2112

Government

LYRICS: I. Overture (0:00) And the meek shall inherit the earth... II. Temples of Syrinx (4:33) We've taken care of everything The words you read, 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 at this world we've 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 (6:47) 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 (10:16) 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 Our 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 (13:58) 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 our 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 (15:58) 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 My spirits are low in the depths of despair My lifeblood... ...spills over... VII. The Grand Finale (18:19) 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

In 2112 by Rush is a story that's about 20 minutes long and is about a dystopian world that is controlled by the government. It is much like Fahrenheit 451 except instead of books being illegal, but the guitar is being censored from the people by the "Priests" or the government that is controlling the society.Then the main character finds this guitar as a new discovery and presents it to the Priests, thinking it will be a great contribution to the society and it's music. When he does present it to the priests, it calls it an "ancient miracle" but the priests don't like it and think it's a waste of time and will help destroy the human race, calling it a "toy." They tell him to go away and leave the guitar alone. He then has a dream of what man can do with the guitar and the talents they have. The dream haunts this man and he doesn't know what to do and he ends up killing himself.

This is supposed to be a hundred years in the future, so it could happen since auto tune is getting so popular these days. In all of the newest song hits, what's mainly used is a keyboard. Then everything gets edited to sound like something else. After awhile guitars could be taken out of the mix and if the government wants can make them illegal. And since the past repeats itself, someone may find a guitar, see what it can do, think it's some amazing discovery and try and have it make a comeback. Of course, I wouldn't want to be in this kind of world because I love the sound of guitars and would go nuts if I had to listen to music that's edited to the extreme all of the time.

Rush uses a lot of guitar in this song, to emphasize what the guitar contributes to the music. And when the Priests are talking, the music behind them is more harsh. But when it's the man speaking, it's more appealing and nicer to hear. The music for the priests is more like a "listen to us!" but the man's music is innocent.

The Priests were in control of this society. They made everyone think that things are okay as it is. When the man went to them with the guitar they just told him it's nonsense and they don't need it. They used this as their language to tell the man to stop with the guitar.