camera eye, I felt like Wayne & Garth – “I’m not worthy!”. I struggled to find Neil behind his 3,000 piece drum kit, yet this stands as one of my greatest photo pit experiences. These trips to see Rush through the years were a chance to catch up, to pass an evening with a drink and several friends, to witness an unbelievable live performance, and to stay up all night dissecting every part of the evening. After the final tour in 2015, I have started to lose touch with those friends again, without the shared celebration of a Rush concert to bring us together, and connect us in anticipation. 

When I heard that you were gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart.” – Neil Peart, “Nobody’s Hero”

“Suddenly, you were gone, from all the lives you left your mark upon.” – Neil Peart, “Afterimage”

I have been fortunate to be a part of so many special events during my time in San Diego, making a point to travel to Los Angeles to take advantage of the opportunity to witness unique performances. The Hall of Fame induction will remain as the most unbelievable musical experience. I was also fortunate enough to attend the final R40 show at The Forum in Los Angeles, with some dear friends from college who I have rarely seen since college. Realizing that this was now the final performance for the power trio known as Rush, it takes on even more emotional weight. It draws me to compare to another intense show at The Forum, Temple of the Dog, who I never thought I would see perform, in what turned out to be the last time I witnessed Chris Cornell singing live. I attended the Chris Cornell tribute, also at The Forum, as well as the Chester Bennington / Linkin Park tribute at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. I share a birthday with Cornell, which is also the day that Bennington took his own life only months after Cornell had taken his, on the night before I was scheduled to photograph Soundgarden at the Rock on the Range festival. Realizing that Cornell was in attendance and performing at the same Hall of Fame ceremony as Rush all those years ago brings all of this full circle for me. 

“Try to hold some faith in the goodness of humanity.” – Neil Peart, “Nobody’s Hero”

Though I never met any of these artists personally, their words and delivery continue to affect me, and millions of others, on a daily basis on the deepest emotional levels. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had to enjoy those live performances, and take comfort knowing that I can always play their magic music to make my morning mood. The roller coaster of emotions surrounding loss is a never ending ride, whether we lose our most beloved family and friends or a public figure who has burrowed into our subconscious. The important thing to do is celebrate the powerful emotions that they evoke, and take every opportunity to spend time with the ones we love. This goes for personal experiences with family and friends, and vicarious experiences with artists on stage and screen. When a band like Rush and an artist such as Neil Peart can bring both of those experiences together at the same place and time, that is a moment when time stands still, all the world’s indeed a stage, and I feel I’m on top of the world, the way things ought to be.

“I learned your love for life, I feel the way that you would. I feel your presence. I remember.” – Neil Peart, “Afterimage”

The band released the following statement:

“It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday (January 7, 2020) our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma). We ask that friends, fans, and media alike understandably respect the family’s need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time. Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil’s name.

Rest in peace brother.”

“The treasure of a life is a measure of love and respect. The way you live, the gifts that you give.” – Neil Peart, “The Garden”

Rush – Bristow VA 2010

55 photos

What Neil Peart and Rush Mean To Me first appeared on Game On Media.