Rush — Tom Sawyer
Album: Moving PicturesAvg rating:
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Length: 4:29
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A modern day warrior, mean, mean stride
Today's Tom Sawyer, mean, mean pride
Though his mind is not for rent
Don't put him down as arrogant
His reserve, a quiet defense
Riding out the day's events
The river
What you say about his company is
What you say about society
Catch the mist, catch the myth
Catch the mystery, catch the drift
The world is the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his skies are wide
Today's Tom Sawyer he gets high on you
And the space he invades, he gets by on you
No, his mind is not for rent
To any god or government
Always hopeful, yet discontent
He knows changes aren't permanent
But change is
And what you say about his company is
What you say about society
Catch the witness, catch the wit
Catch the spirit, catch the spit
The world is the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his eyes are wide
Exit the warrior, today's Tom Sawyer
He gets high on you, the energy you trade
He gets right on to the friction of the day
Today's Tom Sawyer, mean, mean pride
Though his mind is not for rent
Don't put him down as arrogant
His reserve, a quiet defense
Riding out the day's events
The river
What you say about his company is
What you say about society
Catch the mist, catch the myth
Catch the mystery, catch the drift
The world is the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his skies are wide
Today's Tom Sawyer he gets high on you
And the space he invades, he gets by on you
No, his mind is not for rent
To any god or government
Always hopeful, yet discontent
He knows changes aren't permanent
But change is
And what you say about his company is
What you say about society
Catch the witness, catch the wit
Catch the spirit, catch the spit
The world is the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his eyes are wide
Exit the warrior, today's Tom Sawyer
He gets high on you, the energy you trade
He gets right on to the friction of the day
Comments (354)add comment
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
It’s an interesting point. Countless musicians have said they’ve been inspired by Rush. Few have ever done covers - why is that?
Daunted by Neil’s drumming perhaps?
(This is not suggesting that Ozzy would have…)
I could imagine Ozzy Osbourne singing this making it more macho and darker. Still a good song from Rush.
It’s an interesting point. Countless musicians have said they’ve been inspired by Rush. Few have ever done covers - why is that?
Daunted by Neil’s drumming perhaps?
(This is not suggesting that Ozzy would have…)
All my mates loved Rush growing up. I tried and tried to like them. Not for me, to be honest. Fantastic musicians, without doubt. Just not my thing.
That said, this sounds better than I remember it 😂
That said, this sounds better than I remember it 😂
gemtag wrote:
You also hard make coherent sentence.
I find it hard to negative comment. But these guys suck. They are in my list of worst bands ever.
You also hard make coherent sentence.
I could imagine Ozzy Osbourne singing this making it more macho and darker. Still a good song from Rush.
Always and forever an incredible RUSH to hear this! I was lucky and blessed to have already been into them and seen them play on their Permanent Waves tour by the time this was huge. For me, High School would NOT have been the same without the stellar, seminal concept albums 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres, which my classmate Karl B. and I jammed to regularly on Karl's impressive hi-fi set-up. There was really nothing quite like feeling the very air in front of us while doing bong-loads and slamming beers after school Thanks, RP, for keeping the RUSH alive!
Brilliant segue tonight, William. One of your best:
The Who "Who Are You" --> Rush "Tom Sawyer" .
The Who "Who Are You" --> Rush "Tom Sawyer" .
toterola wrote:
Wow, you saw Angel, I had two of their albums and always wanted to see them. Saw Rush and BOC in 1978 though. We would have gotten high a lot if we crossed paths.
The first real rock show I ever saw was: Angel (a glam-metal band from NYC), Rush (on the 2112 tour), with the Blue Oyster Cult headlining (touring Agents of Fortune).
It put the fever for live music into my soul, and it's never gone away.
Bless these Canadian prog rockers. They are the genuine article.
It put the fever for live music into my soul, and it's never gone away.
Bless these Canadian prog rockers. They are the genuine article.
Wow, you saw Angel, I had two of their albums and always wanted to see them. Saw Rush and BOC in 1978 though. We would have gotten high a lot if we crossed paths.
Montreal 1981, watched Neil Peart beat the shit out of his kit doing this song. Alex and Geddy were amazing too of course, what a privilege to attend this show.
One of the greatest f'ing songs ever made!
One of the greatest f'ing songs ever made!
Probably the best thing to ever come out of Canada. I swear Neil Peart had two brains, absolute genius.
absolutely essential
MattRudely wrote:
Well said. They're about as uncock as possible.
Hmm, was that intended as a compliment?
Well said. They're about as uncock as possible.
Hmm, was that intended as a compliment?
rrowdies wrote:
Well said. They're about as uncock as possible.
Never been a Rush fan and, like many here, Geddy's voice really grated on me. But, I must say, this tune is superlative. If you think this is overblown 'cock' rock you need to give your ears a check. These guys were never a 'cock' rock band. You need to sit down read some lyrics and listen with new ears. Amazing musicians, not for everybody, for discerning music lovers only.
Well said. They're about as uncock as possible.
I have loved Rush since I was a boy, but I don't hear it often these days. That transition from Grieg's gorgeous 'Morning Mood' to the brilliant 'Tom Sawyer' was a stroke of genius (23 May 2022). As Peer Gynt faded out Geddy Lee's opening synthesiser chord made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up - I felt compelled to open a user account and say thank you Bill and Rebecca!
What a brilliant segue from Grieg's Peer Gynt. Surely not another radio station anywhere that would do that? LOVE it!
Neil Pert really was a Tasmanian Devil on the drums
and I mean that in the best way possible
and I mean that in the best way possible
Too bad I can't rate it less than 1.
Edweirdo wrote:
Are you seriously putting Rush and The Beatles in the same sentence? C'mon!
Rush was better.
Are you seriously putting Rush and The Beatles in the same sentence? C'mon!
Rush was better.
Wow, from Grieg to Rush, that’s what I call mastery!
Cool transition Bill - Morning Mood >Tom Sawyer
When this came out it was severely overplayed & I burned out on it! It is so much better now in FLAC w/ K701 studio phones, a great amp & DAC! 
The amount of beer & the vast quantity of weed consumed while this was playing back in the day could have filled a super-tanker! Love it!
Never been a Rush fan and, like many here, Geddy's voice really grated on me. But, I must say, this tune is superlative. If you think this is overblown 'cock' rock you need to give your ears a check. These guys were never a 'cock' rock band. You need to sit down read some lyrics and listen with new ears. Amazing musicians, not for everybody, for discerning music lovers only.
Another song that got played to death PASS
nmb wrote:
Are you saying Geddy's voice is a little high pitched? Because if you are, you're right. You put up with the voice for everything else they have to offer, and I mean everything.
hey, that chick has a superb voice!
(ok guys, now you can roast me :-)
Are you saying Geddy's voice is a little high pitched? Because if you are, you're right. You put up with the voice for everything else they have to offer, and I mean everything.
hey, that chick has a superb voice!
(ok guys, now you can roast me :-)
(ok guys, now you can roast me :-)
Good tune!
MusicManiac58 wrote:
But it works for this band!!! I used to have a friend that played that played RUSH 10x+ a day, and I used to tell him the vocal sounded like the chipmunks, to annoy him! ...but it still works for this band!!
This "voice" is TERRIBLE!
But it works for this band!!! I used to have a friend that played that played RUSH 10x+ a day, and I used to tell him the vocal sounded like the chipmunks, to annoy him! ...but it still works for this band!!
nickferrante10 wrote:
Which was true for me 3 years ago. Rush never got any airplay in Dutchland. I was completely blown away by the drumming. The song is a fat 9 on my scale.
Imagine you never heard this song before. Close your eyes and listen to the musicianship. Its a 10.
Which was true for me 3 years ago. Rush never got any airplay in Dutchland. I was completely blown away by the drumming. The song is a fat 9 on my scale.
This "voice" is TERRIBLE!
rushfan wrote:
should go even more random...there's sooo much that could be played!
Random Rush songs make my day!
should go even more random...there's sooo much that could be played!
Always loved the drumming on this.
BCarn wrote:
"gemtag wrote: I find it hard to negative comment. But these guys suck. They are in my list of worst bands ever."
" fredphoesh: "Yep, heavy handed cock rock."
Wow. Both of you need help. This band is amazing.
My guess is these guys weren't around for the early days of prog rock BCarn. But then neither were my kids. I had to educate them with untold hours of Genesis, King Crimson, Tull, Gentle Giant...
"gemtag wrote: I find it hard to negative comment. But these guys suck. They are in my list of worst bands ever."
" fredphoesh: "Yep, heavy handed cock rock."
Wow. Both of you need help. This band is amazing.
My guess is these guys weren't around for the early days of prog rock BCarn. But then neither were my kids. I had to educate them with untold hours of Genesis, King Crimson, Tull, Gentle Giant...
Is it cool to not like Rush? Then I am decidedly NOT cool!!
S-curvy wrote:
Don't be so hard on yourself. You don't sound so bad.
I'm sorry to my fellow RP listeners, I know there are things I like that you don't, but good gawd, I almost puked when I heard this in 1981. The more that things change, the more they stay the same...I need to puke again.
The voice from Hell....
The voice from Hell....
Don't be so hard on yourself. You don't sound so bad.
Montreal_Mort wrote:
It's noise to me too. Painful stuff.
It's noise to me too. Painful stuff.
johkir wrote:
Greatest air drum song of all time IMHO.
Are we all "air-playing' some instrument right about now, or is it just me?
Greatest air drum song of all time IMHO.
Favorite drum fills ever. RIP Neil.
cropduster wrote:
Are you seriously putting Rush and The Beatles in the same sentence? C'mon!
Surprised there are people disliking Rush and this piece. Not a particullar prog rock fan myself but Lee, Lifeson and Peart are absolute genius virtuosos. Fundamental band in the history of rock music. It's like saying that The Beatles suck. C'mon! 
Are you seriously putting Rush and The Beatles in the same sentence? C'mon!
Cannot stand this band. And I am Canadian. Yech
Are we all "air-playing' some instrument right about now, or is it just me?
I appreciate the talent of the musicians in Rush sometimes more than I like their songs, if that makes any sense. I think it's mostly that I'm not always in the mood for Geddy Lee's vocals. That being said, during those occasions, I just focus on the percussion, because I always love the outstanding drumming of Neil Peart. Wherever he ended up in the afterlife, they got themselves the most talented drummer in Canada's history, in my humble opinion.
The whole album is pure gold. So good memories and one of my all time favourite. Thank you for playing this in RP.
Adore this band.
Cannot stand this band.
Can't get enough of this tune! Still surprising me after all these years. Remember the first time I heard this song, I was a kid and I thought it was sci-fi music
Imagine you never heard this song before. Close your eyes and listen to the musicianship. Its a 10.
Eric_Denison wrote:
Add Gavin Harrison to that group in the R&R category.
Not sure who was the better drummer, Neil Pert or John Bonham. Both were friggin phenomenal!
Add Gavin Harrison to that group in the R&R category.
Signals & Grace Under Pressure are under rated....These boys are the REAL DEAL!
Not sure who was the better drummer, Neil Pert or John Bonham. Both were friggin phenomenal!
Surprised there are people disliking Rush and this piece. Not a particullar prog rock fan myself but Lee, Lifeson and Peart are absolute genius virtuosos. Fundamental band in the history of rock music. It's like saying that The Beatles suck. C'mon!
jelgator wrote:
happy to enjoy this and Radiohead
happy to enjoy this and Radiohead
Canadians do really know how to ROCK , eh
Three Monster Musicians!
N.O.
junebaby65 wrote:
I kind of lost interest after Presto. But their 70's and early 80's stuff is essential IMHO.
They had a big time rebound after Presto. They finished really strong although none of their recent stuff after Roll the Bones made the radio. Counterparts was an awesome album.
I kind of lost interest after Presto. But their 70's and early 80's stuff is essential IMHO.
They had a big time rebound after Presto. They finished really strong although none of their recent stuff after Roll the Bones made the radio. Counterparts was an awesome album.
This should have a 10 rating but I guess the Radiohead fans keep voting it down.
Love Rush!!!!!!!!
Random Rush songs make my day!
Easyrider wrote:
Turn up that volume to a 10😎
Would probably like this more, but, you know... Rush fans. Some 80s things are forgivable. Some not.
Vocals meh...musician skills stellar
Nuance wrote:
Hell ya!
Neil Peart was a God.
Hell ya!
Neil Peart was a God.
Turn up that volume to a 10😎
S-curvy wrote:
BOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
I'm sorry to my fellow RP listeners, I know there are things I like that you don't, but good gawd, I almost puked when I heard this in 1981. The more that things change, the more they stay the same...I need to puke again.
The voice from Hell....
The voice from Hell....
BOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
You are musically retarded.
I'm sorry to my fellow RP listeners, I know there are things I like that you don't, but good gawd, I almost puked when I heard this in 1981. The more that things change, the more they stay the same...I need to puke again.
The voice from Hell....
The voice from Hell....
I'm sorry to my fellow RP listeners, I know there are things I like that you don't, but good gawd, I almost puked when I heard this in 1981. The more that things change, the more they stay the same...I need to puke again.
The voice from Hell....
The voice from Hell....
freddyfender wrote:
That opinion brought to you by the people who brought you Jersey Shore, fake tans and super hold hair gell.
they're also responsible for bringing us Bongiovi.
That opinion brought to you by the people who brought you Jersey Shore, fake tans and super hold hair gell.
they're also responsible for bringing us Bongiovi.
RIP Neil Peart...
the music always lives
Thank you RP for keeping Neil alive. This song and much more Rush deserves a place here. Thank you Neil.
boober wrote:
I love you man
slappa da bass man!
I love you man
BCarn wrote:
"gemtag wrote: I find it hard to negative comment. But these guys suck. They are in my list of worst bands ever."
" fredphoesh: "Yep, heavy handed cock rock."
Wow. Both of you need help. This band is amazing.
One of the best bands of all time. Those with a low IQ would disagree
"gemtag wrote: I find it hard to negative comment. But these guys suck. They are in my list of worst bands ever."
" fredphoesh: "Yep, heavy handed cock rock."
Wow. Both of you need help. This band is amazing.
One of the best bands of all time. Those with a low IQ would disagree
lerxst wrote:
Are you too burned out to hit the skip button. Such a great song.
My favorite band by a long shot & I've seen them at least once on every tour for the past 30 years. This is a great, richly-layered song, but frankly I'm burned out on it. They have SO many other brilliant songs that I'd rather hear at this point. RP is where I come to hear stuff I can't hear every day on local radio. Shake it up, Bill.
Are you too burned out to hit the skip button. Such a great song.
jp33442 wrote:
Try the RP Rock mix....while I'm hearing this there, a Rush Song I wasn't familiar with was played earlier today and I'm sure you would have approved...or not....LLRP!!
So sick and tired of hearing this damn song, can’t RP play some rush that does not get radio AirPlay NEXT
Try the RP Rock mix....while I'm hearing this there, a Rush Song I wasn't familiar with was played earlier today and I'm sure you would have approved...or not....LLRP!!
So sick and tired of hearing this damn song, can’t RP play some rush that does not get radio AirPlay NEXT
jkforde wrote:
While I'm not a HUGE rush fan, I have this at a 9, while wondering if the nearly 10% of votes at a 1 are due to the regular radio play or some other reason.....I guess it doesn't matter to me since FM is like so 20th century to me and BillG plays this infrequently enough that I'm like "cool, good spin there BillG" and then I say Long Live RP and great tracks from our friendly neighbors to the north!!
wooohooo, Rush on RP.... 10
While I'm not a HUGE rush fan, I have this at a 9, while wondering if the nearly 10% of votes at a 1 are due to the regular radio play or some other reason.....I guess it doesn't matter to me since FM is like so 20th century to me and BillG plays this infrequently enough that I'm like "cool, good spin there BillG" and then I say Long Live RP and great tracks from our friendly neighbors to the north!!
wooohooo, Rush on RP.... 10
One of those voices that etched glass....
Brilliant musicians. The Cult of Rush. I'm in it.
The idea of someone labelling Rush "cock rock" is hilarious. Top notch musicians drawing lyrical influence from as disparate sources as Jane Jacobs to Ayn Rand.
freddyfender wrote:
Thumbs down to original comment, not reply
That opinion brought to you by the people who brought you Jersey Shore, fake tans and super hold hair gell.
That opinion brought to you by the people who brought you Jersey Shore, fake tans and super hold hair gell.
Dreadful.
And then they just get bored and fade out.
And then they just get bored and fade out.
👍
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Ha! Mine too! Marillion was the opener and the crowd was tough on them. Remember?
What a treat today, 1 st concert ever at Radio City Music Hall for the Signals tour , I’m very pleased to hear this “ power trio” on Radio Paradise! Comments by other listeners are right on! Thanks William.
Ha! Mine too! Marillion was the opener and the crowd was tough on them. Remember?
junebaby65 wrote:
Yea, they kind of lost their mojo towards the end of the 80's. I love everything through Grace Under Pressure. Love 'em or Hate 'em band!
I'm there through the early 90s ala Roll the Bones, and a little of Counterparts. Been pretty Meh on anything after that. The whole Moving Pictures album is top notch.
Yea, they kind of lost their mojo towards the end of the 80's. I love everything through Grace Under Pressure. Love 'em or Hate 'em band!
I'm there through the early 90s ala Roll the Bones, and a little of Counterparts. Been pretty Meh on anything after that. The whole Moving Pictures album is top notch.
"gemtag wrote: I find it hard to negative comment. But these guys suck. They are in my list of worst bands ever."
" fredphoesh: "Yep, heavy handed cock rock."
Wow. Both of you need help. This band is amazing.
gemtag wrote:
Yep, heavy handed cock rock.
I find it hard to negative comment. But these guys suck. They are in my list of worst bands ever.
Yep, heavy handed cock rock.
redeyespy wrote:
I kind of lost interest after Presto. But their 70's and early 80's stuff is essential IMHO.
I was very much into this band during elementary school through college, then previous discoveries of other, different sounding bands (ala The Replacements et al.) caused me to lose interest. I became one of those snobs who deemed them "uncool."
Re-listening to the old albums (up through Presto, at least) confirms that they were/are consummate pros, true musicians. Their sound just has some sort of emotional resonance for me.
I kind of lost interest after Presto. But their 70's and early 80's stuff is essential IMHO.
What a treat today, 1 st concert ever at Radio City Music Hall for the Signals tour , I’m very pleased to hear this “ power trio” on Radio Paradise! Comments by other listeners are right on! Thanks William.
redeyespy wrote:
Yea, they kind of lost their mojo towards the end of the 80's. I love everything through Grace Under Pressure. Love 'em or Hate 'em band!
I was very much into this band during elementary school through college, then previous discoveries of other, different sounding bands (ala The Replacements et al.) caused me to lose interest. I became one of those snobs who deemed them "uncool."
Re-listening to the old albums (up through Presto, at least) confirms that they were/are consummate pros, true musicians. Their sound just has some sort of emotional resonance for me.
Yea, they kind of lost their mojo towards the end of the 80's. I love everything through Grace Under Pressure. Love 'em or Hate 'em band!
Awesome! So good to hear Rush on RP....more please?
Best Saturday night ever!!!
Thanks for playing!!!!!
Rush was part of my formative years. I was supposed to see them at the Spectrum in Philly on the tour for this album in 1981. The trip was a disaster. Riding along with the guys in an old Plymouth Fury and one of the retreads fell apart on I-95 in the suburbs. Got it fixed and then got lost in Philly. By the time we pulled into the parking lot at the arena, the show was over. I was so angry. It's true: men never stop to ask for directions. Something from the days of $10 arena shows......I heard the show was great from friends who were present.
Geek ROCK!
A great Canadian rock success. Great tune, still stands the test of time. Geddy's voice is still an acquired taste 
If we're looking for a heartfelt melodic Rush song try : 'Second Nature' off 'Hold you Fire' or 'Losing it' from 'Signals' - both proper songs! And a laid back Geddy to boot.
Just love this band. This was the first track I ever heard of them. Back in the days.........still gets me rocking.
slappa da bass man!
lerxst wrote:
One of my favorite bands. Agreed, TS is a great song and maybe it's played so more people might recognize it's Rush, but hey....I'm not asking for By-Tor & the Snow Dog, but there are many "accessible" Rush tunes (if we have to go there), like The Analog Kid, Red Barchetta, Limelight, heck maybe even YYZ. Rush was voted into the R&R Hall of Fame this year with an overwhelming number of votes. It's nice to see them getting their due after 39 years.
If you're even remotely interested in seeing them live, I wouldn't miss their 40th anniversary tour next year, as they are sure to do one. They don't have opening acts, it's just 3 hours of Rush playing their asses off.
My favorite band by a long shot & I've seen them at least once on every tour for the past 30 years. This is a great, richly-layered song, but frankly I'm burned out on it. They have SO many other brilliant songs that I'd rather hear at this point. RP is where I come to hear stuff I can't hear every day on local radio. Shake it up, Bill.
One of my favorite bands. Agreed, TS is a great song and maybe it's played so more people might recognize it's Rush, but hey....I'm not asking for By-Tor & the Snow Dog, but there are many "accessible" Rush tunes (if we have to go there), like The Analog Kid, Red Barchetta, Limelight, heck maybe even YYZ. Rush was voted into the R&R Hall of Fame this year with an overwhelming number of votes. It's nice to see them getting their due after 39 years.
If you're even remotely interested in seeing them live, I wouldn't miss their 40th anniversary tour next year, as they are sure to do one. They don't have opening acts, it's just 3 hours of Rush playing their asses off.
My favorite band by a long shot & I've seen them at least once on every tour for the past 30 years. This is a great, richly-layered song, but frankly I'm burned out on it. They have SO many other brilliant songs that I'd rather hear at this point. RP is where I come to hear stuff I can't hear every day on local radio. Shake it up, Bill.
Admittedly Rush is not for everyone and sometimes they can be hit or miss with individual songs, but I've been a fan since the first time I heard the breakdown in The Necromancer and they'll always be one of my favorite bands.
I'm with fingerpin in giving it a 10 just to put some balance to all the haters.
I'm with fingerpin in giving it a 10 just to put some balance to all the haters.
Rockit wrote:
Rush has new stuff? Sorry, I dropped off the bandwagon somewhere around 1988...
Will someone please upload some of their newer stuff. There are many good tunes to choose from.
Rush has new stuff? Sorry, I dropped off the bandwagon somewhere around 1988...
Will someone please upload some of their newer stuff. There are many good tunes to choose from.
A brush with fame... The drummer lives in my township. Must say I have heard that his place is bigger than mine :)
Anyways - Neil Peart is an incredible human being and is a graduate of Berklee. It would be nice to meet him some day.
Anyways - Neil Peart is an incredible human being and is a graduate of Berklee. It would be nice to meet him some day.
I don't get the attraction to Rush, esp. homeboy's vocals and some of the lyrics..the music doesn't bug me so much
I just bumped this from a seven to an eight, then thought about the feeling it gave me when I first heard it when it came out.
I think I now have to bump again to 10. :-)
I think I now have to bump again to 10. :-)
That is some great rock drumming though.
treatment_bound wrote:
Touché.
Who is the idiot here? It's you're NOT your...
Touché.
yup, me too!Puts me in mind of "I Love You Man"
freddyfender wrote:
That opinion brought to you by the people who brought you Jersey Shore, fake tans and super hold hair gell.
Ad hominem attacks against someone who doesn't share your musical tastes? Really classy.
That opinion brought to you by the people who brought you Jersey Shore, fake tans and super hold hair gell.
Ad hominem attacks against someone who doesn't share your musical tastes? Really classy.
Average RP listener hates Rush, but loves Paul Simon and U2, ouch!, I prefer being an odd RP listener!
This average rating of a 7 just pissed me off. F*ck You!
andrewimft wrote:
Ditto to your comment.
And bump on the post - this record sounds awesome.
Far as I'm concerned, Rush can do no wrong. Their last 2 albums were the best they've made, I think, Vapor Trails and Snakes & Arrows. Their newest is supposed to come out at the end of May 2012. The new one is called Clockwork Angels. From the Rush wikepedia entry:
"Clockwork Angels" an "epic song" and a "multi-parted piece". <10> Peart said of the still in-work album in May 2011, "I intend it to be my highest achievement lyrically and drumming wise."<11>... science fiction novelist Kevin J. Anderson, a long time friend of Neil Peart, announced that he would be writing a novelization of Clockwork Angels. He also revealed information about the album's concept:<14> In a young man's quest to follow his dreams, he is caught between the grandiose forces of order and chaos. He travels across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy, with lost cities, pirates, anarchists, exotic carnivals, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life".
"Clockwork Angels" an "epic song" and a "multi-parted piece". <10> Peart said of the still in-work album in May 2011, "I intend it to be my highest achievement lyrically and drumming wise."<11>... science fiction novelist Kevin J. Anderson, a long time friend of Neil Peart, announced that he would be writing a novelization of Clockwork Angels. He also revealed information about the album's concept:<14> In a young man's quest to follow his dreams, he is caught between the grandiose forces of order and chaos. He travels across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy, with lost cities, pirates, anarchists, exotic carnivals, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life".
Ditto to your comment.
And bump on the post - this record sounds awesome.
I 10'd it in my quest to balance the universe. 
Chicago, Kominsky Park 1979.