Cygnus X-1 Book One - The Voyage
Rush · Other Songs - Rush
There lurks a mysterious, invisible force
The Black Hole
of Cygnus X-1
Six Stars of the Northern Cross
In mourning for their sister's loss
In a final flash of glory
Nevermore to grace the night...
1
Invisible
To telescopic eye
Infinity
The star that would not die
All who dare
To cross her curse
Are swallowed by
A fearsome force
Through the void
To be destroyed
Or is there something more?
Atomized-at the core
Or throough the Astral Door-
To soar....
2
I set a course just east of Lyra
And northeast of Pegasus
Flew into the nilky light of Deneb
Sailed across the Milky Way
On my ship, the 'Rocinante'
Wheeling through the galaxies,
Headed for the heart of Cygnus
Headlong into mystery
The x-ray is her siren song
My ship cannot resist her long
Nearer to my deadly goal
Until the Black Hole-
Gains control...
3
Spinning, Whirling,
Still descending
Like a spiral sea,
Unending
Sound and Fury
Drowns my heart
Every nerve
Is torn apart...
Cygnus X-1 Book One - The Voyage
Rush's 'Cygnus X-1 Book One - The Voyage' stands as a pivotal track within the band's expansive catalog, exemplifying their signature fusion of progressive rock and cosmic themes. Released during a period where the group was refining their complex time signatures and intricate guitar work, the recording captures the band's fascination with astronomy and the unknown. The song features the distinctive interplay between Geddy Lee's bass lines and Neil Peart's precise drumming, characteristic of Rush's mid-to-late era output. It serves as a testament to the band's ability to weave narrative-driven lyrics with technical proficiency, creating an immersive soundscape that defines their contribution to the progressive rock genre. The track remains a staple for fans exploring the depth of Rush's discography and their enduring influence on alternative rock.