"2112" was written by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Pert of the band, Rush.
"I lie awake, out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the sky. I used to think I had a pretty life here, just plugging into my machine for the day, then Templevision or reading a Temple Paper in the evening.
"My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than the atmospheric domes of the Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under the Red of the Solar Federation. The less gave us a few new moons. I believed I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. I found something that changed it all..."
I. "And the meek shall the earth."
II. The Temples of ... "The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them, to think that every facet of every life is and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked by the benevolent wisdom of the priests..." We've taken care of The words you hear the songs you The that give pleasure to your eyes one for all and all for one We together common sons Never need to how or why
We are the Priests of the Temples of Our computers fill the hallowed halls We are the Priests of the Temples of All the gifts of life are held our walls
around this world we made Equality our stock in Come and join the of Man Oh what a contented world Let the banners be Hold the Red proudly high in hand
We are the of the Temples of Syrinx Our computers fill the hallowed halls. We are the Priests of the of Syrinx All the gifts of life are within our walls.
III. ... "Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it in my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful" ... ... "I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to them sound differently. As I struck the with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my own music! How it could be from the music of the Temples! I wait to tell the priests about it! ..."
What can this device be? When I touch it, it forth a sound It's got wires that vibrate and music What can this thing be I found?
See how it sings a sad heart And screams out its pain Sounds that high like a mountain Or notes that fall gently rain
I wait to share this new wonder The people will all see its Let all make their own music The praise my name on this night
IV. ... "In the sudden as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his voice throughout the silent Temple Hall." ... ... "Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to beneath his feet..."
I it's most unusual To come you so But found an ancient miracle I that you should know
to my music And hear it can do There's something as strong as life I that it will reach you
Yes, we it's nothing new It's a waste of time We no need for ancient ways The world is doing
Another toy will destroy The elder of man about your silly whim It fit the plan, no!
I can't believe saying These things can't be true Our world could use this think what we might do
Listen to my And hear it can do There's something here as as life I know that it will you
annoy us further We have our to do Just think about the What use they for you?
Another toy will help The race of man Forget about silly whim It fit the plan
V. The Dream ... "I it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the of the staircase" ... ... "I see still the incredible beauty of the cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely way to life, a way had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all things ..."
I home though the silent streets And fell a fitful sleep Escape to realms beyond the Dream can't you me the light?
I stand atop a stair An oracle confronts me He leads me on light away Through astral nights, days
I see the works of hands That grace this strange and land I see the hand of man With hungry mind and eyes
They the planet long ago The elder race learn and grow Their grows with purpose strong To claim the home where they Home, to tear the down... Home, to change...
VI. ... "I have not left this cave for days now, it has my last refuge in my total despair. I have the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but is no other place to go. My last is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know at last."
The sleep is in my eyes The dream is in my head I heave a sigh and sadly And lie a in bed I that it might come to pass Not fade all my dreams
Just think of my life might be In a like I have seen I don't I can carry on Carry on this and empty life Oh...noo!
My spirits are low in the of despair My spills over...
VII. Finale Attention all Planets of the Solar Attention all of the Solar Federation Attention all Planets of the Solar We have control. We assumed control. We assumed control.