Different Stages

Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee, alex lifeson, and neil peart

Book one ---- the voyage
Prologue

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....

1
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....

2
I set a course just east of lyra
And northwest of pegasus
Flew into the light of deneb
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....

3
Spinning, whirling,
Still descending
Like a spiral sea,
Unending

Sound and fury
Drowns my heart
Every nerve
Is torn apart....

To be continued

Inspired by 'the spirit of radio' in toronto, alive and well (so far).
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

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

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

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

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

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

"for the words of the profits
Are written on the studio wall,
Concert hall ---
Echoes with the sounds...
Of salesmen."

Words and music by geddy lee

Aw, hey now, baby,
Well, i like your smile
Won't you come and talk to me
For a little while

Well, you're makin' 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 try'n' to make these good times,
I'm try'n' to make it last

Ev'rything'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

Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

I can learn to resist
Anything but temptation
I can learn to co-exist
With anything but pain

I can learn to compromise
Anything but my desires
I can learn to get along
With all the things i can't explain

I can learn to resist
Anything but frustration
I can learn to persist
With anything but aiming low

I can learn to close my eyes
To anything but injustice
I can learn to get along
With all the things i don't know

You can surrender
Without a prayer
But never really pray
Pray without surrender

You can fight
Without ever winning
But never ever win
Without a fight

Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

Driven up and down in circles
Skidding down a road of black ice
Staring in and out storm windows
Driven to a fool's paradise

But it's my turn to drive

Driven to the margin of error
Driven to the edge of control
Driven to the margin of terror
Driven to the edge of a deep, dark hole

Driven day and night in circles
Spinning like a whirlwind of leaves
Stealing in and out back alleys
Driven to another den of thieves

But it's my turn to drive

Driven in --- driven to the edge
Driven out --- on the thin end of the wedge
Driven off --- by things i've never seen
Driven on --- by the road to somewhere i've never been

It's my turn to drive

The road unwinds towards me
What was there is gone
The road unwinds before me
And i go riding on

"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
More than paradise

Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

Polarize me
Sensitize me
Criticize me
Civilize me
Compensate me
Animate me
Complicate me
Elevate me

Goddess in my garden
Sister in my soul
Angel in my armor
Actress in my role

Daughter of a demon-lover
Empress of the hidden face
Priestess of the pagan mother
Ancient queen of inner space

Spirit in my psyche
Double in my role
Alter in my image
Struggle for control

Mistress of the dark unconscious
Mermaid of the lunar sea
Daughter of the great enchantress
Sister to the boy inside of me

My counterpart --- my foolish heart
A man must learn to rule his tender part
A warming trend --- a gentle friend
A man must build a fortress to defend

A secret face --- a touch of grace
A man must learn to give a little space
A peaceful state --- a submissive trait
A man must learn to gently dominate

i. overture
Words and music by geddy lee, alex lifeson, and neil peart

"and the meek shall inherit the earth."

Ii. the temples of syrinx
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

... "the massive grey walls of the temples rise from the
Heart of every federation city. i have always been awed
By them, to think that every single facet of every life is
Regulated and directed from within! our books, our music,
Our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent
Wisdom of the priests..."

We've taken care of everything
The words you hear the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes
It's one for all and all for one
We work together common sons
Never need to wonder how or why

We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls

Look around this world we made
Equality our stock in trade
Come and join the brotherhood of man
Oh what a nice contented world
Let the banners be unfurled
Hold the red star proudly high in hand

We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the priests of the temples of syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

Iii. discovery
Words by neil peart, music by alex lifeson

... "behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was
Hidden beneath the cave, i found it. i brushed away the
Dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in
My hands. i had no idea what it might be, but it was
Beautiful" ...
... "i learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn
The keys to make them sound differently. as i struck the
Wires with my other hand, i produced my first harmonious
Sounds, and soon my own music! how different it could
Be from the music of the temples! i can't wait to tell the
Priests about it! ..."

What can this strange device be?
When i touch it, it gives forth a sound
It's got wires that vibrate and give music
What can this thing be that i found?

See how it sings like a sad heart
And joyously screams out its pain
Sounds that build high like a mountain
Or notes that fall gently like rain

I can't wait to share this new wonder
The people will all see its light
Let them all make their own music
The priests praise my name on this night

Iv. presentation
Words by neil peart, music by alex lifeson

... "in the sudden silence as i finished playing, i looked up
To a circle of grim, expressionless faces. father brown
Rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed
Throughout the silent temple hall." ...
... "instead of the grateful joy that i expected, they were
Words of quiet rejection! instead of praise, sullen
Dismissal. i watched in shock and horror as father brown
Ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his
Feet..."

I know it's most unusual
To come before you so
But i've found an ancient miracle
I thought that you should know

Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
There's something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you

Yes, we know it's nothing new
It's just a waste of time
We have no need for ancient ways
The world is doing fine

Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn't fit the plan

I can't believe you're saying
These things just can't be true
Our world could use this beauty
Just think what we might do

Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
There's something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you

Don't annoy us further
We have our work to do
Just think about the average
What use have they for you?

Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn't fit the plan

V. oracle: the dream
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

... "i guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so
Vivid to me. clearly yet i see the beckoning hand of the
Oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase" ...
... "i see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities
And the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works
Of this world. i was overwhelmed by both wonder and
Understanding as i saw a completely different way to life,
A way that had been crushed by the federation long ago. i
Saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss
Of all these things ..."

I wandered home though 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 planets long ago
The elder race still learn and grow
Their power grows with purpose strong
To claim the home where they belong
Home, to tear the temples down...
Home, to change..

Vi. soliloquy
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

... "i have not left this cave for days now, it has become
My last refuge in my total despair. i have only the music of
The waterfall to comfort me now. i can no longer live
Under the control of the federation, but there is no other
Place to go. my last hope is that with my death i may pass
Into the world of my dream, and know peace at last."

The sleep is still in my eyes
The dream is still in my head
I heave a sigh and sadly smile
And lie a while in bed
I wish that it might come to pass
Not fade like all my dreams

Just think of what my life might be
In a world like i have seen
I don't think i can carry on
Carry on this cold and empty life
Oh...noo!

My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood spills over..

Vii. grand finale
Music by geddy lee, alex lifeson, and neil peart

Attention all planets of the solar federation
Attention all planets of the solar federation
Attention all planets of the solar federation
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control.

Words and music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

I get up at seven, yeah
And i go to work at nine
I got no time for livin'
Yes, i'm workin' 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 workin' man

They call me the workin' 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 wond'rin'
Why there's nothin' goin' 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 workin' man

They call me the workin' man
I guess that's what i am

Well they call me the workin' man
I guess that's what i am

Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunligh
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 ...

Words and music by geddy lee, alex lifeson, and neil peart

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 la 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 la 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 la guillotine -- claimed
Her bloody prize hear the echoes of the centuries power isn't
All that money buys

Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

A hot and windy august afternoon
Has the trees in constant motion
With a flash of silver leaves
As they're rocking in the breeze

The boy lies in the grass with one blade
Stuck between his teeth
A vague sensation quickens
In his young and restless heart
And a bright and nameless vision
Has him longing to depart

You move me ---
You move me ---
With your buildings and your eyes
Autumn woods and winter skies
You move me ---
You move me ---
Open sea and city lights
Busy streets and dizzy heights
You call me ---
You call me ---

The fawn-eyed girl with sun-browned legs
Dances on the edge of his dream
And her voice rings in his ears
Like the music of the spheres

The boy lies in the grass, unmoving
Staring at the sky
His mother starts to call him
As a hawk goes soaring by
The boy pulls down his baseball cap
And covers up his eyes

Too many hands on my time
Too many feelings ---
Too many things on my mind
When i leave i don't know
What i'm hoping to find
When i leave i don't know
What i'm leaving behind...

Words by neil peart and pye dubois,
Music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

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 eyes 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

Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

Trust to your insticts
If it's safely restrained
Lightning reactions
Must be carefully trained

Heat of the moment
Curse of the young
Spit out your anger
Don't swallow your tongue

Stick it out

Don't swallow the poison
Spit it out
Don't swallow your pride
Stick it out
Don't swallow your anger
Spit it out
Don't swallow the lies

Natural reflex
Pendulum swing
You might be too dizzy
To do the right thing

Trial under fire
Ultimate proof
Moment of crisis
Don't swallow the truth

Stick it out

Each time we bathe our reactions
In artificial light
Each time we alter the focus
To make the wrong moves seem right

You get so used to deception
You make yourself a nervous wreck
You get so used to surrender
Running back to cover your neck

Stick it out

Music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

Instrumental

(drum solo)