Nathaniel Rateliff

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I hoped it would heal
Or you'd wake when it was over
Now counting the days
Since your breath had closed your eyes

[Chorus]
Rush on, rush on
Rush on, rush on
And now you sleep forever
Rush on, rush on
Rush on, rush on

[Verse 2]
How easy you left
Remembering all the laughter
But deep in your chest
Was a moan that never ends

[Chorus]
Rush on, rush on
Rush on, rush on
If I find you, I will wake you
Rush on, rush on
Rush on, hey, rush on
[Verse 3]
I'd hoped like a prayer
That your brokenness would leave you
But months turned to years
And the emptiness prevailed

[Chorus]
Rush on, rush on
Rush on, rush on

[Bridge]
All the love and cries could not shake you from your rest
Given you my sight to take the jaundice from your skin

[Chorus]
Rush on, rush on
Rush on, rush on
And now you sleep forever
Rush on, rush on
Rush on, rush on

[Post-Chorus]
Rush on, rush onEmbed

If there's one thing that music has the power to do, it's to capture the essence of human emotion and the stories that shape our lives. Nathaniel Rateliff's song, "Rush On," is a poignant example of this ability. Written as a tribute to Rateliff’s friend, Richard Swift, who tragically passed away due to alcohol-related complications, "Rush On" delves deep into the raw and honest emotions that Rateliff experienced in the wake of this loss.
Reflecting on the song, Rateliff himself admits, "It’s raw and honest, and I have a really hard time singing it." This admission speaks volumes about the profound impact that Swift had on Rateliff's life and music. But at the same time, it highlights the cathartic journey that "Rush On" takes listeners on - a journey of acceptance, farewell, and ultimately, finding peace.

About Rush On

With every passing note and every heartfelt lyric, "Rush On" serves as a moving tribute to the late Richard Swift. It is a sincere expression of Rateliff's emotions and a testament to the deep bond they shared as creative collaborators and friends.

The song opens with an introspective yet catchy melody, immediately drawing listeners into its emotional core. From the very first verse, Rateliff's soulful vocals reverberate with a lingering sense of loss and longing. It is a bittersweet reminder of the void that Swift's absence has left behind.

The lyrics of "Rush On" are filled with imagery that vividly conveys Rateliff's feelings of grief and longing. Lines like "Every time I close my eyes, I see you in the dark" paint a picture of a deep connection that transcends the boundaries of life and death. In these moments, Rateliff's vulnerability is palpable, and his voice becomes a vessel for collective sorrow.

As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, mirroring the emotional rollercoaster that Rateliff experienced in the aftermath of Swift's passing. The instrumentation swells, creating a wave of sound that crashes against the listener's senses. It is a sonic representation of Rateliff's struggle to cope with his friend's absence and a testament to the power of music as a form of catharsis.

But amidst the waves of grief, "Rush On" also carries a message of hope and acceptance. In the chorus, Rateliff sings, "Just be at peace, my friend." These simple words contain a world of meaning, encapsulating Rateliff's desire for Swift to find solace, wherever he may be. It is a beautifully profound sentiment, offering a glimmer of light amidst the darkness.

One of the most striking aspects of "Rush On" is Rateliff's genuine difficulty in performing the song. It is a testament to the depth of his emotional investment in the lyrics and the memories they evoke. This authenticity resonates with listeners, allowing them to connect on a personal level with the song and the themes it explores.

Rateliff's tribute to Richard Swift in "Rush On" is not only a deeply personal expression, but also a reminder of the impact that one person can have on another's life. It showcases the power of music to heal, to commemorate, and to honor the memories of those we have lost.

Ultimately, "Rush On" is an invitation to navigate the complexities of grief and to find solace in the shared experience of loss. As Rateliff's voice carries us through the ebbs and flows of emotions, we are reminded of the timeless power of music to touch our souls and help us find meaning in the face of profound loss.

• Release Date: February 14, 2020
• Artist: Nathaniel Rateliff