Caravan
The Rush Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

In a world lit only by fire
A long train of flares
Under piercing stars
I stand watching the steam-liners roll by

The caravan thunders onward
To the distant dream of the city
The caravan carries me onward
On my way at last, on my way at last

I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big

On a road lit only by fire
Going where I want
Instead of where I should
I peer out at the passing shadows

Carried through the night into the city
Where a young man has
A chance of making good
A chance to break from the past

The caravan thunders onward
Stars winking through the canvas hood
The caravan thunders onward
On my way at last, on my way at last

I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big

I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
In a world where I feel so small
I can't stop thinking big

I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big

I can't stop thinking big
I can't stop thinking big
In a world where I feel so small
I can't stop thinking big





(In a world where I feel so small)
(I can't stop thinking big)

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of The Rush's song "Caravan" set the scene for a journey through a world of change, ambition and discovery. In this world, everything is uncertain, and our protagonist feels like a small figure in a vast, unpredictable universe. But there is a sense of excitement and possibility here, as he watches a long train of flares careering towards the city. As he peers out into the dark, he knows that he has the chance to break free from his past and create a new future for himself.


The concept of the 'caravan' is key to the song's meaning. It represents the journey we all take through life, with all of its ups and downs, twists and turns. For our protagonist, this journey is especially fraught with challenges and danger, but he is determined to keep moving forward. Throughout the song, there is a sense of momentum and urgency, as the caravan "thunders onward" through the night, towards an uncertain but hopeful future.


The chorus of the song, in which the singer repeats that he "can't stop thinking big", is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt small and insignificant in the face of an overwhelming world. It is a reminder that we all have the power to dream big and make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others. And as the song comes to a close, we are left with the sense that our protagonist is heading towards something meaningful and important, driven by his own ambition and determination.


Line by Line Meaning

In a world lit only by fire
In a world with limited opportunities and a challenging environment


A long train of flares
People trying to find their way in the dark and struggling to light their path


Under piercing stars
With the constant reminder of the sheer scale and magnificence of the universe


I stand watching the steam-liners roll by
Watching others succeed and move towards their goals with ease, while I remain stationary and unsure


The caravan thunders onward
The unstoppable march of progress and the passage of time


To the distant dream of the city
The allure of a better life and more opportunities


The caravan carries me onward
Being swept along with the crowd, unable to escape the pull of progress


On my way at last, on my way at last
Finally making progress towards my dreams and goals


I can't stop thinking big
Having lofty ambitions and refusing to settle for anything less


On a road lit only by fire
Pursuing a path with limited visibility and knowing that obstacles and challenges lie ahead


Going where I want
Taking control of my own destiny and choosing my own path


Instead of where I should
Ignoring the expectations of others and carving out my own way


I peer out at the passing shadows
Observing the experiences of others while still feeling uncertain about my own journey


Carried through the night into the city
Being swept along by the momentum of progress, even in the darkest and most challenging times


Where a young man has
A reminder that youth and ambition are important factors in achieving success


A chance of making good
Opportunities for growth, success, and achieving one's dreams


A chance to break from the past
An opportunity to leave behind previous failures, mistakes, and regrets


Stars winking through the canvas hood
Reminders of the vastness and beauty of the universe, even during difficult times


I can't stop thinking big
Constantly striving towards ambitious goals and refusing to settle for mediocrity


In a world where I feel so small
Feeling a sense of insignificance in the face of massive challenges and opportunities




Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Neil Elwood Peart

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions