Rush

Lyrics

[Prologue 00:00-05:01]
"In the constellation of Cygnus
There lurks a mysterious, invisible force
The black hole of Cygnus X-1
Six stars of the Northern Cross
In mourning for their sister's loss
In a final flash of glory
Nevermore to grace the night"
[Part I 05:01-05:45]
Invisible to telescopic eye
Infinity, the star that would not die

All who dare to cross her course
Are swallowed by a fearsome force
Through the void, to be destroyed
Or is there something more?
Atomized - at the core
Or through the astral door
To soar...
[Part II 05:45-07:15]
I set a course just east of Lyra
And northwest of Pegasus
Flew into the light of Deneb
Sailed across the Milky Way
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Wheeling through the galaxies
Headed for the heart of Cygnus
Headlong into mystery

The X-ray is her siren song
My ship cannot resist her long
Nearer to my deadly goal
Until the black hole
Gains control

[Guitar Solo]

[Part III 07:15-10:21]
Spinning, whirling
Still descending
Like a spiral sea, unending

Sound and fury drowns my heart
Every nerve is torn apart...
To be continued...

Rush is known for their deep and complex storytelling within their music. In their song Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage, they take the listener on a journey through space and towards a mysterious black hole. The song is the first in a two-part series, with the second part continuing on the band’s next album, Hemispheres. It was released in 1977 as part of the album A Farewell to Kings and has become a fan favorite for its captivating storyline and powerful instrumentals.

About Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage

The song begins with a slow and haunting instrumental introduction, transporting the listener into the depths of space. The lyrics then introduce an explorer traveling on a ship called the Rocinante, inspired by Don Quixote’s horse, toward a black hole known as Cygnus X-1. This black hole is believed to be a real celestial body located in the constellation Cygnus.

The explorer journeys towards the black hole, intrigued by the potential discoveries that may lie beyond it. The closer he gets to the black hole, the more difficult it becomes to control his ship. Eventually, the pull of gravity becomes too strong to resist, and he is sucked into the black hole.

The final lines of the song reflect the intense and overwhelming experience the explorer is facing: “Sound and fury drown my heart, every nerve is torn apart.” The powerful lyrics and instrumentals combine to create an emotional and intense experience for the listener.

This song showcases Rush’s ability to seamlessly blend together storytelling, musicianship, and technical proficiency. The band’s attention to detail in both the lyrics and the instrumental components of the song creates a fully immersive experience for the listener.

Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage is a stand-out track from Rush’s expansive discography and is a must-listen for fans of both progressive rock and science fiction-inspired music. Its intricate storyline and powerful performance continue to captivate new generations of fans and solidify Rush’s legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

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