"2112" was written by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Pert of the band, Rush.
"I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky. I to think I had a pretty good life here, plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple in the evening.
"My friend Jon always it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the planets were banded together under the Red Star of the Federation. The less gave us a few new moons. I believed what I was told. I it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found something changed it all..."
I. "And the meek shall the earth."
II. The Temples of ... "The massive walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests..." taken care of everything The words you the songs you sing The pictures give pleasure to your eyes one for all and all for one We work together sons Never need to how or why
We are the of the Temples of Syrinx Our great computers fill the hallowed We are the Priests of the Temples of All the of life are held within our walls
Look around world we made our stock in trade Come and join the of Man Oh what a nice world Let the be unfurled Hold the Red Star proudly in hand
We are the of the Temples of Syrinx Our great computers fill the halls. We are the Priests of the of Syrinx All the gifts of life are within our walls.
III. ... "Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I had no idea what it be, but it was beautiful" ... ... "I to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first sounds, and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can't wait to the priests about it! ..."
What can this strange be? I touch it, it gives forth a sound It's got that vibrate and give music What can this thing be that I
See how it sings like a sad And joyously screams out its Sounds that build high a mountain Or notes that fall like rain
I wait to share this new wonder The will all see its light Let them all their own music The Priests praise my name on this
IV. ... "In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a of grim, expressionless faces. Father rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the Temple Hall." ... ... "Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to splinters his feet..."
I know it's unusual To come you so But I've an ancient miracle I thought you should know
Listen to my And hear it can do There's something here as as life I know that it reach you
Yes, we know nothing new It's just a waste of We have no for ancient ways The is doing fine
Another toy will destroy The race of man about your silly whim It fit the plan, no!
I believe you're saying These things just can't be Our could use this beauty Just think we might do
to my music And hear it can do There's something as strong as life I that it will reach you
annoy us further We our work to do think about the average What use they for you?
Another toy will help The elder of man Forget about your silly It fit the plan
V. The Dream ... "I guess it was a dream, but now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the as he stood at the summit of the staircase" ... ... "I see still the incredible beauty of the cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become the loss of all these things ..."
I wandered though the silent streets And fell into a fitful Escape to realms beyond the can't you show me the light?
I atop a spiral stair An oracle me there He leads me on light years astral nights, galactic days
I see the works of gifted That grace strange and wondrous land I see the of man arise With hungry mind and open
left the planet long ago The elder race still and grow Their power grows with purpose To claim the where they belong Home, to the Temples down... Home, to change...
VI. ... "I not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and peace at last."
The is still in my eyes The dream is still in my I heave a sigh and sadly And lie a in bed I that it might come to pass Not fade like all my
Just of what my life might be In a like I have seen I don't I can carry on Carry on this cold and empty Oh...noo!
My spirits are low in the of despair My lifeblood over...
VII. Grand all Planets of the Solar Federation Attention all Planets of the Federation Attention all of the Solar Federation We assumed control. We assumed control. We have control.