The Anthem
The Rush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me
Keep on looking forward, no use in looking 'round
Hold your head above the ground and they won't bring you down
Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind
A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind
We marvel after those who sought
Wonders in the world they wrought
Live for yourself, there's no one else
More worth living for
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more
Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind
A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind
We marvel after those who sought
New wonders in the world, wonders in the world,
Wonders in the world they wrought
Though I know they've always Told you selfishness is wrong
Yet it was for me not you
I came to write this song
Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind
A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind
We marvel after those who sought
New wonders in the world, wonders in the world,
Wonders in the world they wrought
The Anthem by The Rush is a song that speaks to the listener's inner self, encouraging them to live their lives on their terms. The lyrics paint a picture of a world in which there are those who speak out against individuality and independence. The song stresses the importance of staying true to one's desires and aspirations, rather than trying to satisfy others' expectations or conform to their standards. The opening verse repeats the idea that we should pursue what makes us happy and ignore others who try to tell us what we owe them.
The chorus functions as a sort of a call to arms: "Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind / A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind / We marvel after those who sought / New wonders in the world, wonders in the world, / Wonders in the world they wrought." The song glorifies those who challenge societal norms and create new wonders. The final verse acknowledges the selfishness within ourselves that sometimes motivates our actions, yet recognizes this as a part of what makes us who we are.
Overall, The Anthem has become an emblem of the human struggle for independence and self-determination. It is a song that continues to resonate with listeners who felt lost or confined and has inspired many to break free from the restrictions of society and pursue their own path.
Line by Line Meaning
Know your place in life is where you want to be
It is important to live your life on your own terms.
Don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me
Don't let anyone else take credit for your successes.
Keep on looking forward, no use in looking 'round
Focus on the future and don't dwell on the past.
Hold your head above the ground and they won't bring you down
Be confident in yourself and others won't be able to bring you down.
Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind
There are two sides to our personal anthems: emotional and intellectual.
A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind
A somber tribute to those who are unable to see the beauty of the world.
We marvel after those who sought
We admire those who seek to create something new and innovative.
New wonders in the world, wonders in the world, Wonders in the world they wrought
The amazing things that these people have brought to the world are incredibly inspiring.
Live for yourself, there's no one else More worth living for
It's important to prioritize your own happiness and well-being.
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more
No amount of external validation will ever be enough if you're not happy with yourself.
Though I know they've always Told you selfishness is wrong
Society often frowns upon putting yourself first.
Yet it was for me not you I came to write this song
This song is a personal expression and not intended to please anyone else.
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: NEIL ELWOOD PEART, GARY LEE WEINRIB, ALEX ZIVOJINOVICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind