Subdivisions
“Subdivisions” is the opening track from Rush’s “Signals” album, released in 1982. I was about 11 years old then and as a pretty unpopular kid through school, this song has always hit home for me.
—
Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown
Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone
(Subdivisions)
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help to soothe the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
Drawn like moths we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction
Cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly
Just to feel the living night
Some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats
Get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere
To relax their restless flight
Somewhere out of a memory of lighted streets on quiet nights…
-Neil Peart
—
I had posted the below video a while back on Facebook. But for those that missed it, it’s definitely worth checking out. I’m usually pretty against Rush covers in general because most that attempt playing a Rush song just embarrass themselves. However, Jacob Moon’s version of this song is absolutely an exception:
January 20th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
James, I was just listening to Subdivisions a few nights ago. It brought back a lot of memories and feelings…
January 20th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
It has the same effect on me. Such a great song and album.
January 21st, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Sir James:
I was browsing my blog archives last night, and stopped on this Jacob Moon video of Subdivisions I’d also posted awhile back. I was amazed anew. I totally love his switch to electric for the solos.
I’m still gonna have to rank Subdivisions my all-time fave song (along with Distant Early Warning). Judging by my LastFM stats, it’s definitely my most listened-to.
P.S. Is that Kerrya in the comments? If it’s the same Netgirl, long time no talk — how the heck are ya?
January 28th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Mayrock, yes, it is the same Kerrya. I am well thank you, and how the heck are you mein froind?
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Sorry, I didn’t see this reply right away…
I’m doin’ good! I moved to Seattle in September — wishing to be based as a cinematographer here rather than L.A.
-Mayrock
http://mark-t-ingham.com/blog/
mayrock@mark-t-ingham.com