Song #234: "Freewill"--Rush (1980)

Geddy Lee and company are back with the second of their four contributions to our countdown with a song that has it all.

Fantastic guitar opening?  Check.
Driving music set-up thanks to incredible guitar work? Check
Ability to slow down, speed up, matching the song's meaning? Check
Deep message? You got it.

The premise is painfully simple. There is free will, and while I disagree with the premise of it not being a gift, but rather a choice (I believe it's both), the kicker is right on the money. You can choose to elude free will altogether, but, by doing so, you've still made the choice.

I grab the lyrics for you just to post and think about. Today's lesson is about being grateful we have the ability to choose. I heart me some free will!

Now, the key is.....to choose wisely.

We'll return to their "Permanent Waves" project for another Rush tune in the not too distant future.

There are those who think that life
Has nothing left to chance
A host of holy horrors
To direct our aimless dance

A planet of playthings
We dance on the strings
Of powers we cannot perceive
The stars aren't aligned
Or the gods are malign
Blame is better to give than receive

You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that's clear
I will choose free will

There are those who think that
They've been dealt a losing hand
The cards were stacked against them
They weren't born in Lotus-Land

All preordained
A prisoner in chains
A victim of venomous fate
Kicked in the face
You can't pray for a place
In heaven's unearthly estate