Lessons
The Rush Lyrics
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Reminding me and giving me a reason why
I know that my goal is more than a thought
I'll be there when I teach what I've been taught
And I've been taught
You know we've told you before
But you didn't hear us then
No you didn't listen again
You didn't listen again, whoa
Sweet memories, I never thought it would be like this
Reminding me, oh, just how close I came to missing
I know that this is the way for me to go
You'll be there when you know what I know
And I know
You know we've told you before
But you didn't hear us then
So you still question why
No, you didn't listen again
No, oh, oh
You didn't listen again
The Rush's song Lessons is a reflective track that talks about the importance of listening to advice and learning from our past experiences. The opening line references "sweet memories flashing very quickly by" which reminds the singer of the valuable life lessons they've learned. These lessons serve as a reason to continue on their path towards achieving their goals, echoing the popular belief that "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
The singer then addresses someone who has failed to learn from their past mistakes, warning them that they will continue to question why they aren't successful if they don't start to listen. This message is further emphasized in the second verse, where the singer reflects that they too neglected to listen at some point and almost missed out on valuable opportunities. They affirm that the lesson they learned is the way to go, and suggest that the listener will also see success if they take heed of the advice they're being given.
One interesting aspect of this song is the use of repetition, highlighting the importance of the message being conveyed. The chorus is repeated twice, as well as the line "I've been taught" which emphasizes the knowledge the singer is trying to pass on. Additionally, the melody is quite simplistic, with a steady beat and simple guitar riff, allowing for the lyrics to take center stage.
In terms of the lyrics themselves, it's interesting to note the shift in narrative perspective. In the first verse, the singer speaks in the first person, referencing their own memories and goals. However, in the chorus, they switch to the second person, addressing someone else directly. This use of pronouns helps to make the message feel more personal and relevant to the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet memories flashing very quickly by
Recollections of the past are appearing in my mind with such speed
Reminding me and giving me a reason why
They force me to contemplate and understand the purpose behind them
I know that my goal is more than a thought
I'm already aware that my aim is not merely an idea
I'll be there when I teach what I've been taught
Once I impart the knowledge that I've received, I'll have accomplished my task
And I've been taught
I have acquired the required knowledge
You know we've told you before
We have already explained this to you on a previous occasion
But you didn't hear us then
However, you failed to pay attention to us during that time
So you still question why
Now you are still uncertain and curious about the matter despite our earlier explanation
No you didn't listen again
Once again, you disregarded our words and didn't listen attentively
Sweet memories, I never thought it would be like this
I never imagined that my fond recollections of the past would affect me this much
Reminding me, oh, just how close I came to missing
They jog my memory and remind me how close I was to losing everything
I know that this is the way for me to go
I have already realized that this is the correct path for me to follow
You'll be there when you know what I know
Once you attain the same knowledge, you'll be there with me
And I know
I'm certain about my path and my goals in life
No, oh oh
You still failed to listen and comprehend, even now
You didn't listen again
You overlooked our explanation once more
Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment
Written by: Alex Lifeson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RCSkunkWorX
Sweet memories Flashing very quickly by
Reminding me Giving me a reason why
I know that My goal is more than a thought
I’ll be there When I teach what I’ve been taught
You know we’ve told you before
But you didn’t hear us then
So you still question why
You didn’t listen again
Sweet memories I never thought it would be like this
Reminding me Just how close I came to missing
I know that This is the way for me to go
You’ll be there When you know what I know
@ericthorfinnson3596
I believe Geddy was at his BEST on this album !!!
@justinmathewson3692
His voice was incredible ❤️💜
@steelalbanian2260
Geddys bassline is like a bumblebee, just hums along and holds the song
@pip12111
And Neil's fills
@nebula1924
I love that bass line. It's so smooth. Alex's outro solo is one of my favorites. I don't know what it is exactly. Sure it kicks ass, but it's more. The fade out is like that of a warm 70s day fading into the night. I'd like to go back there.
@cliffbrown2566
@Syd Listen to ozzy "tonite" and Randy Rhoads outro. They cut it off...but he is going off!
@davidweeks3758
Been listening to this album for over 40 years and I realize with no doubts this is my favorite album., period.
@cmonster67
Scoot over gramps, room for one more 40+ year fan? 🤘🤘🤘
@nickwelch8057
I saw the original 2112 tour in 1976. First we saw them in Evansville, then we followed them to St. Louis just a few nights later. I saw them a 3rd time on the 2112 tour but I can't remember which city, perhaps Terre Haute or St. Louis a second time. We saw then every time they came anywhere near Southern Illinois. I think I've seen them 6 or 7 times over the years.
@patrickcampbell2809
Amen brother