Rush

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality

[Chorus]
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart

[Verse 2]
The blacksmith and the artist
Reflect it in their art
They forge their creativity

[Chorus]
Closer to the heart
Yes, closer to the heart

[Verse 3]
Philosophers and ploughmen
Each must know his part
To sow a new mentality

[Chorus]
Closer to the heart
Yes, closer to the heart
Yeah! Oh
[Instrumental]

[Verse 4]
Woah-oh! You can be the captain
And I will draw the chart
Sailing into destiny

[Chorus]
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart

[Outro]
Well, closer to the heart
Yeah, closer to the heart
Closer to the heart
I said, closer to the heart
Well, closer to the heart
Yeah, closer to your heart
Closer to your heart
Oh!

“Closer to the Heart” by Rush is a classic rock song, released in 1977, from the album A Farewell to Kings. It is one of Rush’s most popular recordings, known for its catchy melody and powerful lyrics. The song is a fan favorite and has received a fair amount of radio airplay still to this day. “Closer to the Heart” was also one of five Rush songs inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on March 28, 2010.

About Closer to the Heart

The song “Closer to the Heart” was released in 1977, and it was considered one of Rush’s biggest hits at the time. The song featured the first external co-writer, Peter Talbot, who was a friend of Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist of Rush. The song was recorded and released as a single for Christmas 1977, and after two near misses with “Fly By Night” and “Bastille Day” in 1975, it finally gave Rush their first hit single in the United Kingdom, reaching No. 36 in the UK Singles Chart in February 1978.

“Closer to the Heart” has a catchy melody and a powerful message about the importance of following one’s heart and achieving one’s dreams. The lyrics of the song encourage listeners to follow their passions and stay true to themselves, even in the face of adversity. “And the men who hold high places, must be the ones who start, to mold a new reality, closer to the heart,” sing Rush, calling for a new world where people are free to pursue their dreams and make their lives the best they can be.

The song has been played on almost every tour since its release and remains a fan favorite to this day. Despite its popularity, however, the band decided to drop “Closer to the Heart” for the bulk of their 2002 Vapor Trails Tour and the entire R30: 30th Anniversary Tour in 2004 because, according to Peart, “we got sick of it.” The song was also not played during the 2007 and 2008 legs of the Snakes & Arrows Tour, but was brought back for the 2010 and 2011 legs of the Time Machine Tour.

In addition to its powerful message and catchy melody, “Closer to the Heart” also features impressive instrumentation from Rush’s talented musicians. The song begins with a flurry of guitar notes from Alex Lifeson, which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Neil Peart’s driving drumbeat and Geddy Lee’s soaring vocals soon join in, creating a powerful and energetic sound that has become synonymous with Rush’s unique brand of rock music.

“Closer to the Heart” is a timeless classic rock song that continues to resonate with people all over the world. Its message of following one’s heart and pursuing one’s dreams remains as relevant and inspiring today as it did when the song was first released over 40 years ago. Whether you’re a die-hard Rush fan or just someone who appreciates great rock music, “Closer to the Heart” is a must-listen track that you won’t want to miss!

• Release Date: September 1, 1977
• Artist: Rush