2112 Overture/the Temples Of Syrinx Lyrics - Rush

"I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness 

of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging 

into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken 

grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as 

they trace their way across the steely sky. 

I used to think I had a pretty good life here, 

just plugging into my machine for the day, 

then watching Templevision or reading a Temple 

Paper in the evening. My friend Jon always 

said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric 

domes of the Outer Planets. We have had peace 

since 2062, when the surviving planets were 

banded together under the Red Star of the Solar 

Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new 

moons. I believed what I was told. I thought it 

was a good life, I thought I was happy. 

Then I found something that changed it all..." 

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Anonymous, 2112 

I. Overture 0: 00 

"And the meek shall inherit the earth." 

II. Temples of Syrinx 4: 33 

... "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 

The words you hear the 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. 

Photos 

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx 

Our great computers 

Fill the 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 the hallowed halls 

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx 

All the gifts of life 

Are held within our walls 

III. Discovery 6: 45 

... "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 can't 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 are 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 10: 14 

... "In the sudden silence as I finished playing, 

I looked up to 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 13: 56 

... "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 15: 56 

... "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. The Grand Finale 18: 17 

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.