Rush

Lyrics

[I. At the Tobes of Hades]

[Verse 1]
The Tobes of Hades, lit by flickering torchlight
The netherworld is gathered in the glare
Prince By-Tor takes the cavern to the north light
The sign of Eth is rising in the air
By-Tor – Knight of Darkness
Centurion of evil – Devil’s Prince

[II. Across the Styx]

[Verse 2]
Across the River Styx, out of the lamplight
His nemesis is waiting at the gate
The Snow Dog, ermine glowing in the damp night
Coal-black eyes shimmering with hate
By-Tor and the Snow Dog
Square for battle, let the fray begin

[III. The Battle]

[i. Challenge and Defiance]
[Instrumental]

[ii. 7/4 War Furor]
[Instrumental]
[iii. Aftermath]
[Interlude]

[iv. Hymn of Triumph]
[Guitar Solo]

[IV. Epilogue]

[Verse 3]
The battle's over and the dust is clearing
Disciples of the Snow Dog sound the knell
Rejoicing echoes as the dawn is nearing
By-Tor, in defeat, retreats to Hell
Snow Dog is victorious
The land of the Overworld is saved again
Is saved again

If you're a fan of progressive rock music, then you probably know who Rush is. This Canadian rock band has been around for decades and has produced some of the most iconic songs in rock history. One of their most beloved tracks is "By-Tor and the Snow Dog," which has been a fan favorite since it was released in 1975. This song is a prime example of Rush's talent for combining great musicianship with creative storytelling.

About By-Tor and the Snow Dog

"By-Tor and the Snow Dog" tells the story of an epic battle between two mythical characters, By-Tor and the Snow Dog. The song begins with a conversation between the two creatures, and they decide to battle to determine who will reign supreme. The instrumental section of the song is meant to represent the battle between By-Tor and the Snow Dog, with Geddy Lee's bass portraying By-Tor and Alex Lifeson's guitar representing the Snow Dog. It's a unique and creative concept that showcases the band's talent for storytelling through music.

The song is divided into two parts, with the first part being a more traditional rock song. It features powerful vocals from Geddy Lee, with lyrics that tell the story of the battle between By-Tor and the Snow Dog. The second part of the song is an instrumental section that showcases the band's incredible musicianship. It's a virtuosic performance that highlights the talents of each individual band member and their ability to work together as a cohesive unit.

"By-Tor and the Snow Dog" is a great example of progressive rock music. The song has a complex structure and features unusual time signatures that make it challenging to play. This complexity is part of what makes the song so compelling and keeps fans coming back for more. The band's ability to mix complex musical arrangements with creative storytelling is what sets them apart from their peers.

Rush was a band that was known for pushing boundaries and taking risks, and "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" is a perfect example of this. The song is almost eight minutes long, which was unusual for a single back in 1975. Despite this, it still managed to become a hit with fans, which just goes to show how innovative and forward-thinking Rush was as a band.

Why You Should Listen to By-Tor and the Snow Dog

If you're a fan of rock music, especially the progressive variety, then "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" is a must-listen. It's one of Rush's most iconic songs, and for good reason. The song features incredible musicianship, creative storytelling, and a unique structure that's sure to captivate your attention from start to finish.

Even if you're not typically a fan of progressive rock music, "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" is still worth a listen. The song is catchy, melodic, and features great hooks that will get stuck in your head for days. It's a great example of why Rush was one of the most innovative and influential bands of their time.

If you're looking to expand your musical horizons, then "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" is the perfect place to start. It's a song that will challenge your expectations of what rock music can be and leave you hungry for more.

Wrapping Up

"By-Tor and the Snow Dog" is a song that has stood the test of time. It's a classic example of the innovative and boundary-pushing music that Rush was known for, and it's still beloved by fans all over the world. If you haven't listened to this song yet, then you're missing out on a true masterpiece of progressive rock music.

So why not give it a listen? You might just be surprised by what you hear.

• Release Date: February 15, 1975
• Artist: Rush