Rivendell
Rush · Fly By Night [1975]
Soft winds stir the sighing trees
Lying in the warm grass
Feel the sun upon your face
Elven songs and endless nights
Sweet wine and soft relaxing lights
Time will never touch you
Here in this enchanted place
I've traveled now for many miles
It feels so good to see the smiles of
Friends who never left your mind
When you were far away
From the golden light of coming dawn
Till the twilight when the sun is gone
We treasure every season
And every passing day
You feel there's something calling you
You're wanting to return
To where the misty mountains rise and friendly fires burn
A place you can escape the world
Where the dark lord cannot go
Peace of mind and santcuary by loud water's flow
We feel the coming of a new day
Dark gives way to light a new way
Stop here for a while until the world
The world calls you away
Yet you know I've had the feeling
Standing with my senses reeling
This is the place to grow old 'til
I reach my final day
You feel there's something calling you
You're wanting to return
To where the misty mountains rise and friendly fires burn
A place you can escape the world
Where the dark lord cannot go
Peace of mind and sanctuary by loud water's flow
Rivendell
Rush's "Rivendell" stands as a defining track from their 1975 album Fly By Night, marking a pivotal shift toward the progressive rock sound that would define their career. The song showcases the band's early mastery of complex time signatures and atmospheric instrumentation, blending acoustic introspection with electric intensity. Lyrically inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the composition reflects the group's growing interest in literary themes and fantasy narratives. This recording highlights the interplay between Geddy Lee's bass, Alex Lifeson's guitar textures, and Neil Peart's evolving drumming style. As a cornerstone of their discography, the work demonstrates the trio's ability to craft expansive sonic landscapes that balance technical precision with emotional resonance, cementing their status as innovators within the genre.