| Rush Lyrics |
| In order of release... |
| Finding My Way What You're Doing In The Mood Working Man Anthem Beneath, Between and Behind By-Tor and the Snowdog Fly by Night Bastille Day Lakeside Park Temples of Syrinx Discovery Presentation Oracle: The Dream Soliloquy The Grand Finale A Passage To Bangkok The Twilight Zone Lessons Tears Something For Nothing A Farewell to Kings Xanadu Closer To The Heart Cygnus X-1 Book One The Trees Spirit of the Radio Freewill Tom Sawyer Red Barchetta Limelight Subdivisions Distant Early Warning The Big Money Manhattan Project Force Ten Time Stand Still Show Don't Tell Chain Lightning The Pass Presto Dreamline Bravado Roll the Bones Ghost of a Chance Nobody's Hero |
| Finding My Way Yeah, oh yeah. Ooh, said I, I'm coming out to get you. Ooh, sit down, I'm coming out to find you. Ooh, yeah. Ooh yeah. Finding my way. I've been gone so long, I've lost count of the years. Well, I sang some sad songs, oh yes, and cried some bad tears. Look out, I'm coming. Whoa, whoa. Look out, I'm coming. Whoa, yeah. I'm running, finding my way back home. Oh yeah. Yeah, oh yeah. Ooh, said I, I'm coming back to look for you. Ooh, sit down. I'm going by the back door. Ooh, yeah. Ooh yeah. Finding my way. You've done me no right, but you've done me some wrong. Left me lonely each night while I sing my sad song. Look out, I'm coming. Whoa, whoa. Look out, I'm coming. Whoa, yeah. I'm running, finding my way back home. I'm coming. Ooh, babe, I said I'm running. Whoa, babe, I said I'm coming to get you, mama. Said I'm running. Ooh, babe, I said I'm coming for you, babe. I said I'm running. Ooh yes, babe, I said I'm coming to get you, babe. I said I'm coming. Ooh, yeah. I'm finding, I'm finding my way back home. Well, I've had it for now, living on the road. Ooh, yeah. Ooh, yeah. Finding my way. What You're Doing Well, I see you standing there with your finger in the air. Everything we do, you wanna leave it up to you. Who do you think you are? You think you are a star? Trying to run the town, always trying to put us down. Well, you think that you're right. You think you're out of sight. Tell me something, mister, why'd you have to make us so uptight? Well, you say you've been trying. You know that you're lying. I think you need some grooving. Who do you think you're fooling now? Well, you better start changing, your life needs rearranging. You better do some talking or you better do some walking now. Yeah, you think that you're right. You think you're out of sight. Tell me something, mister, why'd you have to make us so uptight? I know what you're doing, all that you been doing wrong. I don't know what you're feeling, oh, but you been feeling long. Well, you think that you're right. You think you're out of sight. Tell me something, mister, why'd you have to make us so uptight? I know what you're doing, all that you been doing wrong. I don't know what you're feeling, oh, but you been feeling long. Well, you think that you're right. You think you're out of sight. Tell me something, mister, why'd you have to make us so uptight? In The Mood Hey now, baby, well, I like your smile. Won't you come and talk to me for a little while. Well, you're making me crazy, the way you roll them eyes. Won't you come and sit with me, I'll tell you all my lies. Hey baby, it's a quarter to eight, I feel I'm in the mood. Hey baby, the hour is late, I feel I've got to move. Well, hey now, baby, don't you talk so fast. I'm just trying to make these good times, I'm trying to make it last. Everything's getting hazy, now honey, where'd you go? I just want to find out, baby, where'd you learn what you know? Hey baby, it's a quarter to eight, I feel I'm in the mood. Hey baby, the hour is late, I feel I've got to move. Well, hey now, baby, said, I like your style. You really got me, baby, way down deep inside. Oo, you drive me crazy, baby, you're the one. I just want to rock-and-roll you, woman, until the night is gone. Hey baby, it's a quarter to eight, I feel I'm in the mood. Hey baby, the hour is late, I feel I've got to move. Working Man I get up at seven, yeah, and I go to work at nine. I got no time for living, yes, I'm working all the time. It seems to me I could live my life a lot better than I think I am. I guess that's why they call me, they call me the working man. They call me the working man. I guess that's what I am. I get home at five o'clock, and I take myself out a nice, cold beer. Always seem to be wondering why there's nothing going down here. It seems to me I could live my life a lot better than I think I am. I guess that's why they call me, they call me the working man. They call me the working man. I guess that's what I am. Well they call me the working man. I guess that's what I am. I get up at seven, yeah, and I go to work at nine. I got no time for living, yes, I'm working all the time. It seems to me I could live my life a lot better than I think I am. I guess that's why they call me, they call me the working man. They call me the working man. I guess that's what I am. Anthem Know your place in life is where you want to be, don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me. Keep on looking forward; no use in looking round, hold your head above the ground and they won't bring you down. Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind, a funeral dirge for eyes gone blind. We marvel after those who sought new wonders in the world, wonders in the world, wonders in the world they wrought. Live for yourself, there's no one else more worth living for. Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more. Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind, a funeral dirge for eyes gone blind. We marvel after those who sought new wonders in the world, wonders in the world, wonders in the world they wrought. Well, I know they've always told you selfishness was wrong. Yet it was for me, not you, I came to write this song. Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind, a funeral dirge for eyes gone blind. We marvel after those who sought new wonders in the world, wonders in the world, wonders in the world they wrought, wrought, wrought. Beneath, Between and Behind Ten score years ago, defeat the kingly foe, a wondrous dream came into being. Tame the trackless waste, no virgin land left chaste, all shining eyes, but never seeing. Beneath the noble birth, between the proudest words, behind the beauty, cracks appear. Once, with heads held high, they sang out to the sky. Why do their shadows bow in fear? Beneath the noble birth, between the proudest words, behind the beauty, cracks appear. Watch the cities rise, another ship arrives. Earth's melting pot and ever growing, fantastic dreams come true, inventing something new. The greatest minds, and never knowing. Beneath the noble birth, between the proudest words, behind the beauty, cracks appear. The guns replace the plow, facades are tarnished now. The principles have been betrayed. The dreams's gone stale, but still, let hope prevail, history's debt won't be repaid. Beneath the noble birth, between the proudest words, behind the beauty, cracks appear. By-Tor And The Snowdog The Tobes of Hades, lit by flickering torchlight, the netherworld is gathered in the glare. Prince By-Tor takes the cavern to the north light, the sign of Eth is rising in the air. By-Tor, knight of darkness, centurion of evil, devil's prince. Across the River Styx, out of the lamplight, his nemesis is waiting at the gate. The Snow Dog, ermine glowing in the damp night, coal-black eyes shimmering with hate. By-Tor and the Snow Dog square for battle, let the fray begin. The battle's over and the dust is clearing, disciples of the Snow Dog sound the knell. Rejoicing echoes as the dawn is nearing. By-Tor in defeat retreats to Hell. Snow Dog is victorious, the land of the Overworld is saved again. Is saved again. Fly By Night Why try? I know why. The feeling inside me says it's time I was gone. Clear head, new life ahead, it's time I was king and not just one more pawn. Fly by night, away from here. Change my life again. Fly by night, goodbye my dear. My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend. Moon rise, thoughtful eyes staring back at me from the window beside. No fright or hindsight, leaving behind that empty feeling inside. Fly by night, away from here. Change my life again. Fly by night, goodbye my dear. My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend. Start a new chapter, find what I'm after, it's changing every day. The change of a season is enough of a reason to want to get away. Quiet and pensive, my thoughts apprehensive, the hours drift away. Leaving my homeland, playing a lone hand, my life begins today. Fly by night, away from here. Change my life again. Fly by night, goodbye my dear. My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend. Fly by night, away from here. Change my life again. Fly by night, goodbye my dear. My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend. Bastille Day There's no bread, let them eat cake, there's no end to what they'll take. Flaunt the fruits of noble birth, wash the salt into the earth. But they're marching to Bastille Day, the guillotine will claim her bloody prize. Free the dungeons of the innocent, the king will kneel, and let his kingdom rise. Bloodstained velvet, dirty lace, naked fear on every face. See them bow their heads to die as we would bow as they rode by. And we're marching to Bastille Day, the guillotine will claim her bloody prize. Sing, o choirs of cacophony, the king has kneeled to let his kingdom rise. Lessons taught but never learned, all around us anger burns. Guide the future by the past, long ago the mould was cast. For they marched up to Bastille Day, the guillotine claimed her bloody prize. Hear the echoes of the centuries, power isn't all that money buys. Lakeside Park Midway hawkers calling, "try your luck with me," merry-go-round wheezing the same old melody. A thousand ten cent wonders, who could ask for more? A pocketful of silver, the key to heaven's door. Lakeside Park, willows in the breeze. Lakeside Park, so many memories. Laughing rides, midway lights, shining stars on summer nights. Days of barefoot freedom, racing with the waves. Nights of starlit secrets, crackling driftwood flames. Drinking by the lighthouse, smoking on the pier. Still we saw the magic fading every year. Lakeside Park, willows in the breeze. Lakeside Park, so many memories. Laughing rides, midway lights, shining stars on summer nights. Everyone would gather on the twenty fourth of May, sitting in the sand to watch the fireworks display. Dancing fires on the beach, singing songs together. Though it's just a memory, some memories last forever. Temples of Syrinx "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. Discovery "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. Presentation "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 that helped 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 that helped destroy the elder race of man. Forget about your silly whim, it doesn't fit the plan. Oracle: The Dream "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. Soliloquy "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 no. My spirits are low in the depths of despair, my lifeblood spills over. The Grand Finale 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 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. 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. 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. The Twilight Zone 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. 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. Lessons 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. 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 and I know you know we've told you before but you didn't hear us then. So you still question why, you didn't listen again. You didn't listen again. Tears 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. 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? Something For Nothing 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. 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... 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? We turned our gaze from the castles in the distance. Eyes cast down on the path of least resistance. Cities full of hatred, fear and lies. Withered hearts and cruel, tormented eyes. Scheming demons dressed in kingly guise beating down the multitude and scoffing at the wise. The hypocrites are slandering the sacred halls of Truth. Ancient nobles showering their bitterness on youth. Can't we find the minds that made us strong? Can't we learn to feel what's right and wrong? What's wrong? Cities full of hatred, fear and lies. Withered hearts and cruel, tormented eyes. Scheming demons dressed in kingly guise beating down the multitude and scoffing at the wise. Can't we raise our eyes and make a start? Can't we find the minds to lead us closer to the heart? Xanadu "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. 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. Nevermore shall I return, escape these caves of ice for I have dined on honey dew and drunk the milk of Paradise, oh, Paradise. Closer To The Heart And the men who hold high places must be the ones to start to mould a new reality closer to the heart, closer to the heart. The blacksmith and the artist reflect it in their art. Forge their creativity closer to the heart, closer to the heart. Philosophers and plowmen, each must know his part to sow a new mentality closer to the heart, closer to the heart. You can be the captain and I will draw the chart, sailing into destiny, closer to the heart, closer to the heart, closer to your heart... Cygnus X-1 Book One In the constellation of Cygnus, there lurks a mysterious, invisible force: The Black Hole Of Cygnus X-1. Six Stars of the Northern Cross, in mourning for their sister's loss, in a final flash of glory, nevermore to grace the night. Invisible to telescopic eye, infinity, the star that would not die. All who dare to cross her course are swallowed by a fearsome force. Through the void to be destroyed or is there something more? Atomized at the core or through the Astral Door to soar? I set a course just east of Lyra and northwest of Pegasus. Flew into the light of Deneh, sailed across the Milky Way. On my ship, the 'Rocinante,' wheeling through the galaxies, headed for the heart of Cygnus, headlong into mystery. The x-ray is her siren song, my ship cannot resist her long. Nearer to my deadly goal until the black hole gains control Spinning, whirling, still descending, like a spiral sea, unending. Sound and fury drowns my heart, every nerve is torn apart... The Trees There is unrest in the forest, there is trouble with the trees, for the maples want more sunlight and the oaks ignore their pleas. The trouble with the maples, and they're quite convinced they're right, they say the oaks are just too lofty and they grab up all the light. But the oaks can't help their feelings if they like the way they're made. And they wonder why the maples can't be happy in their shade. There is trouble in the forest, and the creatures all have fled, as the maples scream "Oppression!" And the oaks just shake their heads. So the maples formed a union and demanded equal rights. "The oaks are just too greedy, we will make them give us light." Now there's no more oak oppression for they passed a noble law, and the trees are all kept equal by hatchet, axe, and saw. Spirit of the Radio 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 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, yeah, your honesty. One likes to believe in the freedom of music, but glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity. Invisible airwaves crackle with life, bright antennae bristle with the energy. Emotional feedback on timeless wavelength, bearing a gift beyond price, almost free. For the words of the profits were written on the studio wall, concert halls and echoes with the sounds of salesmen, salesmen, oh, salesmen. Freewill There are those who think that life has nothing left to chance, a host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance. A planet of playthings, we dance on the strings of powers we cannot perceive. "The stars aren't aligned or the gods are malign," blame is better to give than receive. You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that's clear, I will choose freewill. There are those who think that they were dealt a losing hand, the cards were stacked against them, they weren't born in Lotus-Land. All preordained, a prisoner in chains a victim of venomous fate. Kicked in the face, you can't pray for a place in heaven's unearthly estate. You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that's clear, I will choose freewill. Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete. Genetic blends with uncertain ends on a fortune hunt that's far too fleet. You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that's clear, I will choose freewill. Tom Sawyer A modern-day warrior, mean, mean stride, today's Tom Sawyer, mean, mean pride. Though his mind is not for rent, don't put him down as arrogant. His reserve, a quiet defense, riding out the day's events. The river. What you say about his company is what you say about society. Catch the mist, catch the myth catch the mystery, catch the drift. The world is, the world is, love and life are deep, maybe as his skies are wide. Today's Tom Sawyer, he gets high on you and the space he invades, he gets by on you. No, his mind is not for rent to any god or government. Always hopeful, yet discontent, he knows changes aren't permanent, but change is. What you say about his company is what you say about society. Catch the witness, catch the wit, catch the spirit, catch the spit. The world is, the world is, love and life are deep, maybe as his skies are wide. Exit the warrior, today's Tom Sawyer, he gets high on you, and the energy you trade he gets right on to the friction of the day. Red Barchetta My uncle has a country place that no one knows about. He says it used to be a farm before the Motor Law. And on Sundays I elude the eyes and hop the Turbine Freight to far outside the Wire where my white-haired uncle waits. Jump to the ground as the turbo slows to cross the borderline. Run like the wind as excitement shivers up and down my spine. Down in his barn, my uncle preserved for me an old machine, for fifty-odd years. To keep it as new has been his dearest dream. I strip away the old debris that hides a shining car. A brilliant red Barchetta from a better, vanished time. I fire up the willing engine, responding with a roar. Tires spitting gravel, I commit my weekly crime. Wind in my hair, shifting and drifting, mechanical music adrenaline surge. Well-weathered leather, hot metal and oil, the scented country air, sunlight on chrome, the blur of the landscape, every nerve aware. Suddenly ahead of me, across the mountainside, a gleaming alloy air-car shoots towards me, two lanes wide. I spin around with shrieking tires, to run the deadly race, go screaming through the valley as another joins the chase. Drive like the wind, straining the limits of machine and man. Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I've got a desperate plan. At the one-lane bridge I leave the giants stranded at the riverside. Race back to the farm, to dream with my uncle at the fireside. Limelight 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 this 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. 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. Subdivisions 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. 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. Distant Early Warning An ill wind comes arising across the cities of the plain. There's no swimming in the heavy water, no singing in the acid rain. Red alert, red alert. It's so hard to stay together, passing through revolving doors. We need someone to talk to and someone to sweep the floors Incomplete, incomplete. The world weighs on my shoulders but what am I to do? You sometimes drive me crazy but I worry about you. I know it makes on difference to what you're going through, but I see the tip of the iceberg and I worry about you. Cruising under your radar, watching from satellites. Take a page from the red book, keep them in your sights. Red alert, red alert. Left and rights of passage, black and whites of youth. Who can face the knowledge that the truth is not the truth? Obsolete, absolute, yeah. The world weighs on my shoulders but what am I to do? You sometimes drive me crazy but I worry about you. I know it makes on difference to what you're going through, but I see the tip of the iceberg and I worry about you. Absalom, Absalom, Absalom. The Big Money Big money goes around the world, big money underground. Big money got a mighty voice, big money make no sound. Big money pull a million strings, big money hold the prize. Big money weave a mighty web, big money draw the flies. Sometimes pushing people around, sometimes pulling out the rug. Sometimes pushing all the buttons, sometimes pulling out the plug. It's the power and the glory, it's a war in paradise. It's a Cinderella story on a tumble of the dice. Big money goes around the world, big money take a cruise. Big money leave a mighty wake, big money leave a bruise. Big money make a million dreams, big money spin big deals. Big money make a mighty head, big money spin big wheels. Sometimes building ivory towers, sometimes knocking castles down. Sometimes building you a stairway, lock you underground. It's that old-time religion, it's the kingdom they would rule. It's the fool on television getting paid to play the fool. Big money goes around the world, big money give and take. Big money done a power of good, big money make mistakes. Big money got a heavy hand, big money take control. Big money got a mean streak, big money got no soul. Manhattan Project Imagine a time when it all began- in the dying days of a war, a weapon that would settle the score. Whoever found it first would be sure to do their worst, they always had before. Imagine a man where it all began- a scientist pacing the floor in each nation, always eager to explore. To build the best big stick, to turn the winning trick, but this was something more. The big bang took and shook the world, shot down the rising sun. The end was begun, it would hit everyone when the chain reaction was done. The big shots try to hold it back, fools try to wish it away. The hopeful depend on a world without end, whatever the hopeless may say. Imagine a place where it all began, they gathered from across the land to work in the secrecy of the desert sand. All of the brightest boys to play with the biggest toys, more than they bargained for. The big bang took and shook the world, shot down the rising sun. The hopeful depend on a world without end, whatever the hopeless may say. Imagine a man when it all began- the pilot of "Enola Gay" flying out of the shockwave on that August day. All the powers that be and the course of history would be changed for evermore. The big bang took and shook the world, shot down the rising sun. The end was begun, it would hit everyone when the chain reaction was done. The big shots try to hold it back, fools try to wish it away. The hopeful depend on a world without end, whatever the hopeless may say. The big bang took and shook the world, shot down the rising sun. The hopeful depend on a world without end, whatever the hopeless may say. Force Ten Tough times demand tough talk, demand tough hearts, demand tough songs. Tough times demand tough talk, demand tough hearts, demand tough songs, demand. We can rise and fall like empires, flow in and out like the tide. Be vain and smart, humble and dumb, we can hit and miss like pride, like pride. We can circle around like hurricanes, dance and dream like lovers. Attack the day like birds of prey or scavengers under cover, under cover. Look in to the eye of the storm. Look out for the force without form. Look around at the sight and the sound. Look in, look out, look around. Tough times demand tough talk, demand tough hearts, demand tough songs, demand. We can move with savage grace to the rhythms of the night. Cool and remote like dancing girls in the heat of the beat and the lights, and the lights. We can wear the rose of romance, an air of joie de vivre. Too tender hearts upon our sleeves or skin as thick as thieves, as thieves. Look in to the eye of the storm. Look out for the force without form. Look around at the sight and the sound. Look in, look out, look around. (Rising falling at force ten, we twist the world and ride the wind). Look in to the eye of the storm. Look out for the force without form. Look around at the sight and the sound. Look in, look the storm in the eye. Look out at the sea and the sky. Look around at the sight and the sound. Look in, look out, look around. Tough times demand tough talk. Tough times demand tough talk. Time Stand Still I turn my back to the wind to catch my breath before I start off again. Driven on without a moment to spend to pass an evening with a drink and a friend. I let my skin get too thin, I'd like to pause, no matter what I pretend. Like some pilgrim who learns to transcend, learns to live as if each step was the end. Time stand still, I'm not looking back but I want to look around me now. Time stand still, see more of the people and the places that surround me now. Freeze this moment a little bit longer, make each sensation a little bit stronger. Experience slips away. Experience slips away. I turn my face to the sun, close my eyes, let my defenses down, all those wounds that I can't get unwound. I let my past go too fast, no time to pause. If I could slow it all down like some captain, whose ship runs aground, I can wait until the tide comes around. Time stand still, I'm not looking back but I want to look around me now. Time stand still, see more of the people and the places that surround me now. Freeze this moment a little bit longer, make each sensation a little bit stronger. Make each impression a little bit stronger, freeze this motion a little bit longer. The innocence slips away. The innocence slips away. Summer's going fast, nights growing colder, children growing up, old friends growing older. Freeze this moment a little bit longer, freeze this motion a little bit longer. Experience slips away. Experience slips away. The innocence slips away. Show Don't Tell How many times do you hear it? It goes on all day long. Everyone knows everything and no one's ever wrong until later. Who can you believe? It's hard to play it safe. But apart from a few good friends we don't take anything on faith until later. Show, don't tell. Show me, don't tell me. You've figured out the score Show me, don't tell me. I've heard it all before. Show me, don't tell me. I don't care what you say. Show me, don't tell me. You can twist perceptions, reality won't budge. You can raise objections, I will be the judge and the jury I'll give it due reflection, watching from the fence. Give the jury direction based on the evidence. I, the jury. Show me, don't tell me. Hey, order in the court. Show me, don't tell me. Let's try to keep it short. Show me, don't tell me. Enough of your demands. Show me, don't tell me. Witness take the stand. Show me, don't tell me. Show me, don't tell me. Hey, order in the court. Show me, don't tell me. Let's try to keep it short. Show me, don't tell me. I don't care what you say. Show me, don't tell me. Let's see exhibit A. Show me, don't tell me. Hey, order in the court... Chain Lightning Energy is contagious, enthusiasm spreads. Tides respond to lunar gravitation, everything turns in synchronous relation. Laughter is infectious, excitement goes to my head. Winds are stirred by planets in rotation, sparks ignite and spread new information. Respond, vibrate, feed back, resonate. Sun dogs fire on the horizon, meteor rain stars across the night. This moment may be brief but it can be so bright. Hope is epidemic, optimism spreads. Bitterness breeds irritation, ignorance breeds imitation. Respond, vibrate, feed back, resonate. Sun dogs fire on the horizon, meteor rain stars across the night. This moment may be brief but it can be so bright. Reflected in another source of light when the moment dies, the spark still flies, reflected in another pair of eyes. Dreams are sometimes catching, desire goes to my head. Love responds to your invitation, love responds to imagination. Respond, vibrate, feed back, resonate. Respond, vibrate, feed back, resonate. Sun dogs fire on the horizon, meteor rain stars across the night. This moment may be brief but it can be so bright. Reflected in another source of light when the moment dies, the spark still flies, reflected in another pair of eyes. Reflected in another source of light when the moment dies, the spark still flies, reflected in another pair of eyes. That's nice. The Pass Proud swagger out of the schoolyard, waiting for the world's applause. Rebel without a conscience, martyr without a cause. Static on your frequency, electrical storm in your veins. Raging at unreachable glory, straining at invisible chains. And now you're trembling on a rocky ledge, staring down into a heartless sea. Can't face life on a razor's edge, nothing's what you thought it would be. All of us get lost in the darkness, dreamers learn to steer by the stars. All of us do time in the gutter, dreamers turn to look at the cars. Turn around and turn around and turn around. Turn around and walk the razor's edge, don't turn your back and slam the door on me. It's not as if this barricade blocks the only road. It's not as if you're all alone in wanting to explode. Someone set a bad example, made surrender seem all right. The act of a noble warrior who lost the will to fight. And now you're trembling on a rocky ledge, staring down into a heartless sea. Done with life on a razor's edge, nothing's what you thought it would be. All of us get lost in the darkness, dreamers learn to steer by the stars. All of us do time in the gutter, dreamers turn to look at the cars. Turn around and turn around and turn around. Turn around and walk the razor's edge, don't turn your back and slam the door on me. No hero in your tragedy, no daring in your escape. No salutes for your surrender, nothing noble in your fate. Christ, what have you done? All of us get lost in the darkness, dreamers learn to steer by the stars. All of us do time in the gutter, dreamers turn to look at the cars. Turn around and turn around and turn around. Turn around and walk the razor's edge, turn around and walk the razor's edge, turn around and walk the razor's edge, don't turn your back and slam the door on me. Presto If I could wave my magic wand... I am made from the dust of the stars and the oceans flow in my veins. Here I hide in the heart of the city like a stranger coming out of the rain. The evening plane rises up from the runway over constellations of light. I look down into a million houses and wonder what you're doing tonight. If I could wave my magic wand, I'd make everything all right. I'm not one to believe in magic but I sometimes have a second-sight. I'm not one with a sense of proportion when my heart still changes overnight. I had a dream of a winter garden, a midnight rendezvous. Silver, blue, and frozen silence, what a fool I was for you. I had a dream of the open water, I was swimming away out to sea. So deep I could never touch bottom, what a fool I used to be. If I could wave my magic wand, I'd set everybody free. I'm not one to believe in magic, though my memory has a second-sight. I'm not one to go pointing my finger when I radiate more heat than light. Don't ask me, I'm just improvising my illusion of careless flight. Can't you see my temperature's rising? I radiate more heat than light. Don't ask me, I'm just sympathizing, my illusion's a harmless flight. Can't you see my temperature's rising? I radiate more heat than light. I'm not one to believe in magic but I sometimes have a second-sight. I'm not one with a sense of proportion when my heart still changes overnight. I'm not one to believe in magic, (if I could wave my magic wand) though my memory has a second-sight. (I'd make everything all right) I'm not one to go pointing my finger (if I could wave my magic wand) when I radiate more heat than light. (I'd set everybody free) I'm not one to believe in magic, (if I could wave my magic wand)... Dreamline He's got a road map of Jupiter, a radar fix on the stars all along the highway. She's got a liquid-crystal compass, a picture book of the rivers under the Sahara. They travel in the time of the prophets on a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun like lovers and heroes and the restless part of everyone. We're only at home when we're on the run, on the run. He's got a star map of Hollywood, a list of cheap motels all along the freeway. She's got a sister out in Vegas, the promise of a decent job far away from her hometown. They travel on the road to redemption, a highway out of yesterday that tomorrow will bring. Like lovers and heroes, birds in the last days of spring, we're only at home when we're on the wing, on the wing. When we are young, wandering the face of the earth, wondering what our dreams might be worth, learning that we're only immortal for a limited time. When we are young, wandering the face of the earth, wondering what our dreams might be worth, learning that we're only immortal for a limited time. Time is a gypsy caravan, steals away in the night to leave you stranded in Dreamland. Distance is a long-range filter, memory a flickering light left behind in the heartland. We travel in the dark of the new moon, a starry highway traced on the map of the sky. Like lovers and heroes, lonely as the eagle's cry, we're only at home when we're on the fly, on the fly. When we are young, wandering the face of the earth, wondering what our dreams might be worth, learning that we're only immortal for a limited time. When we are young, wandering the face of the earth, wondering what our dreams might be worth, learning that we're only immortal for a limited time. We travel on the road to adventure, on a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun. Like lovers and heroes, and the restless part of everyone, we're only at home when we're on the run, on the run. Bravado If we burn our wings, flying too close to the sun, if the moment of glory is over before it's begun, if the dream is won, though everything is lost, we will pay the price but we will not count the cost. We will pay the price but we will not count the cost. When the dust has cleared and victory denied, a summit too lofty, river a little too wide, if we keep our pride, though paradise is lost, we will pay the price but we will not count the cost. We will pay the price but we will not count the cost. And if the music stops, there's only the sound of the rain, all the hope and glory, all the sacrifice in vain, and if love remains though everything is lost, we will pay the price but we will not count the cost. We will pay the price but we will not count the cost. And if love remains though everything is lost, we will pay the price but we will not count the cost. And if love remains... Roll the Bones 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. Roll the bones. Why are we here? Because we're here, roll the bones, roll the bones. Why does it happen? Because it happens, roll the bones, 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. Roll the bones. Why are we here? Because we're here, roll the bones, roll the bones. Why does it happen? Because it happens, roll the bones, roll the bones. Why are we here? Because we're here, roll the bones, roll the bones. Why does it happen? 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 home, boy. 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. Why are we here? Because we're here, roll the bones, roll the bones. Why does it happen? Because it happens, roll the bones, roll the bones. Why are we here? Because we're here, roll the bones, roll the bones. Ghost Of A Chance Like a million little doorways, all the choices we made, all the stages we passed through, all the roles we played. For so many different directions our separate paths might have turned, with every door that we opened, every bridge that we burned. Somehow we find each other through all that masquerade, somehow we found each other, somehow we have stayed in a state of grace. I don't believe in destiny or the guiding hand of fate. I don't believe in forever or love as a mystical state. I don't believe in the stars or the planets or angels watching from above. But I believe there's a ghost of a chance we can find someone to love and make it last. Like a million little crossroads through the backstreets of youth, each time we turn a new corner, a tiny moment of truth. For so many different connections our separate paths might have made, with every door that we opened, every game we played. Somehow we find each other through all that masquerade, somehow we found each other, somehow we have stayed in a state of grace. I don't believe in destiny or the guiding hand of fate. I don't believe in forever or love as a mystical state. I don't believe in the stars or the planets or angels watching from above. But I believe there's a ghost of a chance we can find someone to love and make it last. I believe there's a ghost of a chance. I believe there's a ghost of a chance we can find someone to love and make it last... Nobody's Hero I knew he was different, in his sexuality. I went to his parties, as a straight minority It never seemed a threat to my masculinity. He only introduced me to a wider reality. As the years went by, we drifted apart. When I heard that he was gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart but he's nobody's hero. Saves a drowning child, cures a wasting disease. Hero, lands the crippled airplane, solves great mysteries. Hero, not the handsome actor who plays a hero's role. Hero, not the glamour girl who'd love to sell her soul. If anybody's buying, nobody's hero. I didn't know the girl, but I knew her family. All their lives were shattered in a nightmare of brutality They try to carry on, try to bear the agony, try to hold some faith in the goodness of humanity. As the years went by, we drifted apart, when I heard that she was gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart but she's nobody's hero. The voice of reason against the howling mob. Hero, the pride of purpose in the unrewarding job. Hero, not the champion player who plays the perfect game. Hero, not the glamour boy who loves to sell his name. Everybody's buying, nobody's hero. As the years went by, we drifted apart. When I heard that you were gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart...but he's nobody's hero. Saves a drowning child, cures a wasting disease. Hero, lands the crippled airplane, solves great mysteries. Hero, not the handsome actor who plays a hero's role. Hero, not the glamour girl who'd love to sell her soul. If anybody's buying, nobody's hero. |