Distant Early Warning
Rush · Time Stand Still: The Collection [2010]
An ill wind comes arising
Across the cities of the plain
There's no swimming in the heavy water
No singing in the acid rain
Red alert
Red alert
It's so hard to stay together
Passing through revolving doors
We need someone to talk to
And someone to sweep the floors
Incomplete
Incomplete
Chorus
The world weighs on my shoulders
But what am I to do?
You sometimes drive me crazy
But I worry about you
I know it makes no difference
To what you're going through
But I see the tip of the iceberg
And I worry about you...
Cruising under your radar
Watching from satellites
Take a page from the red book
Keep them in your sights
Red alert
Red alert
Left and rights of passage
Black and whites of youth
Who can face the knowledge
That the truth is not the truth?
Obsolete
Absolute
Chorus
Absalom, Absalom, Absalom
Distant Early Warning
Distant Early Warning stands as a compelling example of Rush's early progressive rock experimentation, showcasing the band's ability to blend complex arrangements with driving rhythms. Recorded during a period of significant artistic growth, the track highlights the interplay between Geddy Lee's bass lines, Alex Lifeson's textured guitar work, and Neil Peart's precise drumming. While often overshadowed by the band's later concept albums, this recording captures the raw energy and technical proficiency that would define their subsequent discography. The song reflects the group's willingness to explore darker, more atmospheric themes within a rock framework, establishing a sonic identity that resonated with fans of the genre. Its inclusion in various compilations underscores its enduring appeal as a representative piece of the band's formative years.