Rush

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The Spirit of Radio album cover

The Spirit of Radio

Rush

Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]
Begin the day with a friendly voice
A companion unobtrusive
Plays that song that's so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood

[Verse 2]
Off on your way, hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the spirit ever lingers
Undemanding contact in your happy solitude
[Chorus]
Invisible airwaves crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle with the energy
Emotional feedback on a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price, almost free
[Verse 3]
All this machinery making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted
It's really just a question of your honesty
Yeah, your honesty
One likes to believe in the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion of integrity, yeah
[Chorus]
Invisible airwaves crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle with the energy
Emotional feedback on a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price, almost free

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Outro]
For the words of the profits
Were written on the studio wall
Concert hall
And echoes with the sound
Of salesmen
Of salesmen
Of salesmen!

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Are you ready to feel the spirit of rock and roll as you've never felt it before? Look no further than The Spirit of Radio by Rush, a classic ode to the Toronto radio station CFNY and the alternative music they championed. This song captures the essence of the underground music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s and became an anthem for those who were looking for something new and exciting.

About The Spirit of Radio

The Spirit of Radio is a classic rock song that was released by the Canadian rock band Rush in 1980. The song was dedicated to CFNY, an alternative radio station in Toronto that played music that was not heard on other radio stations. Rush was not often played on CFNY during that time because they were seen as being too tied to 70s hard rock sound, which was played on stations such as Q107 in Toronto. The lyrics of the song reflect the thrill of discovering new music and the excitement of listening to the radio.

The Spirit of Radio is known for its iconic guitar riff, which is somewhat similar to that of Dream Police by Cheap Trick. The riff is catchy, and the song's upbeat tempo keeps the listener engaged throughout. The catchy riff, coupled with the lyrics that talk about the power of radio, makes this song one of the most memorable and popular songs in Rush's discography.

The song's lyrics pay homage to the power of alternative radio stations like CFNY, which introduced a new wave of music to Toronto and beyond. Rush embraces these new sounds with open arms, symbolizing a significant shift in the music industry at the time. The band members themselves were amazed by the stations’ music selection, and they recognized the importance of these stations in promoting new music and opening doors for lesser-known artists.

The Spirit of Radio became an instant hit in Canada and the United States, and it made Rush more popular than ever before. The song's iconic guitar riffs inspired a generation of musicians and continues to inspire new musicians to this day. Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and the success of The Spirit of Radio is a testament to the band's impact on the rock and roll genre.

The song was one of the first of its kind, capturing the spirit of a time when people were hungry for something new in the music industry. The Spirit of Radio remains an essential song in the history of rock and roll and continues to inspire musicians to this day. If you have not listened to it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. It just might inspire you to discover new music like CFNY inspired Rush and so many others.

Get the Spirit of Radio

The Spirit of Radio is available on many music streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The song can also be purchased on iTunes or Amazon in high-quality audio formats. This rock anthem is perfect for anyone who loves classic rock music and wants to get lost in the spirit of that era. With its catchy guitar riff and thought-provoking lyrics, The Spirit of Radio is a timeless classic that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any music lover.

Wrapping Up

The Spirit of Radio is an ode to the power of alternative radio stations, which brought new and exciting music to the masses. The song is a testament to the power of discovering new sounds and the thrill of listening to the radio. With its catchy guitar riff and memorable lyrics, The Spirit of Radio is a timeless classic that continues to inspire musicians and music lovers to this day. Give it a listen and catch the spirit of rock and roll that Rush captured so perfectly in this iconic song.

  • Release Date: March 17, 1980
  • Artist: Rush