The meaning of Ride Into The Sun by Rush

Ride Into the Sun is a song by Canadian rock band Rush, released in 1980 on their album Permanent Waves. The song's lyrics are somewhat abstract, but they appear to be about embracing the unknown and charging forward into the face of uncertainty.

The opening lines, "We're not just drifters, we're not just drivers / We're not just riders, we're not just survivors," set the tone for a song that's all about motion and progression. The lyrics go on to describe a sense of momentum building as the band hurtles through the unknown, with the repeated refrain of "Ride into the sun" serving as a kind of battle cry.

One of the most striking things about Ride Into the Sun is its use of imagery and metaphor to convey a sense of forward motion. The lyrics are full of vivid descriptions of natural phenomena - "The trees are bending, the rivers are flowing / The clouds are breaking, the thunder's growing" - which serve to underscore the idea that the band is moving through a turbulent but ultimately beautiful landscape.

Lyrically, Ride Into the Sun has been interpreted in a number of ways over the years. Some have seen it as a reflection of the band's own experiences on the road, with Neil Peart's drums and Geddy Lee's vocals serving as a kind of sonic representation of the motion and energy that drives their lives. Others have read the song as a commentary on the human condition, with its themes of perseverance and forward thinking serving as a kind of metaphor for the struggles and triumphs we all face.

Musically, Ride Into the Sun is a showcase for Rush's technical prowess. The song features some of Neil Peart's most intricate drum work, including a memorable breakbeat that serves as a kind of rhythmic anchor throughout the track. Geddy Lee's bass playing is also noteworthy, with his distinctive tone and playing style adding a layer of depth and complexity to the song.

Overall, Ride Into the Sun is a standout track in Rush's discography, with its blend of powerful imagery, driving rhythms, and soaring vocals serving as a kind of sonic embodiment of the band's themes of perseverance and forward thinking.