Song of the Night (#9) Rush - The Pass

Those with a passing knowledge of Rush might see the group today, scratch their heads, and wonder to themselves, "How are those guys still around?" They have good reason to be skeptical, as Rush were just one of the many 70's Hard Rock groups to revel in excess and bombast. In defiance of their three-man membership, Rush were well known for blasting out pompous, over-extended science-fiction epics best appreciated while stoned (see Exhibit A).

One could be forgiven for thinking that a sound like this would forever confine Rush to the Classic Rock relics. But Rush never gave (or broke) up. Popular music was changing, and Rush knew that they had to change along with it. Contrast the dated clumsiness of Fly By Night with the sleek, timeless feel of Moving Pictures.

I'm moving ahead in the Rush timeline to 1989: the Presto album.

It should be clear that the song concerns suicide. In contrast to the typically heavy-handed, downbeat lamentation on a very difficult topic, The Pass is an outstretched hand: an encouragement to the downtrodden and depressed. At the same time, it is candid in portraying the consequences of suicide.

"No hero in your surrender/
No daring in your escape/
No salutes for your surrender/
Nothing noble in your escape

Throughout it all, Neil Peart's lyrics are heart-felt and moving, and the melody is, at different times, hopeful and pensive. With powerful and profound songs like The Pass, Rush has proven that they have remain both relevant and respected.