[tomkat]

If RUSH had only ever released that one song, their place in rock history would still have been cemented forever.

It’s breathtaking, imho.

[avenir]

I always liked the sound they got on Moving Pictures.

[KC_Conspirator]

“Red Barchetta” is another. Its a futuristic song about owners of old speedster car - that have all been banned by government Motor Laws. That was 40 years ago. Very telling.

[Kevmo]

I occasionally post the song and the lyrics. Interesting references such as Space Invaders, mind not for rent, energy traded from the friction of the day.

The original character of Tom Sawyer was much less compelling than Huck Finn. Huck had real problems; Tom invented problems. I think the song was really about Huck, but his name doesn’t match the cadence of the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auLBLk4ibAk

Tom Sawyer
Rush
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
And 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
And 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
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Geddy Lee / Alex Lifeson / Neil Peart
Tom Sawyer lyrics © Core Music Publishing, Ole Core Music Publishing