🎵 Rush - The Trees REACTION

[@michellemiles9966]

Rush was dubbed long ago as "the thinking man's rock band". Always deep lyrics. ❤

[@cartercarter645]

Tis the Truth MM, you are on the path to enlightenment

[@shanewilson199]

This is a very clever song… and resonates now more than ever. Civil discord stemming from inequality leading to strife, and nothing positive coming from that strife.

[@stratcaptain66]

So nice to see hot girls into Rush:)

[@brasco96wired67]

or thinking woman's rock band in this case. lol

[@jasonm8017]

As a kid, I was a big fan of The GoGo’s 🤗But I have been a life long fan of RUSH

[@Retromolarman]

Lex is killing it as usual with her explanation for her reaction. Makes you think? Rush is at the top of the list of bands that make you think! They have had that for 4 decades! IMO, they exemplify this curiosity more than most bands. Super great reaction Lex! Your husband is a lucky guy.

[@miked473]

The lyrics in most RUSH songs requires some introspection and in depth analysis. Neil was an extremely prolific writer and all his best works make the listener really really think..a true artist and wordsmith 🤔🤔🤔

[@brucemarshall9521]

No doubt. One of a kind. He had deep lyrics but not so deep my pea brain couldn't decipher them. Some lyricists get carried away and you need an Egyptologist to figure them out.

[@jesuschristpose896]

Neil was a master of his craft.

[@jadejj7948]

@@jesuschristpose896 absolutely he was a true Genius

[@dmead4106]

Not that tough to figure out Mister genius

[@tomcassille3356]

As one of the greatest drummers and percussionists of all time, his lyrics may have eclipsed his playing. So gifted!

[@dragobeegames5057]

Rush and Pink Floyd both used their music for social commentary. Geddy Lee (Rush lead singer) was, IIRC, given an honorary doctorate of music for his contribution to rock music.

[@thunderstruck5484]

Saw Rush in 78 this is my favorite Rush song thanks again

[@EchoesDaBear]

LOVE your shirt Lex!! (as a huge Canadian Rush fan!!) The song is about social/class struggle & equality, using a forest, trees, as the metaphor. Rush's lyrics will generally make you think, and you can thank their drummer, Neil Peart (RIP), for that. Great song. It always puts a smile on my face! \m/

[@brucemarshall9521]

Yep ! The Rush signature sound. Always clean and powerful.

[@RyneMurray23]

Neil Peart was such a genius. His lyrics are so cool.

[@otakumagnet8106]

There is a Rush documentary. In it they say while touring with the huge bands of their time, people would go to their room to bring them to the parties, but they were always in their rooms reading books. They have always enjoyed knowledge and reflection more than the wild rocker lifestyle. It is noticeable in their music.

[@airhockeycanada]

That's one of the things I love about Rush.

[@cmorrow74]

As a result, you never saw them in the tabloids, there was never any scandal tainting their names or image. Much respect to them for keeping their noses clean.

[@jeffnelson1055]

It was Gene Simmons

[@nicholasconnolly8141]

The thing is you could recite those lyrics as a poem and if you didn’t know that they were song lyrics then you would readily accept it as an exceptionally good poem!……That’s the genius of Rush!

[@MJD016]

That’s where all great lyrics come from, really. Neil wrote a ton of poetry. Geddy and Alex looked at the poems like, “we can make this into a really great short story.” And history was made that day.

[@KenSusman]

I used to use this song in my English classes as an example of personification. Got the job done.

[@benshafer5198]

Lex got it. Definitely a metaphor that reads like a fable. Excellent instrumentally, as well (love that bridge). An underrated track from them IMO✌

[@NeonNights80]

They were both right. "When asked in the April/May 1980 Modern Drummer magazine about whether there is a message to this song, Peart said, "No. It was just a flash. I was working on an entirely different thing when I saw a cartoon picture of these trees carrying on like fools. I thought, 'What if trees acted like people?' So I saw it as a cartoon really, and wrote it that way. I think that's the image that it conjures up to a listener or a reader. A very simple statement."

[@JasonSmith-jr7jh]

@@NeonNights80 It's not in good shape, but I still have my copy of that Modern Drummer issue!

[@RaymondBCrisp]

@@NeonNights80 He may have written it about the cartoon trees (I'll take Neil's word as the gospel on this), but the metaphor already existed in the cartoon he based it on, so.....

[@andrewtoole1222]

@@RaymondBCrisp nailed it. It was a metaphor to begin with.

[@OriginalMergatroid]

@@RaymondBCrisp Really? And exactly which cartoon was that? Neil said "trees carrying on like fools". I hardly think that's enough information to draw the conclusion you have.

[@jadejj7948]

What I love most about Rush is that they have great messages in their songs!Not many bands that I know do this

[@PeterMcCracken-n3g]

Lex's Big brain and great smile, she knows music, awesome cheers guys.

[@toddjust5179]

I love how Lex is reppin' Canada while listening to Rush. I also love how Brad & Lex give each other the space and respect each other's take to get to really good analysis and conversation. Fun to watch.

[@zeppelinfan9360]

Seriously!!!! You have to listen to the whole album "Hemispheres" it's Rush's Masterpiece. The story actually starts with the last song from the album "Farewell to Kings" 🎸☮️💕

[@mattycobby27]

Hell yeah !!!!!!!!

[@moleman1976]

Not trying to dis "Hemispheres", but for my money "Permanent Waves" is the Masterpiece - it's a perfect album filled with amazing songs!

[@MrMmck13]

Had a red vinyl copy of this record. Wore out the grooves.

[@steveralston824]

They’re all masterpieces. Only band to pull that off.

[@raygowan1968]

I love AFWTK. All these years later it still applies. "The hypocrites are slandering the noble halls of truth. Ancient nobles showering their bitterness on youth" This can be seen every single election cycle here in USA.

[@adam872]

I think you guys understood the message behind the song pretty well perfectly. Also, Alex's guitar playing on this song - especially the tone in the instrumental section - is just first class. There is something about the atmosphere of Hemispheres that makes it special.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Oh, from a musician standpoint oh, something I thought you might find interesting is that Rush was one of those bands that could sometimes use oddball time signatures and still work it into a song that becomes a huge hit. They were masters at it. So for example, the verses in this are in fours but yet that whole middle section where they're wandering through the forest with all the wood block percussion and the building guitars is all in fives. If you want a brief experience about what it is to play that kind of beat, try to find what feels like a downbeat and then just count to five and then repeat, try to stay on the beat and you will see that it matches up perfectly. You don't need to do that to feel it obviously but it's a way to get a glimpse of what it's like to compose and learn and play it before it becomes totally natural. And it's great because then once it goes back into the verse and resolves into the familiar and comfortable for us, it just adds this punch and focus like you were wandering around in the forest but now you're back with this powerful message.

[@js.3490]

Happy to see that you love Rush. They are my all time favorite band and I love seeing other people enjoy them. "The Trees" was a parable. Two sides fighting and for what they perceive as getting their due who cannot come to a peace with each other. So an edict came in to "force" equality onto them. Pointing to an overreaching government imposing its will onto both of them. It is a warning that this behavior can lead to a worse problem for all. Neil Peart, who wrote these lyrics, told an interviewer once that it took him about 5 minutes to write. So, just a little background on the song. Thank you for posting this video. I enjoyed watching. Brad, you got a big personality and seem like fun. Lex, you are lovely to look upon and have an inquisitive mind. Be well to you both!

[@markmyers6472]

THANK YOU! This and Red Barchetta are two of my all time favorite RUSH songs.... brilliant metaphor for those who have and those who have not...

[@gtodriver341]

“The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the Axe for the Axe was clever and convinced the Trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them.” Turkish Proverb.

[@katskillz]

that is epic, and goes to show the more things change the more they stay the same

[@littlejimmy7402]

You mean, our politicians aren't "one of us"? 🤯

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I like that.

[@jeffreycherep8264]

@@katskillz don't you mean "plus ca change,plus c'est la meme close"?

[@brucemarshall9521]

Great saying....or proverb. I'm stealing it.

[@deniseloper1505]

Lex has nailed it. Rush and Pink Floyd were social and philosophical bands

[@caltagironeorologi8]

The trees are a metaphor and there are two levels of interpretation. One has Canada as the Maples and the British (later the US) as the Oaks illustrating Canada’s inferiority complex vis-à-vis their senior partners. The other has the English majority in Canada as the Oaks and the French minority as the Maples. This interpretation is based on maple trees being native to Québec while oak trees were imported from Britain as an analogy to the British conquest of New France. Moreover, the maple leaf was the symbol of French Canadians until the 1960’s, the same period which saw the rise of Québec’s separatist movement.

[@ErnestRichmond]

It is so refreshing to see people listening to, enjoying and dissecting songs from Rush. They were such a great band with great music, and lyrics that force you to think. Thanks for keeping them alive!!

[@brettking1014]

Lex, every Rush fan just ‘leans back and listens’ to a lot of their music 😂. Well put!

[@greg2976]

Rush always had a moral of the story to tell on their albums! Just like Pink Floyd, you have to listen to the whole album to appreciate it!

[@raymondrochajr9621]

Thanks Brad and Lex for giving this song a listen. And I like your metaphor for the song. And thank you Rush for being a PHENOMENALLY WORLD TALENT!! I grew up listening to your music! And I miss you as a band.😔

[@davidsims8636]

My first Rush show was in 1979 at the Texas jam. I saw them almost everytime they came to Texas. This band was my childhood and hold them dearly to my heart.

[@Steffe]

I read Tolkien while listening to this a number of decades ago, and whenever I hear this I think about his stories.

[@nealm6764]

The Ents could have resolved this without any trees getting chopped down.

[@angrab.goblin850]

@@nealm6764 but it would have taken them 100 years to decide to have the conversation in the first place.

[@TDOTMUSICNERD]

Rush doesn’t just tell you what time it is.. they also explain how the watch works

[@johnselbee5671]

Excellent

[@davidsims8636]

Perfect analogy.

[@kevinjennings238]

BRILLIANT!!! Is that from YOU or from the Band?

[@dancarter482]

And they replace the crown with a kaleidoscopic magnifying glass!

[@NewbieInOttawa]

That's the most apt description of Rush I think I've ever read! :)

[@lovedc4ever678]

More of the genius of Rush. Not as well known as other Rush hits but in my top 5 by Rush of all of their songs.

[@kevingarrison3135]

I like the way you two approached this song and commented as you took it in. Good job being objective and processing what you heard and felt.

[@michaelfridayable]

This was my Mom's favorite Rush song. We saw Rush together in '97.

[@matthewnoto9380]

I've always seen this song as an explanation of the British Commonwealth. The Oaks (Britain) and the Maples (Canada).

[@serendipilicious8616]

Actually, it's about communism

[@matthewnoto9380]

@@serendipilicious8616 AKSHULLY I've heard it's about anything you want it to be, because the song is speaking to a universal circumstance. Our opinions may be different, but neither is an incorrect interpretation. I think Neil would agree.

[@serendipilicious8616]

@@matthewnoto9380 You are correct, I actually looked it up afterwards and found it was based off a funny cartoon they saw. I guess in my mind it describes the Stalin years. Should have gone back and changed my comment but I guess we all interpret it in our own ways. Unfortunately, Neil passed in '20 and is unable to agree with anything.

[@michaelwallace1329]

Lex is definitely on top of her game. She's great with a great smile 😁🌹

[@YedMan01]

I agree Mike I love Lex

[@jim6025]

I wonder if before playing this song they knew only 3 members in the band. Kirk Hammett after listening to 2112 couldn’t believe only 3 guys did it.

[@garylagstrom3864]

This goes back to my comments below: RUSH VERY SMOOTHLY changes time signatures on this song is made up of three distinct time signatures: 6/8, which is used through most of the acoustic sections, the traditional 4/4, which is used in the heavier lead guitar sections, and an unusual 5/4 time signature used in the instrumental bridge. RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary

[@johndardi1334]

Awesome comment my man.. I don’t know if you ever had the chance to see Neil live but he was even more impressive in person. He blew me AWAY when I saw Rush in concert. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. You could tell he was giving you everything he had.

[@traci4187]

Another gem by wordsmith Neal Peart - after he joined the group, he was the primary lyrics-writer. He was a phenomenally cerebral guy.

[@andrewtongue7084]

I've watched many of your reaction videos, Brad & Lex, & you are consistently good in your analyses - particularly where RUSH are concerned - & of course, you are correct; this is a metaphor in the search for the equality of humankind. Two elements (as far as I am concerned) that stand out: Neli Peart's use of wood blocks (sourced from trees), & second, that in the natural world - be it flora or fauna, Mother Nature's exactitudes bring about 'balance' in all things, but not necessarily when we (humans) expect it... Very cool presentation - thank you, & keep safe & well, Andrew 🙂

[@BobHanson]

The greatest band of all time. You should check out some of their later stuff. Most people focus on the earlier part of their career but their latter stuff is amazing. The Garden is amazing. Animate, Test for Echo, Driven. The list goes on. So many reactors don’t give the latter stuff love.

[@FUBAR1986]

Yeah my favorite later one is rolled the bones that album is just a different style to them. And that was actually the concert that I went to was the world bones concert. I was mesmerized for the whole four hours that they played

[@cavellfrancis-king4809]

Very true. Far Cry from Snakes & Arrows (2007) is another one of their later songs that is arguably just as good as their more well known older material.

[@mcsquiddysq]

Driven is unreal! T4E is a real drumming masterpiece!

[@omicron2018]

Agreed. Some of my favourite Rush songs are from Clockwork Angels.

[@andytraiger4079]

I tried so hard to like their later stuff... I really did. As each new album came out after Signals I would I would buy it and listen voraciously and pick out my favorite songs. But now after all is said and done, when I want to listen to Rush, I never can resist the early stuff; so I don't get around to listen to the later stuff any more. The bottom line for me is I LOVED Alex Lifeson's early rock and roll style and sound and passion. And I only tolerated his newer sounds and styles. So even though the lyrics, the drums, the bass and the singing are great in the newer Rush songs; I am hugely disappointed by Alex Lifeson's guitar work being cut down by hatchet, ax and saw.

[@blgeiger71]

Yep 👍🏻 One of my favorite Rush tunes for sure, and yes…you nailed the metaphor immediately Lex. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@warrenrines3924]

This is the music of my youth. Listen to Red barchetta from Rush I used to drive around in my 1967 Nova and listen to this song. Awesome group and an amazing reaction

[@tsan3796]

the trees are a dichotomy of people and how they control or social class ( monarchy/kings theme here Rush always has a theme to each album) They based this off a cartoon Neil saw during production and thought what if trees acted or behaved like people. So he wrote it that way He later stated in on e of his books that the song was "a parable about collectivism".

[@markpowers7823]

Lol, after reading a bunch of the comments, and listening to Brad and Lex, I realized how much more there was to the song. I always enjoyed it for the trees fighting.

[@utumno6315]

My favourite song of all time - the complexity, the time signatures, the allegory - magical

[@gillesc1165]

Loving the red maple leaf shirt! Goes well with the trees theme and Rush being a Canadian rock band.

[@justineapril7922]

Lex!! You did in fact, nail it. "The Trees" is a metaphoric song about people and how our differences are to be celebrated, not complained about. Rush has been a philosophical prog rock band since Neil Peart joined Geddy and Alex in 1974. With the release of their first album collaboration in 1975 (Fly by Night).

[@joesmith8725]

Rush and most prog rock bands are very heady artists. Progressive music follows jazz and classical music style and has many signature changes within their songs. Deep lyrics as well.

[@briancarter8697]

3 musical masters and 1 lyrical genius!!!

[@philguitfiddle]

Brad and Lex got it. The lyrics are deep and makes you think while the music takes you on a journey. That’s the magic of Rush

[@toddashton9696]

The song can be a metaphor for any conflict between "Have's" and "Have-not's" When these conflicts are resolved by Compromise, both sides lose something. Thanks for a fun reaction

[@kdm71291]

And gain something…..balance, ideally.

[@metoo7557]

Except the compromise only means the have's only lose luxuries, and the have nots always lose necessities.

[@justinatest9456]

We should cut your boat in half, then we'll both have one. Equality!

[@BlackieNuff]

The song does not speak of "a few losses" - this was a catastrophic loss for both/all sides, which was the intended message. Just like all this push for "equality" on everything... if the snowflakes do not smarten up, we too will be "equalized" by "hatchet, axe, & saw". We already are... it's currently the "hatchet" phase right now... axes and saws are coming.

[@t0dd000]

This.

[@Apostasy362]

There was some speculation at the time of its release that "The Trees" was a metaphor for the French-speaking Canadians (the maples) and their struggle for equality with their English-speaking countrymen (the oaks). Ultimately, it could be just as easily seen as a metaphor for any societal attempt to impose an artificial "equality" by tearing down achievement and squelching excellence. It WAS metaphor; you can't pen something so rife with meaning and purpose and not be trying to get *something* across, and I have a theory as to why Neil himself stated otherwise. The Modern Drummer interview in which Neil denies any intended metaphor in "The Trees" occurred about the time he was beginning to distance himself from his earlier embrace of Ayn Rand's Objectivism philosophy. Prior to that, he was very much a champion of the individual's struggle with - and eventual triumph over - the collective. Most of his earlier work reflected that; the influence of Rand and her book The Fountainhead was mentioned in the liner notes to 2112. As a philosophy, it was (and remains) wildly unpopular among liberals and collectivists, and he and the band were under immense pressure from several fronts to stop promoting it so overtly, which I suspect is why he was so quick with his "no metaphor, nothing to see here" statement in the MD interview. Just my $0.02.

[@j.h.3777]

Wow! I'm from Montreal and didn't think of French Canadians but it makes a lot of sense. I always thought it was a black/white thing. Thanks for the great analysis!

[@benatkinson5671]

@@j.h.3777 I always saw this song to be about unions. They even had a line to that effect.

[@omicron2018]

Whether you're Team Maple or Team Oak, these are incredibly thought-provoking lyrics.

[@jamesyoung7560]

Some people have also speculated that it is a metaphor for (and partial condemnation of) socialism. Following from Vance's observation there's a definite dichotomy at the end between the "noble law" of equality and the violent means (hatchet, axe and saw) of ensuring it.

[@wintertimealldatime]

this song definitely a distinct opposite of Rands philosophy but i wouldn’t say that much of Neils previous work had Rands influence. I don’t think he was as influenced by Rand as you say

[@JC-tq8gm]

I've always loved this song for not only the message, but the musical genius. It seems to have everything. The classical guitar really makes this song special and it introduces some of the earliest use of the synthesizer I believe for the band.

[@LOKISlog7]

I was always amazed at how Geddy could remember to get the lyrics right - this came from the genius mind of Neal Peart RIP

[@chrissiecruise7196]

Great reaction, I love this song. Yes, Lex, you nailed it all right! PS Awesome tee and cap. Love to you both from Canada

[@aaronarnold7653]

Aloha, the brilliance of Neil...and an equally brilliant reaction...a hui hou.......she did nail it..lol..oh my Goodness...peace

[@jaywitt5171]

I always love Lex's reaction and interpretation to Rush songs. I think Rush is above Brad's head.

[@YedMan01]

I agree Jay and I Love Lex

[@toddkufahl2958]

I love watching your reactions! You two are honest and even though you miss the mark sometimes, you still have an awesome take on a video. You two are definitely a perfect match for each other. Keep sending out the great work!

[@michaelpatton2338]

Red sector A. The song is more or less about Geddy Lee's parents who went through the holocaust

[@hmpz36911]

Dude, lyrical spoilers are not welcomed by Brad. Maybe you're new, just please edit that part out of the comment.

[@crazyivan49]

The two of you are great! Thank you for reminding me of all this great music of my youth! The Trees is an excellent song!

[@timlamb6196]

I think you nailed it Brad.

[@jamesepler4297]

You totally belong together. Strength and weaknesses work to make you better than the separate persons. Totally delightful together.

[@raiderman8203]

Lex you nailed it. It's a metaphor for the fight between social classes. Brad, you need help 🙂

[@PhoenixRisen63]

Rush = 'thinking human's rock and roll'. A lot of their songs are deep and really intelligent.

[@mduncan65]

You need to see this song done live off of "Exit...Stage Left" the concert. Extremely impressive that they pulled this song off live to perfection!! "The Trees" has always been one of my favorite songs of theirs. Rush's lyrics will always make you think. Enjoyed the reaction!

[@richardgonzales4815]

My Boy said :” Good Smelling Wood!” Right On!

[@jim6025]

The Trees are symbolic to the way people treat each other. “The Trees are all kept equal by hatchet axe and saw”always gets me when I hear that line. The instrumental in this song is RUSH at their absolute best. Best rock trio ever. Your not alone in wanting to close your eyes and listen to it.

[@brasco96wired67]

RUSH was a very wise and talented band. RIP Neil

[@dannyhughes8187]

Nice one guy's. That smile never left her face..

[@scottmatzeder9162]

This song IS a metaphor for the interactions between Canada and the USA. Canada uses the Maple Leaf and the USA`s national Tree is the mighty Oak! Geddy expressed that in an interview, way back when!

[@BensSoZen]

Ha! i KNEW it was about real trees.

[@Cesar82nd]

It’s a metaphor that to force equality it has to take violence against the exceptional the geniuses to force them not to be better than the rest. It’s arguing against the group and for the individual.

[@surlechapeau]

Great reaction! I've got this on vinyl. Try "Circumstances" next from this album ('Hemispheres') 1978.

[@scottyhightower4812]

CIRCUMSTANCES is the shit!

[@your_huge_ego_bores_me]

Probably the most underrated song in their catalog. Very much under appreciated, nasty little groove if I ever heard one.

[@chellj8175]

❤️❤️❤️❤️✌🏻 RUSH one of my fav of all times !!

[@whathahk]

Yes Lex hits the nail on the head! It's about society and no one can be pleased!

[@pookiemartinez1745]

Always Vibe to the Trees. a Word from Neil himself.. Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart was asked in the April/May 1980 issue of the magazine Modern Drummer if there was a message in the lyrics, to which he replied, "No. It was just a flash. I was working on an entirely different thing when I saw a cartoon picture of these trees carrying on like fools. I thought, 'What if trees acted like people?' So I saw it as a cartoon really, and wrote it that way. I think that's the image that it conjures up to a listener or a reader. A very simple statement.

[@anacap007]

IMO the song illustrates the dichotomy between natural law which results in unequal, but different, outcomes and human law which attempts to create equal outcomes but typically bad ones. Basically, the only thing you can ultimately distribute equally is misery (trees being cut for someone else's ends).

[@omicron2018]

You make a fair point. But in that analogy I would say the maples and oaks should each receive the same amount of sunlight (by human law) and then be free to grow as tall as their natural law allows.

[@1teamski]

Wow Brad! You nailed it! Well done, mate! Welcome back to the magic of Rush!

[@mickduvall1662]

The album that this is from, "Hemispheres", is likely my favorite album of all time. I remember my mom letting me get this from Colombia House record club in 1978. It has been a constant in my life ever since. It was impactful and the musicianship on that album is what I judge all other musicians by. Great, great music.

[@scottshields113]

It cant be beat imo. No doubt my favorite album of all time because its been played the most by me for all these decades.

[@robertboston7872]

I seen this live in 78 Maple Leaf Gardens the bands home town still have the ticket a girl asked me out on a date to see them when we were in high school first and only time in my life a girl asked me out but it was amazing I bought the Hemisheres album twice one was a collector red vinyl not sure what that would be worth today all original first printing

[@chrisfortune1813]

Absolutely loved the last line you said, so true.

[@powellpatterson4928]

the brilliance of RUSH , nor my love of their music , can not be overstated

[@YedMan01]

Geddy Lee’s Bass in the beginning sounds like music from heaven

[@foxbat1766]

'Jacob's Ladder' is another one of this general style/format. Encourage you to listen to that one, as well as 'Natural Science'

[@dathorndike4908]

This song speaks to me as being an expression of the fact that trees are another life form with the same spirits as human beings. I think part of it is how the trees feel as man continues to cut them down with no regard for their feelings.

[@tx_1]

Brad, you're kinda right though. I heard that Neil Peart said he pictured a cartoon of trees fighting. And he was good friends with the creator of South Park, so... but yeah, a metaphor. This is one of the reasons we want you to hear 2112. It's long yes, but watch the cartoon, and just pretend it's Saturday morning & you're still a kid. Lyrics from 2112 "We've taken care of everything, the words you read, the song you sing, the pictures that bring pleasure to your eye". It has a message that takes you on a journey with them. I also think you'd like Closer To The Heart. Or a Farewell to Kings "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?" Happy Birthday Brad!

[@NCNelz]

Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart was asked in the April/May 1980 issue of the magazine Modern Drummer if there was a message in the lyrics, to which he replied, "No. It was just a flash. I was working on an entirely different thing when I saw a cartoon picture of these trees carrying on like fools. I thought, 'What if trees acted like people?' So I saw it as a cartoon really, and wrote it that way. I think that's the image that it conjures up to a listener or a reader. A very simple statement."

[@danb.6294]

Deep thinkers very talented musicians who all play multiple instruments. A very drummer who is an award winning author is responsible for almost all of their lyrics. Extremely rare in rock bands from any janre. They have had a profound effect on many I believe myself included.

[@mdunawaym]

One of my favorite Rush songs from my absolute favorite album ever!

[@edallen3662]

My favorite Rush songs in order the trees, Xanadu, and 2112

[@tswizard13]

That's the best way to listen to Rush, laying down, headphones, and in the dark!

[@toddk2737]

Saw a great movie on Rush history. Getty Lee said that when they brought Neil on they noticed the books he was reading and suggested he write the lyrics.

[@Jamie_McGill]

Love the “whoosh” sound effect when you laid your head back….lol

[@markkappe1995]

'Rush and Pink Floyd, they make me think.' NAILED IT

[@paulgale2565]

Im sure by now y'all have learned that as Canadians this song is about the oppresion Canada (the Maples) has felt from England ( the Oaks) over the years. Thanks guys, like your reactions to these 3 master musicians

[@boneycrane4889]

Awesome tune 🤙🤙 Thank You for checking this out. RIP Neil

[@mattycobby27]

Yes !!! Great song.

[@markthomas6045]

LOVE the lid Lex, watching from Ontario, Canada! RUSH one of our greatest exports!

[@dorarie3167]

Lovin’ Lex’s Canadian garb! We’ll make you an honorary Canuck. 🇨🇦

[@metalmark1214]

One of the more interesting Rush songs. Others to check out Closer to the Heart and La Villa Strangiato.

[@JPMadden]

Watch the music video of "La Villa Strangiato," which is a different version of the song than the album (most reactors watch this version). The album version is good, but the remake for the music video is better, IMO.

[@slocumb1270]

You beat me to it. Was going to say those two plus Different Strings.

[@shawnk7832]

Lex has a maple leaf with eyes on her shirt!!! How's that??? 🤣🤣🤣

[@nodrush80]

The have"s and the have not"s. Love Lex's outfit, beautiful!

[@rossmacintosh5652]

Brad & Lex, thanks for doing your Canadian livecast. As a Canadian I'm hoping you come for a visit sometime. I live on the East coast of Canada but we are a proud and diverse country. If you want to experience some East coast Canadian music I suggest the 2008 video of Rollins Cross singing 'Reel 'N' Roll' that features bag pipes playing rock & roll music. The video will make you want to come visit Atlantic Canada.