RUSH, Recovery, And Freewill

I don’t think the members of Rush have ever been much into the drink and drug.  I can only find vague references to it in my iResearch.  It seems they were more interested in making complex and interesting music.  That coupled with intelligence, common sense, and a strong work ethic have kept them out of trouble and out of the news when it comes to your standard sex, drugs, and rock and roll cliches.

This song is not specifically about recovery; but it could be.  It probably would not make AA’s best of list, since it eschews the reliance on a higher power and puts responsibility squarely on your shoulders.

Go ahead, hit play and read the lyrics.

I have highlighted the lines that brought it to mind as an excellent recovery song – for me at least.

Freewill

There are those who think that life has nothing left to chance take,
A host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance.

A planet of playthings,
We dance on the strings
Of powers we cannot perceive
“The stars aren’t aligned,
Or the gods are malign…”
Blame is better to give than receive.

Chorus
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that’s clear
I will choose freewill.

There are those who think that they were dealt a losing hand,
The cards were stacked against them; they weren’t born in Lotusland.

All preordained
A prisoner in chains
A victim of venomous fate.
Kicked in the face,
You can’t pray for a place
In heaven’s unearthly estate.

Chorus

Each of us
A cell of awareness
Imperfect and incomplete.
Genetic blends
With uncertain ends
On a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.

Chorus

RUSH Factoid – Geddy Lee has stated that the end part of “Freewill” is at the highest part of his vocal range