Xanadu
Rush · Retrospective 1974-80
To walk the caves of ice
To break my fast on honey dew
And drink the milk of Paradise..."
I had heard the whispered tales
Of immortality
The deepest mystery
From an ancient book. I took a clue
I scaled the frozen mountain tops
Of eastern lands unknown
Time and Man alone
Searching for the lost - Xanadu
Xanadu -
To stand within The Pleasure Dome
Decreed by Kubla Khan
To taste anew the fruits of life
The last immortal man
To find the sacred river Alph
To walk the caves of ice
Oh, I will dine on honey dew
And drink the milk of Paradise
A thousand years have come and gone
But time has passed me by
Stars stopped in the sky
Frozen in an everlasting view
Waiting for the world to end
Weary of the night
Praying for the light
Prison of the lost - Xanadu
Xanadu -
Held within The Pleasure Dome
Decreed by Kubla Khan
To taste my bitter triumph
As a mad immortal man
Nevermore shall I return
Escape these caves of ice
For I have dined on honey dew
And drunk the milk of Paradise
Xanadu
Xanadu stands as a defining track from Rush's early progressive rock era, showcasing the band's signature blend of complex time signatures and melodic accessibility. Released on the 1977 album A Farewell to Kings, the song features the band's classic lineup of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. The recording is notable for its distinctive use of a synthesizer, which was a relatively new addition to their sonic palette at the time. Lyrically, the piece explores themes of an idealized, mythical place, reflecting the band's tendency toward conceptual storytelling. As a staple of their live performances for decades, Xanadu remains a testament to Rush's ability to craft intricate compositions that resonate with both casual listeners and dedicated fans. Its enduring popularity highlights the group's significant influence on the development of hard rock and progressive metal.