Never in the history of rock music has there been a trio as talented or prolific as Rush, both musically and lyrically these guys are at a whole other level and the fact that they were able to do it for over four decades without any of the infighting that's destroyed other bands makes them even more iconic. RIP Neil Peart the goat when it comes to drummers.
This is a very deep cut from the 40 years of Rush material. They changed over the decades, power/prog/metal, full blown progressive, synth era and the grungy/hard rock era. Neil Peart (RIP) was not only one of the top 3 drummers ever but wrote the lyrics. He was fascinated by Ayn Rand early on and changed over the years as he grew and suffered some deep tragedies to the point he called himself a Bleeding Heart Libertarian. He rarely explained his lyrics, he wanted people to make their own opinions. If you are into lyrics check out Limelight, Nobody's Hero and especially The Garden.
Thanks for reacting to Geddy, Alex, and Neil. The drummer is busy during the 40 years of recording and touring. He also is the main lyricist.. all 3 are creative musicians, Neil, is described as ,"your favorite drummers favorite drummer! Like you said, these lyrics are as relevant today as it was when he wrote them. I recommend next for a Rush reaction to the song Witch Hunt... for a similar concept that is truly relevant in this day and age.
I'm impressed that you immediately understood the meaning and impact of the last line. Most people don't get it, at least not at first and some never. It changes the meaning/message entirely. This is the clever, intellectual nature of Neil Peart's writing.
A clarification.... they're not like Triumph, it's more like Triumph is like them. :) And "The Trees" is a deep cut. It's well-loved by fans because it's musically interesting and pretty quirky. The song is an analogy for social issues. Other songs that are more commonly reacted to are: "Tom Sawyer" (a real rock classic), "The Spirit of Radio" (a very fun energetic song that probably best represents them), "2112" ("twenty-one twelve"... a 20-minute sci-fi story that is a prog-rock classic and is quite wonderful), "Xanadu" (a prog-rock atmospheric journey).... there's actually quite a few others, but those are good starting ones. One thing to expect is that all of their songs sound different from each other.
Thanks for this reaction. Rush has a very deep catalog of great music. The song relates how "Haves and Have-nots" engage to settle conflicts. In this case the compromise costs everyone.
Can I get an AMEN? Neil Peart(pronounced Peert), aka The Professor RIP. One of the most prolific lyricists AND drummers EVER! You have found a rabbit hole that you MUST GO DOWN.
Lifelong fan here - my local DJs back in the day referred to Rush as the thinking man’s band. It’s an amazing journey through their material if your so inclined ✌🏻
I like that this is your first intro to Rush. Since most reactors experience Tom Sawyer or The Spirit of Radio first, it will be interesting to see how you react to those songs after hearing other offerings first.
Red Barchetta being a prime example, as environmentalist whackos are in the process of passing Motor Laws that will ban internal combustion engines in favor of garbage renewable battery powered cars. Someone should write a song about how every health care facility must be disconnected from the conventional grid and tied to 100% wind and solar power, but that the biggest Leftists will argue against that because health is too important to be left to unreliable sources of energy. Also the lyrics to Anthem.
If you want deep lyrics, Rush is your band. Just a few to check out are free will, the garden, subdivisions, far cry, the pass, test for echo and if you're courageous enough you could try 2112.😊
Neil Peart (the drummer) has said the lyrics are just a light-hearted, simple statement - the maples don't like the oaks taking all the sunlight so they join forces to get the oaks chopped down to size. He was thinking about how crazy it is when people try to create a false ideal of equality. He said "I simply believe that certain people are better at doing certain things than other people. Some people are naturally talented - they have a gift or whatever - and some people aren't. This doesn't mean that these people are greater human beings, by virtue of that talent; it merely means they are more talented." Although you can of course interpret the story in different ways, he wasn't making a political statement, and got very frustrated when people insisted that he was! (quote is from the book "Anthem" if anyone's wondering)
Very nice reaction and I like that you got the message right away. If you like truth bombs, I suggest that you check out another Rush song called Witch Hunt. If you decide to, make sure you react to the lyric video of Witch Hunt so you can read what a great lyricist Neil Peart (the drummer) is. Thank you and happy listening!
Your "take" on the last line of the song was impressive, especially for a first listen. I've been a Rush fan for over 40 years, and I always thought that it was more of a commentary on the marginalized people in society taking a stand against the elites; the "haves" vs. the "have nots" if you will. I believed that the hatchets, axes, and saws were used to TRIM the trees to make them all the same size and shape. HOWEVER, I watched a reaction to this song a couple of years ago and the reactor came to the same conclusion that you did, that it was more of a cautionary tale to beware what you wish for. The alternate interpretation of the lyrics from that which I had imagined makes more sense; the whiny Maples and the stodgy, unyielding Oaks were all leveled. The trees were all made equal, just not as the Maples had imagined! I love the song even more since this revelation. Kudos for getting that on the first listen! (I guess my teenage brain only considered the one option, and it cemented itself as "the" interpretation so solidly that I cruised through adulthood not thinking it needed to be reassessed.) It shows me that seeing something extremely familiar through the fresh eyes of another can be an amazing learning experience!
Rush has been my favorite band since 1975. If you would like to see the drummer's (Neal Peart) TRUE skill , check out his drum solo Live from Frankfurt. It is absolutely amazing. They did not call him the professor for nothing. R.I.P Neal , you may be gone from us , but your music will live forever.
If youd like to experience two more amazing tracks from this era, be sure to check out Xanadu from Exit Stage Left, and La Villa Strangiato. Cheers from Toronto! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
Wow. Where to start? 😅 I will say that Rush will always be my favorite band. The technicality of their musicianship and Neil's exemplary lyrics are 2nd to none. I'm surprised that this is the song you started with (one of my favorites, mind you 😊). Unless comments have advised you already, I don't think you're aware of the giant rabbit hole you just opened 😉. Over 40 years of music through 19 studio albums with 167 songs. They are not limited to one sound or genre, which makes it impossible to classify them. They evolved over each decade with the sound of the time, making it their own with a very Rush feel. You would have to at least listen to one song from each album to get a true understanding of this, and that barely touches the surface of their greatness. I intellectually believe Rush to be the greatest 3 piece band ever to exist with 3 highly accomplished musicians of virtuoso level talent and ability. You've done The Trees and Territories so far. Some songs from the 70's Era (The Trees) are quite long (progressive rock), while later albums (Territories in the 80s) were more radio friendly. The Spirit of Radio is my all time favorite song, but that's a relative term considering I probably have at least 30 songs that could line up right behind it as favorites. I hope you will continue with your journey through some of the most unique and creative music ever produced. Since you appreciated the nature aspect of The Trees, I'll recommend these: Natural Science Jacob's Ladder Special recommendation, The Garden, is their very last song and possibly one of their best. I was lucky enough to be at the very last concert they ever performed at The Forum in Los Angeles. The Garden never fails to tear me up 😢 There are so many songs (at least half of their catalog 🤯) that I feel are the level of what you've already heard. I hope you'll enjoy going through more of their work. It is worth it, I promise 🤘👍
There is a quote from Neil Peart taken way back when he was living in London where he almost laughed when asked about these lyrics. He stated that at the time he wrote these he was very Nationalistic and very pro Canadian....and this song is actually about Canadians(The Maples) and the English(The Oaks) and the general desire for Canada to NOT be a part of the British Commonwealth. .....a very right wing view he had at that time.
This one is easy...read it when it came out...in his own words- Songfacts®: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?'
Boy, you want more whiplash?? Tou MUST react to their song Natural Science - it puts humanity squarely in its place... The thing about Rush is, they always leave the listener with something to ponder, and that's why they're my all-time favorite group!
Best Rush era = 1976-1980 or 2112-permanent waves. They have been called the high priest of progressive metal and I agree. Them, Boston, and Triumph are 3 of my favorite bands.
Actuality, the drummer/lyricist Neil Peart once said that people try to bring out a double meaning in this song like racism/sexism/ageism but he said, “It’s just about trees” He said he saw a comic strip one morning that had trees talking like they were people and he thought it was funny to think of trees talking and acting with the same thoughts, emotions, feelings, and actions as people. Sadly, Peart died of brain cancer in 2021. Alex is still performing with a band called Envy Of None, and Geddy is focusing on other projects like baseball, his wine collection, and writing. His autobiography called My Effin Life comes out in fall of 2023.
"And the trees are all kept equal, by Hatchet, Axe, and Saw", could mean to just enjoy who you are and your place in life because the one thing we all have in common is death.
RUSH? That’s unexpected. A band from my formative years. Beloved by 1970’s nerds. Three friends doing their own thing musically for the better part of 40 years. Unfortunately drummer Neil Peart passed in 2020. They had a very goofy sense of humor, and are/were very down-to earth. But were always about the music. Right there is the similarity to the guys from Home Free. Neil with his obsessive attention to detail, and sounds, love of words and motorcycles, and disdain for fame could be parts of Adam & Chance combined. My favourite of their most popular songs are “Limelight” and “Freewill”. I suggest “Limelight” is a better choice here, as “Freewill” strongly advocates for atheism.
Think of the French revolution la guillotine and the bourgeoisie off with their heads and the Russian revolution where the Tsar's family were all murdered. You have just opened Pandora's box do you dare go further? Maybe step into the dystopian Ayn Rand inspired song "2112" (twenty one twelve), that will blow your mind.
Buddy you're way out of line with that comment ! Triumph is an amazing band, Rush is my favorite band, but Triumph up there too, Rik Emmett is a fantastic guitarist, definitely a better singer, and a great song writer and have a lot of great songs. Rush managed to stay together much longer, and produce lots more music, and 40 plus years of awesome live concerts, but you're wrong with that 1% comment, that's pretty ignorant !
Never in the history of rock music has there been a trio as talented or prolific as Rush, both musically and lyrically these guys are at a whole other level and the fact that they were able to do it for over four decades without any of the infighting that's destroyed other bands makes them even more iconic. RIP Neil Peart the goat when it comes to drummers.
This is a very deep cut from the 40 years of Rush material. They changed over the decades, power/prog/metal, full blown progressive, synth era and the grungy/hard rock era. Neil Peart (RIP) was not only one of the top 3 drummers ever but wrote the lyrics. He was fascinated by Ayn Rand early on and changed over the years as he grew and suffered some deep tragedies to the point he called himself a Bleeding Heart Libertarian. He rarely explained his lyrics, he wanted people to make their own opinions. If you are into lyrics check out Limelight, Nobody's Hero and especially The Garden.
Thanks for reacting to Geddy, Alex, and Neil. The drummer is busy during the 40 years of recording and touring. He also is the main lyricist.. all 3 are creative musicians, Neil, is described as ,"your favorite drummers favorite drummer! Like you said, these lyrics are as relevant today as it was when he wrote them. I recommend next for a Rush reaction to the song Witch Hunt... for a similar concept that is truly relevant in this day and age.
I'm impressed that you immediately understood the meaning and impact of the last line. Most people don't get it, at least not at first and some never. It changes the meaning/message entirely.
This is the clever, intellectual nature of Neil Peart's writing.
Ditto
that is one of my all time favorites, perhaps THE favorite, Rush lyric
[also my favorite Geddy Neil flurry...th-cam.com/video/sbEt5h7gYKA/w-d-xo.html]
A clarification.... they're not like Triumph, it's more like Triumph is like them. :) And "The Trees" is a deep cut. It's well-loved by fans because it's musically interesting and pretty quirky. The song is an analogy for social issues. Other songs that are more commonly reacted to are: "Tom Sawyer" (a real rock classic), "The Spirit of Radio" (a very fun energetic song that probably best represents them), "2112" ("twenty-one twelve"... a 20-minute sci-fi story that is a prog-rock classic and is quite wonderful), "Xanadu" (a prog-rock atmospheric journey).... there's actually quite a few others, but those are good starting ones. One thing to expect is that all of their songs sound different from each other.
Thanks for this reaction. Rush has a very deep catalog of great music.
The song relates how "Haves and Have-nots" engage to settle conflicts. In this case the compromise costs everyone.
If you like lyrics then you found the right band, Rush.
Can I get an AMEN? Neil Peart(pronounced Peert), aka The Professor RIP. One of the most prolific lyricists AND drummers EVER! You have found a rabbit hole that you MUST GO DOWN.
Lifelong fan here - my local DJs back in the day referred to Rush as the thinking man’s band. It’s an amazing journey through their material if your so inclined ✌🏻
I like that this is your first intro to Rush. Since most reactors experience Tom Sawyer or The Spirit of Radio first, it will be interesting to see how you react to those songs after hearing other offerings first.
Most of Rush's songs are still relevant today because we have refused/failed to address the warnings they gave us.
Red Barchetta being a prime example, as environmentalist whackos are in the process of passing Motor Laws that will ban internal combustion engines in favor of garbage renewable battery powered cars.
Someone should write a song about how every health care facility must be disconnected from the conventional grid and tied to 100% wind and solar power, but that the biggest Leftists will argue against that because health is too important to be left to unreliable sources of energy.
Also the lyrics to Anthem.
To start with this one….pfff…is a live version as well..great reaction
If you want deep lyrics, Rush is your band. Just a few to check out are free will, the garden, subdivisions, far cry, the pass, test for echo and if you're courageous enough you could try 2112.😊
Neil Peart (the drummer) has said the lyrics are just a light-hearted, simple statement - the maples don't like the oaks taking all the sunlight so they join forces to get the oaks chopped down to size. He was thinking about how crazy it is when people try to create a false ideal of equality. He said "I simply believe that certain people are better at doing certain things than other people. Some people are naturally talented - they have a gift or whatever - and some people aren't. This doesn't mean that these people are greater human beings, by virtue of that talent; it merely means they are more talented." Although you can of course interpret the story in different ways, he wasn't making a political statement, and got very frustrated when people insisted that he was! (quote is from the book "Anthem" if anyone's wondering)
Rush is next level.
Ma'am, if you only knew the rabbit hole you've opened. Lol
🤣🤣🤣
Very nice reaction and I like that you got the message right away. If you like truth bombs, I suggest that you check out another Rush song called Witch Hunt. If you decide to, make sure you react to the lyric video of Witch Hunt so you can read what a great lyricist Neil Peart (the drummer) is.
Thank you and happy listening!
Neil Peart the drummer was their lyricist he wrote alot of songs that are relevant to today's society just have to listen intently to the words.
Your "take" on the last line of the song was impressive, especially for a first listen. I've been a Rush fan for over 40 years, and I always thought that it was more of a commentary on the marginalized people in society taking a stand against the elites; the "haves" vs. the "have nots" if you will. I believed that the hatchets, axes, and saws were used to TRIM the trees to make them all the same size and shape.
HOWEVER, I watched a reaction to this song a couple of years ago and the reactor came to the same conclusion that you did, that it was more of a cautionary tale to beware what you wish for. The alternate interpretation of the lyrics from that which I had imagined makes more sense; the whiny Maples and the stodgy, unyielding Oaks were all leveled. The trees were all made equal, just not as the Maples had imagined!
I love the song even more since this revelation. Kudos for getting that on the first listen! (I guess my teenage brain only considered the one option, and it cemented itself as "the" interpretation so solidly that I cruised through adulthood not thinking it needed to be reassessed.) It shows me that seeing something extremely familiar through the fresh eyes of another can be an amazing learning experience!
Rush has been my favorite band since 1975. If you would like to see the drummer's (Neal Peart) TRUE skill , check out his drum solo Live from Frankfurt. It is absolutely amazing. They did not call him the professor for nothing. R.I.P Neal , you may be gone from us , but your music will live forever.
his solo on Exit Stage Left vinyl is his best work
If youd like to experience two more amazing tracks from this era, be sure to check out Xanadu from Exit Stage Left, and La Villa Strangiato. Cheers from Toronto!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
Wow. Where to start? 😅 I will say that Rush will always be my favorite band. The technicality of their musicianship and Neil's exemplary lyrics are 2nd to none. I'm surprised that this is the song you started with (one of my favorites, mind you 😊). Unless comments have advised you already, I don't think you're aware of the giant rabbit hole you just opened 😉. Over 40 years of music through 19 studio albums with 167 songs. They are not limited to one sound or genre, which makes it impossible to classify them. They evolved over each decade with the sound of the time, making it their own with a very Rush feel. You would have to at least listen to one song from each album to get a true understanding of this, and that barely touches the surface of their greatness. I intellectually believe Rush to be the greatest 3 piece band ever to exist with 3 highly accomplished musicians of virtuoso level talent and ability. You've done The Trees and Territories so far. Some songs from the 70's Era (The Trees) are quite long (progressive rock), while later albums (Territories in the 80s) were more radio friendly. The Spirit of Radio is my all time favorite song, but that's a relative term considering I probably have at least 30 songs that could line up right behind it as favorites. I hope you will continue with your journey through some of the most unique and creative music ever produced. Since you appreciated the nature aspect of The Trees, I'll recommend these:
Natural Science
Jacob's Ladder
Special recommendation, The Garden, is their very last song and possibly one of their best. I was lucky enough to be at the very last concert they ever performed at The Forum in Los Angeles. The Garden never fails to tear me up 😢 There are so many songs (at least half of their catalog 🤯) that I feel are the level of what you've already heard. I hope you'll enjoy going through more of their work. It is worth it, I promise 🤘👍
There is a quote from Neil Peart taken way back when he was living in London where he almost laughed when asked about these lyrics. He stated that at the time he wrote these he was very Nationalistic and very pro Canadian....and this song is actually about Canadians(The Maples) and the English(The Oaks) and the general desire for Canada to NOT be a part of the British Commonwealth. .....a very right wing view he had at that time.
Good info
This one is easy...read it when it came out...in his own words-
Songfacts®: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?'
RUSH is next level sh!t.
🤗 Subbed for Rush! 🥰🐰
Boy, you want more whiplash?? Tou MUST react to their song Natural Science - it puts humanity squarely in its place...
The thing about Rush is, they always leave the listener with something to ponder, and that's why they're my all-time favorite group!
Best Rush era = 1976-1980 or 2112-permanent waves. They have been called the high priest of progressive metal and I agree. Them, Boston, and Triumph are 3 of my favorite bands.
Never heard of Boston. I have more Rush and Triumph coming though.
Wow you need to listen to Boston especially stuff off their 1976 debut album. You'll be in for a treat.@@WhyAmIReacting
Actuality, the drummer/lyricist Neil Peart once said that people try to bring out a double meaning in this song like racism/sexism/ageism but he said, “It’s just about trees” He said he saw a comic strip one morning that had trees talking like they were people and he thought it was funny to think of trees talking and acting with the same thoughts, emotions, feelings, and actions as people.
Sadly, Peart died of brain cancer in 2021. Alex is still performing with a band called Envy Of None, and Geddy is focusing on other projects like baseball, his wine collection, and writing. His autobiography called My Effin Life comes out in fall of 2023.
This song is great but a better starter song would have be Freewill from the moving pictures concert in 1981
Lindsey Stirling and Rush: two of my six favorites. If your next video is one of the other four I'll have to exorcise you from my brain.
Very Great early video! 😊
"And the trees are all kept equal, by Hatchet, Axe, and Saw", could mean to just enjoy who you are and your place in life because the one thing we all have in common is death.
🙋🏿♀️ May I suggest Subdivisions, New World Man and for some epic "Rush Drama", 2112 (Twentyone Twelve). 🥰🐰
Cut them all down to size.
Xanadu by rush live exit stage left is the best
RUSH? That’s unexpected.
A band from my formative years. Beloved by 1970’s nerds. Three friends doing their own thing musically for the better part of 40 years.
Unfortunately drummer Neil Peart passed in 2020.
They had a very goofy sense of humor, and are/were very down-to earth. But were always about the music.
Right there is the similarity to the guys from Home Free. Neil with his obsessive attention to detail, and sounds, love of words and motorcycles, and disdain for fame could be parts of Adam & Chance combined.
My favourite of their most popular songs are “Limelight” and “Freewill”.
I suggest “Limelight” is a better choice here, as “Freewill” strongly advocates for atheism.
you never know what will show up on this channel. lol
@@WhyAmIReacting Which is one thing that makes it interesting. 👍🏽
And why I wouldn’t ever do it myself. 😂
Need to listen to Tom Sawyer
Equity - Communism
A supernova is about to expand its horizons... 😅
Think of the French revolution la guillotine and the bourgeoisie off with their heads and the Russian revolution where the Tsar's family were all murdered. You have just opened Pandora's box do you dare go further? Maybe step into the dystopian Ayn Rand inspired song "2112" (twenty one twelve), that will blow your mind.
Please, please, please do Territories live from the Clockwork Angels Tour. It's epic!
I'll add it to the list. 😉
it's not code .. maybe it is.. bit usually just thpughtful hard prog...IMHO
Nope not folksy music. LOL
Triumph only wishes they were 1% as good as Rush..R.I.P. Professor..Mr.Neil Peart..😢❤
Buddy you're way out of line with that comment ! Triumph is an amazing band, Rush is my favorite band, but Triumph up there too, Rik Emmett is a fantastic guitarist, definitely a better singer, and a great song writer and have a lot of great songs. Rush managed to stay together much longer, and produce lots more music, and 40 plus years of awesome live concerts, but you're wrong with that 1% comment, that's pretty ignorant !
Not code..Just a wonderful song written about the battle in nature..And metaphors..😊
Wow you have alot of research to do ma'am..And pay more attention to the lyrics and music instead of your phone