2112 (live At Hammersmith Odeon - February 20, 1978) Lyrics - Rush

I. Overture 

"And the meek shall inherit the earth." 

II. Temples of Syrinx 

...(The massive grey walls of the temples rise from the) 

(heart of every federation city. I have always been awed) 

(by them, to think that every single facet of every life is) 

(regulated and directed from within!) 

(Our books, our music) 

(Our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent) 

(Wisdom of the Priests)... 

We've taken care of everything 

From words you read and to songs you sing 

The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes. 

It's one for all and all for one 

We work together, common sons. 

Never need to wonder how or why. 

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We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx 

Our great computers fill our hallowed halls. 

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx 

All the gifts of life are held within our walls. 

Look around this world we made 

Equality, our stock in trade. 

Come and join the Brotherhood of Man. 

Oh, what a nice contented world. 

Let the banners be unfurled 

Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand. 

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx 

Our great computers fill our hallowed halls. 

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx 

All the gifts of life are held within our walls. 

Photos 

III. Discovery 

...(Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was) 

(hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the) 

(dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in) 

(my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was) 

(beautiful)... 

...(I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn) 

(the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the) 

(wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious) 

(sounds, and soon my own music!) 

(How different it could be) 

(from the music of the temples! I cant wait to tell the) 

(Priests about it!)... 

What can this strange device be? 

When I touch it, it gives forth a sound. 

It's got wires that vibrate and give music. 

What can this thing be that I found? 

See how it sings like a sad heart 

And joyously screams out its pain. 

Sounds that build high like a mountain 

Or notes that fall gently like rain. 

I can't wait to share this new wonder 

The people will all see its light. 

Let them all make their own music 

The Priests praise my name on this night. 

IV. Presentation 

...(In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up) 

(o a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father brown) 

(rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed) 

(throughout the silent temple hall)... 

...(Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were) 

(words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen) 

(dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as father brown) 

(ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his) 

(feet)... 

I know it's most unusual to come before you so 

But I've found an ancient miracle I thought that you should know. 

Listen to my music, and hear what it can do. 

There's something here as strong as life 

I know that it will reach you. 

Yes, we know, it's nothing new, it's just a waste of time. 

We have no need for ancient ways, the world is doing fine. 

Another toy will help destroy the elder race of man! 

Forget about your silly whim, it doesn't fit the plan. 

I can't believe you're saying, these things just can't be true. 

Our world could use this beauty, just think what we might do. 

Listen to my music, and hear what it can do. 

There's something here as strong as life 

I know that it will reach you. 

Don't annoy us further, we have our work to do. 

Just think about the average -- what use have they for you? 

Another toy will help destroy the elder race of man. 

Forget about your silly whim, it doesn't fit the plan. 

V. Oracle: The Dream 

...(I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so) 

(vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the) 

(Oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase)... 

...(I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities) 

(and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works) 

(of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and) 

(understanding as I saw a completely different way to life) 

(A way that had been crushed by the federation long ago.) 

(I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss) 

(of all these things)... 

I wandered home though the silent streets 

And fell into a fitful sleep. 

Escape to realms beyond the night 

Dream, can't you show me the light? 

I stand atop a spiral stair 

An oracle confronts me there. 

He leads me on light years away 

Through astral nights, galactic days 

I see the works of gifted hands 

That grace this strange and wondrous land. 

I see the hand of man arise 

With hungry mind and open eyes. 

They left the planet long ago 

The elder race still learn and grow. 

Their power grows with purpose strong 

To claim the home where they belong. 

Home, to tear the Temples down... 

Home, to change... 

VI. Soliloquy 

...(I have not left this cave for days now, it has become) 

(my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of) 

(the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live) 

(under the control of the federation, but there is no other) 

(place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass) 

(into the world of my dream, and know peace at last)... 

The sleep is still in my eyes 

The dream is still in my head. 

I heave a sigh and sadly smile 

And lie a while in bed. 

I wish that it might come to pass 

Not fade like all my dreams. 

Just think of what my life might be 

In a world like I have seen. 

I don't think I can carry on 

Carry on this cold and empty life. 

Oh, no... 

My spirits are low in the depths of despair... 

My lifeblood spills over... 

VII. Grand Finale 

Attention, all Planets of the Solar Federation... 

Attention, all Planets of the Solar Federation... 

Attention, all Planets of the Solar Federation. 

We have assumed control. 

We have assumed control. 

We have assumed control.