Rush - Subdivisions [GEN-Z REACTION & ANALYSIS]

[@mikevivian9384]

This song is beyond brilliant. Incredible lyrics

[@RayEvans-j1q]

An anthem for all those who just didn’t fit in and didn’t have a prom date!

[@Sohum]

we outcasts gotta stick together

[@debbieplato5107]

I was one of the weirdos that was studying theatre in high school. I missed my high school prom because I was in the next province in a play for a high school theatre event. I also deviate from the norm. 😉

[@bbennet39]

Hi Sohum, I am a lifelong Rush fan who was fortunate to see them live many times. Great reaction, appreciating the musicianship and Neil's thought provoking lyrics!

[@Sohum]

Thank you! Those mustve been quite the experiences, im jealous haha

[@traumasurg2827]

Well Sohum, you have found a way to obtain and keep people coming back- the RUSH family are like nothing you have ever seen. We are a breed different by sharing a deep seeded love, respect, and appreciation for how they helped shaped our lives. As a drummer, I think I speak for most fans here when I say....just wait til you get to the Neil Peart drum solo vid. It will take you to state of ahhh like nothing else. Great work.

[@sarastromseth-troy3323]

Thank you for your thoughtful analysis on this song, which made me a die hard Rush fan less than one year ago when I discovered the music video here on KZbin. Neil wrote this song from the perspective of feeling like an outcast in the suburbs (and Alex and Geddy apparently had similar experiences; Geddy said his was the only Jewish family in his neighborhood, and both he and Alex were children of European immigrants (Geddy's parents managed to survive the concentration camps during the Holocaust; Alex's father was also a POW); so when they met as 13-year-old kids at school, they bonded over those similarities, their interest in music, and Alex's goofy sense of humor). I think your points about the suburbs versus the cities are well thought-out and interesting. I actually grew up in a rural setting, on a farm in Iowa. The closest small town was 8 miles away. I attended all of my primary school years (K-12) in one building out in the middle of nowhere, with basically the same 25 classmates. It's isolating not so much in a conformist way like the suburbs, but just truly isolated, period. As a quiet, intellectual, creative and nerdy girl, I felt very much out of place, so this song resonates, even all of these years later. If you like Rush's synth era, I recommend the live version of 'Mission' from 1988 in Birmingham. It features beautiful lyrics from Neil and one of Alex's most emotional guitar solos. Geddy also multi-tasks on vocals, bass, and synth, which is always a wonder to watch.

[@Sohum]

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story and incredible insight! It's amazing how music like Rush's can connect so deeply with personal experiences, whether it's suburban isolation or rural solitude. Being an outcast is challenging in any circumstance, and it's interesting that it exists as a consequence of the structure of our cities and suburbs

[@ChrisThompson-zq7cq]

Sohum you are quickly becoming one of my favorite re-actors. super thoughtful + you run lyrics as you watch so you can analyze as you go. most re-actors miss Neil's lyrical depth

[@Sohum]

thank you, you're so kind chris!

[@toddashton9696]

Great track I love the comment. "you hear Neil in the back doing his thing" Yep that's Rush. So much to find in every song.

[@Sohum]

i love their songs, each is like a puzzle/journey

[@Davedela707]

Ha, you really said "deviate from the norm"... A key lyric from the song Vital Signs by Rush. I really enjoying your insightful, fresh analysis of their lyrics.

[@moonwoman]

I found that very interesting as well that he said "deviate from the norm". I hope to see Sohum react to Vital Signs.

[@Sohum]

hahaha well what a happy coincide, vital signs is now at the top of my rush react list :)

[@Fred-vy1hm]

Everybody got mixed feelings About the function and the form Everybody got to deviate from the norm. 😊

[@dunnd1]

“Deviate From The Norm” would be the subtitle if Rush were a movie.

[@medchemiker]

You beat me to it.... Rush fans think alike!

[@rushtabconvideo]

One of absolute best Rush reactions on KZbin right here regarding it’s lyrical statement. You need to do more Rush reactions! Kudos to you and your top shelf analysis. 👏🏼

[@Sohum]

Wow, thank you so much, i appreciate that more than you know

[@matthewhoag2609]

Neil is crafty at using multiple meanings of the same word. Subdivisions referring to the suburbs and the divisions among social classes is the obvious one here. I also like the line “detaches and subdivided in the mass production zone.” In the suburbs, not only are the houses detached (vs. apartments or row houses), but so are we as people. Man, there are so so many great songs for you to explore with Rush.

[@Johnny67557]

Great reaction. I agree. I was that kid in the early 80's. And playing music got me into bands and out of my shell. Rush changed my life!!!

[@matthewhoag2609]

Neil can be downright poetic when he wants. I just love the flow of the opening lines: “Sprawling on the fringes of the city “In geometric order, an insulated border “In between the bright lights and the far unlit unknown.” That often flies over people’s heads on a first listen, but you caught the gist immediately.

[@iRenegade164]

One of my favorites from Rush because I've *lived* the song! Being 16 in the early '80s and growing up literally 5-minutes from the Bronx, I never knew the "far unlit unknown," but EVERYTHING was there for the taking - shopping malls, backs of cars, that living night, plenty of drugs, and the inevitable ticking traps I was fortunate not to have been caught in. Since sowing my outs in the labyrinths of the Subdivisions, I raised my own family in rural Maine - the far unlit unknown.... (Both of my sons are *die-hard* RUSH fans!!)

[@Azabaxe80]

I grew up in an urban environment that was best described by Peter Gabriel in "Big Time" ( _...[in] the place where I come from [...] they think so small, they use small words..._ ) The atmosphere of the place was oppressive, and anyone from my high school cohort who could leave, did. This song came out when I was in 10th grade, and I immediately identified with the parts that my teenage brain could understand. The funny thing is that, after going through ticking traps in _the_ City, I eventually settled in a place where I actually can see the iconic skyline to the east and the utter darkness to the west. My streets are leafy, lighted and quiet. The companion pieces to this song, "Middletown Dreams" and "Ghost of a Chance", complete a trilogy that describes my life to a T. But I do comeback to this one mainly because its story arc is so complete. It encompasses adolescence, adulthood and finally middle age. And to think Neil Peart was way younger than I am now when he wrote this song. Some people are just that wise.

[@iRenegade164]

@@Azabaxe80 - Good stuff! Now at nearly 60 and stricken with ALS, my youngest son uses Losing It to describe me... (I love Ghost of a Chance - I'll have to check out Middletown Dreams. TY!

[@Azabaxe80]

@@iRenegade164 My first real job out of college was working on clinical trials for a treatment for ALS. That experience defined forever my opinion of medical doctors and big pharma (no, I don't identify with _that_ guy), and I haven't worked on that field since. I can't say that I _know_ what you're going through, but I do have a little bit of understanding. I do wish my children shared my love of Rush, but now that I'm no longer "embarrassing dad", I look forward to taking them to a Silversun Pickups show with me soon. Family, like Neil Peart would have said, is primordial.

[@cozmicpfunk]

I was at this concert in Las Cruces in 1984 for the "Signals" tour. It was amazing, and the irony of being a senior in HS when this track came out. What a eerie serendipity of experiencing the exact sentiment of the song while exiting the reality of conformity in High School. This band shaped my young life starting at 13 with 2112. I can't say enough great things about them. I would have never imagined the world today with all of these reaction videos with people like you hearing this for the first and it still sounding so great and relevant. That is the most amazing thing to me, I still love them and appreciate them so much

[@charliemac64]

NMSU! I wonder what the Pan-Am Center is called these days. ;)

[@kentgreer1079]

In Canada, the word subdivision’ is used to indicate a particular development in the suburbs. Almost like a neighbourhood of identical houses. These often have names that indicate what used to be there before contractors built these homes. Oak grove. Maple view. Poplar meadows. So subdivisions refers both to the societal divisions and the places in the suburbs where Alex and Geddy grew up.

[@grepbeer]

finally an eduated review of this song. the musiscianship is always what is reviewd. of course Ruah wears it on their sleeve but to interpret the incredeible lyrics was so impressive and so rare and for a song that has always been one of my favorites for the lyrics since i bought the album in 1982. thank you.

[@jackspencer6107]

As close to a perfect song as you are likely to find. And RUSH provided us with a treasure trove of them

[@fr.reggilbert5519]

The visions in the video are from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geddy and Alex grew up and went to high school, (together), in subdivisions of Toronto. Neil was born and raised in a Canadian city not far from Toronto. His father owned a farm equipment store where Neil worked in the family business.

[@toddstevens13]

We the outcasts took over our High School, ran as a plank against the "Clicks" took on the Jocks etc. with only one sentence. There are more of us then there are of them, they just don't realize it. Landslide, the yuppies and "normal's" lost their minds, as we turned it upside down. Brought in amazing concerts they would never go to, brought in theatre troupes to put on shows, etc etc.. Was two years of hell for them. We found out the Principal was actually a former outcast who yes conformed, but relished what we were doing, and that also pissed off many of the normals.

[@terrymoss758]

It’s so fun to watch Neil from those days, he was mesmerizing live, he was just so bad ass…

[@stevedockeray]

things growing organically out in the wild --- that is kinda what Cygnus pt 1 & part 2 delve into wrapped up in a trip to the Black Hole called Cygnus from earth - part 2 is going through the black hole & what is on the other side ( like Greek Gods ) - first part is on the Album a Farewell to Kings & Part 2 is on the next album Hemispheres .

[@Fred-vy1hm]

You should do The Analog Kid from the same album, its another coming of age tune that features one of Alex's best, imo, guitar solos. 😊

[@gibson617ajg]

Alex's third - best solo for me - just behind 'Between The Wheels' and the stunning 'Limelight' solo - which is my favourite. Subdivisions is the first track I ever heard by Rush - Signals, of course, being the first album. Little did I know what awaited me as I went back through their catalogue of music! I must mention 'Middletown Dreams' too...…..... Neil was a master of storytelling. RIP 'Pratt'........

[@thecoogs]

For some reason my fave Rush ditty

[@dsum4563]

Rush fans hear Analog Kid in their head as soon as Subdivisions fades…am I right? 🤘

[@Fred-vy1hm]

Yup my two faves off the album. 😊

[@laurakali6522]

In my top 5 by them. As a teen living in the suburbs outside the city of New Haven CT, this song really resonated and still does.

[@Sohum]

what else is in your top 5? :p

[@laurakali6522]

@La Villa Strangiato, Closer to the Heart, Red Barchetta, and Finding My Way.

[@Sohum]

@@laurakali6522 ooh la villa was really good

[@flubblert]

One of my all-time favorites of theirs and Rock in general.

[@bronxbrothers121]

Another well thought out analysis. Glad I found your channel.

[@Sohum]

Thanks so much :) Hope all is well with you

[@edgarpacifico3421]

I was waiting for this react! I knew you would like it!

[@Sohum]

Im a big fan

[@TONE11111]

one of rush's best

[@charliemac64]

Everybody got to deviate from the norm Everybody got to escalate from the norm Everybody got to elevate from the norm Vital Signs...indeed...

[@PasqualeCastillo]

Analog kid!!!! Great rush song

[@MarlinRando]

Not a real RUSH fan but Signals is one of my all time favorites albums.

[@greedynewt6149]

I love your reactions. You may not fully realize it yet but I am convinced that you are a Rush fan through and through. Neil's lyrics are very thought provoking and relatable and Rush's music is impecable. There are so many great Rush songs that you really need to check out. Here are a few I think you would love, "Natural Science", "The Camera Eye", "Vital Signs", "The Trees" and "Free Will". Take care

[@Sohum]

I have all the makings of a Rush fan you think? hahah. I have a reaction to the spirit of radio coming up soon, and ill add these to the list :)

[@greedynewt6149]

@@Sohum Awesome I will check out the spirit of the radio when it is posted. I have seen all of your Rush reactions to date that is how I found your channel. I have also been checking out some of your other reactions.

[@Sohum]

I hope you've been enjoying, I like to react to a variety over here :)

[@afbill4219]

In the 80s Rush was considered nerd rock among teenagers. This became an anthem for teenage Rush fans in the 80s

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

This is what I call a ‘Angry’ yet polite song. The lyrics are decisively angry while the music is too but on a bit lighter level.🤘🖖✌️🥁🎹🎤🎸

[@charliemac64]

The video game the kid is playing is "Tempest," which was a pretty cool game that came out in '82? Having grown up in the suburbs, video games were my outlet as a teen. Oh, and weed. 😂😂😂 While I lived in the suburbs, I had desert six houses down the street. There were mountains within a short walk. Yes, it was an insulated border, but it was also a melting pot of all sorts...cultures (in a US border city), lifestyles, religious beliefs...you name it. I grew up in a pretty special place. Too bad the climate really sucked. ha ha haaa

[@heyskipj]

Neil is doing great things on the drums here.

[@terrymoss758]

No one could make runs on the Toms like Neil, maybe Keith Moon, who I think Neil credited for that part of his style.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction Sohum! You've hit my #1 Rush song (well, tied with 2112). Why? Well besides the incredible musicianship (and yes, that synth is glorious) - each member are highlighted here, the lyrics are so poignant and personal for me (and many others!). I was the typical 'nerd' - not fitting in, not the 'cool' kid, not a jock. This song spoke to people like us! Match that message with such a kick a$$ music structure - and you have perfection! Cheers from Canada, eh!!

[@Sohum]

oh get ready i have a 2112 reaction coming tomorrow ;)

[@Bannysadkosays2u]

It's literally called "Subdivisions", so naturally Geddy is singing about the 'burbs.

[@StanCostello-q3o]

Great reaction loved your quote be a critical thinker!! We definitely need more of those!!

[@Sohum]

Most definitely!

[@FeaturingRob]

The one thing the video gets wrong is that "Subdivisions" is said by Neil, not Alex. Other than that, I love this video because it reminds me of my own teen years in the 1980s. In fact, this song was my "entry drug" to RUSH and their catalog of wonderful and important music. This is one of those songs you should watch a live version of. Seeing Geddy switch between the synths and the bass is incredible, Neil's metronome precision while just being all over the place on his kit, and Alex being a bit of a ham (as usual) while still doing incendiary guitar work. Nothing compares.

[@clemlowes9417]

This song resonated with so many RUSH fans. Talking about not fitting in or being cool? RUSH themselves were not considered cool, they were too educated and wanted to read books or play their instruments to the best of their abilities. That is to say the search for never ending growth musically. There was no flash or destroying instruments in their live shows. They were true to themselves. Always all about the music. Rare these days.

[@kevinwagner542]

The song is so biographical to me. I was and still am the dreamer and the misfit.

[@kennydixson7851]

Working Man from their first album…. Pre Neil Peart ((John Rutsey), pre synth era 1974. You will hear a completely different Rush.

[@s.keightley8068]

Fun to see the video game "Tempest" at the end!

[@frederickstamm-rr1qj]

When I was in High school back in the early 80’s , we had the JOCK’S , that were all about sports , and then we had the HOOD’S , that were those who like to party a lot smoked cigarettes and didn’t care about being so athletic.. I consider myself being NORMAL. Because I liked playing sports and partying on the weekends… So I can was something of misfit , cause I couldn’t fall in with either group.

[@debbieplato5107]

All of the guys in Rush felt like they didn't fit in and all of them quit high school early to pursue music. There is a Canadian documentary called Come On Children where a number of teenagers lived together for a certain time in a big farmhouse. Alex Lifeson was one of them. On the weekend when the parents came to visit Alex and his Dad got into an argument about Alex's future. Deviate from the norm. A line right out of Vital Signs. Very Cool

[@theditto69]

I read Neil’s traveling books after his death. I’d recommend at least reading one. He was a true renaissance man. Drummer poet

[@dubkjay]

If your curious, and since your not old enough to remember… the video game the kid is playing at the end was called “Tempest”…. Yes, I’m old…and this is a great fukn song 🔥🔥🔥

[@yoursoulknows6444]

Neil wrote the lyrics - and it was a life all three of them had lived.

[@truther4life]

My favorite track!!

[@Sohum]

you picked a great one :)

[@jackteppo9633]

Check out the drums version only. 😮😮😮😮

[@matthewhoag2609]

He said “deviate from the norm”. 😳

[@seanfetterly3059]

Caught it; Vital Signs is an underrated great song that I'd love to hear him react to.

[@micron001]

Nice review, but a lot of focus in the review about subdivisions as neighborhoods. The subdivisions in this song are everywhere - high school halls, back seats, malls, anywhere that you can compartmentalize groups of people - aka cliques.

[@cpmf2112]

The "others" and dehumanization problems are definitely in small towns in America, actually worse than the cities in many ways. 😕

[@Sohum]

i feel like they manifest in different ways in either geography, so I'm not sure which is better or worse, either way problematic :(

[@rick5440]

The song goes full circle though, with those in the rat race dreaming of a quieter placer.

[@mrkprstn88]

A subdivision is a housing development, and the suburbs are made up of numerous subdivisions.

[@gerryweed7697]

when you can , react to Rush - Red Sector A ( with lyric ) = song about holocaust . Geddy Lee parents was survive to holocaust . Neil Peart deep lyric . 🎶🎶

[@bobbelleci9995]

For me, this is more of an analogy for how people and the government treat people by targeting or labeling "us" into certain categories and not really about tract homes per sé. First time watching you and think you've done a nice job.

[@gregsteele806]

The friction between city and country dwellers has been going on since the first humans moved out of the trees. Cain and Abel in the bible were the two sides of this coin. If you grow up in a city, you are a Citizen, but, if you grow up in a village, you are a villain. Yes, that's where the word originated. People in the cities have always looked down on their country cousins. You can see the same divide today. Just look at the division between red and blue areas in the USA. Blue areas are predominantly cities, and red areas are predominantly rural.

[@burningbeard9478]

deviate from the norm......hummm....seems like you tapped into another Rush masterpiece....give Vital Signs a listen...cheers

[@patrigilligan2112]

See the high score on the video game at the end? I wonder who "JMT" is?

[@wtritt5818]

This was the lead off of the 9th studio album Signals. Tom Sawyer was the leadoff of the previous album Moving Pictures and The album before that Permanent Waves was led of by another Rush signature The Spirit of Radio. This began the Synthesizer era of Rush which saw them shed some fans with the change. over the next few albums.

[@brucedickinson12]

Yes I'm not a fan of the synth era prefer guitar driven rock

[@cpmf2112]

They picked up more new fans overall 🤷

[@sarastromseth-troy3323]

I personally love the synth era, but I was also a child in the '80s and like synth rock in general. I feel like Geddy's voice was at its peak melodically in the ''80s. It's also cool to watch live performances from Rush in the 80s, and to see Geddy multitask on that huge synth setup, bass, foot pedals and vocals. My favorite live performance from that era might be 'The Weapon' from the 1984 tour.

[@SteveTurpin-g6j]

You should react to the necromancer or the fountain of lamnth

[@AudiophileTubes]

Modern day Capitalism, is often alienating. Read the great Erich Fromm.