Rush, the Canadian progressive rock legends, are renowned for their complex musicianship, thought-provoking lyrics, and electrifying live performances. As anticipation builds for what might be their final major tour, fans have been reflecting on the band’s incredible catalog. We asked our readers to choose their favorite Rush Songs, and the results are in! From early hard rock anthems to synth-infused masterpieces and epic prog compositions, this list celebrates the very best of Rush and their enduring impact on music. Prepare to explore the essential “rush songs” that define a generation of rock fans.
“Subdivisions”
Rush in black and white, Geddy Lee on bass, Alex Lifeson on guitar, Neil Peart on drums, performing live, crowd visible in background
In the early 1980s, Rush surprised many by achieving mainstream radio success. “Subdivisions,” the opening track from their 1982 album Signals, became a significant hit, reaching Number Eight on the Mainstream Rock chart. This synth-driven song explores themes of social division and teenage alienation. The music video, reminiscent of early Degrassi High episodes, depicts a solitary high school student navigating the social hierarchies of suburban Toronto while his peers head off to parties. “Subdivisions” has remained a staple of Rush’s live shows for over three decades, a testament to its enduring resonance with fans.
“La Villa Strangiato”
Rush in color, Geddy Lee singing and playing bass, Alex Lifeson playing guitar, Neil Peart drumming, stage lights in background, smoke effects
“La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence)” is a complex and purely instrumental piece from 1978. This track, divided into 12 distinct sections, concludes the Hemispheres album and effectively marks the end of Rush’s most intensely progressive era. The band has jokingly admitted to struggling to perform this intricate song live initially. However, with over 950 live performances to date, it’s safe to say they’ve mastered it. “La Villa Strangiato” showcased Rush’s technical prowess and compositional ambition, setting the stage for their more accessible sound in the following decade, which began with “The Spirit of Radio.”
“The Trees”
Neil Peart in concert, focused on drumming, wearing a black outfit and cap, drum kit prominently displayed, stage lights and smoke visible
Early in his career, Rush’s drummer and lyricist Neil Peart was influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, and this influence is evident in lyrics from albums like 2112 and Hemispheres. “The Trees” is one of the most direct examples of Rand’s impact on Peart’s songwriting. This allegorical song tells the story of conflict between oaks and maples demanding equality, ultimately leading to their collective downfall.
In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Peart reflected on his evolving views on libertarianism, stating, “I was a kid…Libertarianism as I understood it was very good and pure and we’re all going to be successful and generous to the less fortunate and it was, to me, not dark or cynical. But then I soon saw, of course, the way that it gets twisted by the flaws of humanity. And that’s when I evolve now into…a bleeding heart Libertarian.”
“The Spirit of Radio”
Geddy Lee playing bass and singing into microphone, stage lights behind him, band performing energetically
The early 1980s saw many artists from the previous decade critiquing the direction of the music industry. Songs like Billy Joel’s “Still Rock and Roll to Me,” Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll,” and The Ramones’ “Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio?” captured this sentiment. Rush contributed to this commentary with “The Spirit of Radio.” This track criticizes modern radio for prioritizing “glittering prizes and endless compromises” that “shatter the illusion of integrity.” Ironically, despite its critical lyrics, “The Spirit of Radio” became a massive radio hit for Rush, demonstrating the song’s powerful appeal and ironic twist.
“Xanadu”
Alex Lifeson playing double-neck guitar on stage, bathed in blue light, focused expression, band performing in background
The mythical city of Xanadu, famously featured in Orson Welles’ film Citizen Kane as the name of a secluded mansion, originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 18th-century poem “Kubla Khan.” This poem also inspired Neil Peart to pen the lyrics for Rush’s “Xanadu.” The song narrates the tale of an explorer who seeks immortality by finding Xanadu, only to discover that eternal life is a burdensome and miserable existence. “Xanadu” is a classic example of Rush’s lyrical depth and their ability to blend literary inspiration with progressive rock.
“Red Barchetta”
In contrast to the fantastical themes of some Rush songs, “Red Barchetta” paints a dystopian picture of the future. Released in 1981, this song from the Moving Pictures album is set in a time where strict “motor laws” have outlawed many cars. The protagonist, a rebel who has secretly maintained a classic sports car for 50 years, takes it for a thrilling drive that turns into a dangerous chase. While never released as a single, “Red Barchetta” has become a beloved fan favorite, known for its dynamic storytelling and exhilarating musical passages.
“Working Man”
Back in 1974, Cleveland rock radio station WMMS played a song by a relatively unknown Canadian band. “Working Man” resonated strongly with listeners, despite the band’s obscurity and the song’s Led Zeppelin-esque sound. It’s believed that the track’s themes of blue-collar life connected with the city’s large working-class population, providing Rush with their initial breakthrough in the United States. “Working Man” was recorded with Rush’s original drummer, John Rutsey. Shortly after its release, Neil Peart joined the band, marking the beginning of Rush’s iconic lineup.
“Limelight”
Neil Peart, known for his introverted nature, struggled with Rush’s growing fame in the early 1980s. This discomfort with the spotlight became the inspiration for “Limelight.” The lyrics, “Living in a fish eye lens, caught in the camera eye / I have no heart to lie, I can’t pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend,” poignantly capture Peart’s feelings of being constantly observed and unable to connect authentically with the public. Ironically, “Limelight,” a song about the burdens of fame, became one of Rush’s biggest hits, further intensifying the very “gilded cage” Peart described.
“2112”
Rush performing 2112 segment live, Geddy Lee singing passionately, Alex Lifeson playing guitar intensely, Neil Peart drumming powerfully
After their first two albums, Fly By Night and Caress of Steel, didn’t achieve commercial success in 1975, Rush’s record label pressured them to create more commercially viable music. Instead, facing potential career jeopardy, Rush doubled down on their progressive sound and created the wildly ambitious 2112. The 20-minute title track, a science fiction epic, depicts a dystopian future in 2112 where music is banned after an interplanetary war. “2112” is undeniably a cornerstone of progressive rock and one of Rush’s most beloved compositions. The band almost always includes a portion of it in their live shows. When Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they performed the opening segment with Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters, who were dressed in Rush’s 1970s attire, a fitting tribute to this iconic song.
“Tom Sawyer”
Rush performing Tom Sawyer live, focused on Geddy Lee playing bass and singing, stage lights and crowd visible
While Neil Peart typically wrote Rush’s lyrics independently, their most famous song, “Tom Sawyer,” was a collaboration with Canadian poet Pye Dubois. Dubois provided a poem about a modern-day rebellious spirit reminiscent of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, which Peart then developed into the complete song. “Tom Sawyer” was the second single from Moving Pictures and reached Number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite not being a top 40 hit, “Tom Sawyer” has become Rush’s signature song, played endlessly on classic rock radio and instantly recognizable to millions.
These ten songs represent just a glimpse into the vast and impressive catalog of Rush. From their early hard rock beginnings to their progressive rock explorations and synth-era hits, Rush has consistently delivered high-quality music that resonates with fans worldwide. As they embark on what could be their final major tour, revisiting these classic “rush songs” is a perfect way to celebrate their incredible legacy.
