Freewill
Rush · Exit...Stage Left
Has nothing left to chance,
A host of holy horrors
To direct our aimless dance
A planet of playthings
We dance on the strings
Of powers we cannot perceive
"The stars aren't aligned -
Or the gods are malign"
Blame is better to give than receive.
You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that's clear-
I will choose free will
There are those who think that
They've been dealt a losing hand,
The cards were stacked against them-
They weren't born in Lotus-Land
All pre-ordained
A prisoner in chains
A victim of venomous fate
Kicked in the face
You can pray for a place
In heaven's unearthly estate
You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that's clear-
I will choose free will
Each of us
A cell of awareness
Imperfect and incomplete
Genetic blends
With uncertain ends
On a fortune hunt
That's far too fleet.
You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that's clear-
I will choose free will!!!
Freewill
Freewill stands as a defining track from Rush's 1978 album Exit...Stage Left, capturing the band at a pivotal moment of transition. Moving away from the complex, progressive structures of their earlier work, the song showcases a more direct and accessible rock sound while retaining the group's signature instrumental prowess. The recording features the tight interplay between Geddy Lee's bass, Neil Peart's dynamic drumming, and Alex Lifeson's textured guitar work, elements that would come to define their classic era. As a cornerstone of their discography, the track reflects the band's exploration of philosophical themes through a driving musical framework. Its enduring presence in live performances and its role in establishing the band's identity make it an essential listen for understanding Rush's evolution during the late 1970s.