Rush: Subdivisions

Before the Tragically Hip became known, Rush was a popular band among teens from Canadian-American border cities in the early to mid 1980s. They did have a fanatical following in certain areas which I didn't fully understand. I have to admit, I wasn't a big fan of the band. I knew a few of their songs, and they had a unique sound, but it wasn't one that really appealed to me.

The band is standing the test of time, however. Many of their songs were about teenage isolation, which unfortunately, never seems to go out of style. The song Subdivisions talks about the disconnect and alienation certain people feel growing up in the suburbs. Here are the opening lyrics from the song. Pretty impressive writing I have to say:

Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order
An insulated border
In between the bright lights
And the far unlit unknown

Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone

(Subdivisions)
In the high school halls
In the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth

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