Closer To The Heart by Rush Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Lyrical Journey to a More Empathic Society

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Rush's Closer To The Heart at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart

The blacksmith and the artist
Reflect it in their art
They forge their creativity
Closer to the heart
Yes, closer to the heart

Philosophers and plowmen
Each must know his part
To sow a new mentality
Closer to the heart
Yes, closer to the heart, yeah, oh

Whoa, whoa
You can be the captain
And I will draw the chart
Sailing into destiny
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart
Well, closer to the heart, yeah
Closer to the heart
Closer to the heart
I said closer to the heart
Well, closer to the heart, yeah
Closer to your heart
Closer to your heart, whoa

In a world often splintered by division and discord, music asserts its power as a unifying force, capable of igniting the desire for a more compassionate society. ‘Closer to the Heart’ by Rush stands as a testament to this redemptive potential, serving as a rallying cry for change that begins within the human spirit.

Written by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, with lyrics by Neil Peart and Peter Talbot, this song fuses progressive rock virtuosity with a message that transcends time and genre. ‘Closer to the Heart’ is not just a song—it’s a philosophical manifesto, and an intimate look into Rush’s profound understanding of the human condition and the societal structures that shape it.

Harmonizing Hierarchies: The Call for Enlightened Leadership

Rush sets the stage with an egalitarian message, eschewing the traditional hierarchies by stating that ‘the men who hold high places must be the ones to start’. It’s a recognition that for real change to happen, it must emanate from those in positions of influence and power, urging them to create a ‘new reality’ that aligns with the core—that is, the heart—of all people.

Through this lens, the song’s opening lines are a rebuke of detached leadership, serving as a defiant insistence that those at the top must deeply embrace their humanity, integrating empathy into the very foundations of their governance and influence.

The Crucible of Creativity: Blacksmiths and Artists as Change Agents

Transitioning from the abstract to the tangible, the song uses the metaphor of the blacksmith and artist molding their creations ‘closer to the heart.’ This verse speaks volumes about personal contribution, inferring that every individual’s work, be it physical or intellectual, has the power to shape and reflect the values and virtues of the society we envisage.

Rush urges every artisan and creator to recognize and harness their potential to forge not just physical objects or works of art, but to be instrumental in the cultural and ideological craftsmanship of their time.

Philosophers and Plowmen: The Symbiotic Dance of Thought and Labor

In a graceful acknowledgment of different social roles, ‘Closer to the Heart’ proposes that philosophers and plowmen each have a unique yet equally valuable contribution. ‘Each must know his part,’ suggests an inherent respect for both intellectual and manual labor, as each plays a crucial role in cultivating a ‘new mentality’ necessary for transformation.

Here, Rush crafts a portrait of societal harmony where reflection and action coexist, hinting at a paradigm wherein practicality and idealism are not at odds but are two sides of the same coin, collectively nurturing a world that is closer in spirit and ideal.

The Chart to Destiny: A Vision of Collective Empowerment

Employing the nautical imagery of a captain and a chart drawer, the band symbolizes the interdependent nature of leading and following. ‘You can be the captain, and I will draw the chart’ suggests that while we each play different roles, the journey we are on is a shared one, with the destiny being a universal condition of empathy and understanding.

It’s a poignant reminder that while individual ambitions are valuable, they gain their true strength when anchored in the collective good—a journey that brings society closer not just to a destination, but to the core of our shared humanity.

Lingering Echoes: The Memorable Lines That Echo Through Time

Lines like ‘to mold a new reality closer to the heart’ resonate with the enduring quest to align our external world with our innermost values. These words not only offer a melodic hook but echo as a philosophical one, embedding themselves in the listener’s consciousness, urging them to reflect and perhaps adopt this quest as their own.

In a world that often feels like it’s spinning away from our grasp, these immortal lines from Rush serve as a soothing balm, a verbal incantation to bring our collective psyche ‘closer to the heart,’ closer to what matters most.