Polarize me
Sensitize me
Criticize me
Civilize me
Compensate me
Animate me
Complicate me
Elevate me

Goddess in my garden
Sister in my soul
Angel in my armor
Actress in my role

Daughter of a demon lover
Empress of the hidden face
Priestess of the pagan mother
Ancient queen of inner space

Polarize me
Sensitize me
Criticize me
Civilize me
Compensate me
Animate me
Complicate me
Elevate me

Spirit in my psyche
Double in my role
Alter in my image
Struggle for control

Mistress of the dark unconscious
Mermaid of the lunar sea
Daughter of the great enchantress
Sister to the boy inside of me

Polarize me
Sensitize me
Criticize me
Civilize me
Compensate me
Animate me
Complicate me
Elevate me

My counterpart, my foolish heart
A man must learn to rule his tender part
A warming trend, a gentle friend
A man must build a fortress to defend

A secret face, a touch of grace
A man must learn to give a little space
A peaceful state, a submissive trait
A man must learn to gently dominate

Polarize me
Sensitize me
Criticize me
Civilize me
Compensate me
Animate me
Complicate me
Elevate me

Complicate me
Elevate me


Lyrics submitted by shed27, edited by Rush4Peace

Animate Lyrics as written by Alex Lifeson Geddy Lee

Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Animate song meanings
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7 Comments

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  • +2
    My Interpretation

    While I agree its about the balance of masculine/feminine and how they must learn to compliment - i think this song is about two people not one.

    Its about the challenges that masculinity faces when it meets its counterpart in a special someone, and how he must learn to let his guard down just the right amount so that they may compliment each other and become truly unified! It makes me think of learning to live with my girlfriend...

    eggboy1988on March 13, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I think Neil's writing about finding a person (lover) who can basically light up your life. And that includes becoming more sensitive. That gain of sensitivity on the males behalf, will undoubtedly strengthen the relationship. He's also describing all these different roles his lover plays to his subconscious and how the woman he's fallen in love with has changed him.

    sonoflifeon December 28, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I cannot imagine life without Rush, they're simply the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!

    crimsonidol910on July 09, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    "Animate" itself is a pun on the Jungian concepts of anima / animus; the subconscious manifestations of the masculine and feminine. Western culture likes to create dualisms, and gender is no different. As such, the western school of thought is to presume a man is to be fully masculine and a woman to be fully feminine (add into this the cultural distortions of gender thereupon, and you can get a good image of why this becomes problematic).

    The idea expressed here is to recognize that we possess both masculine and feminine identities and characteristics, and integrate our two halves so that we may become more balanced, complete individuals.

    "Counterparts" as an album is about seeking balance, internal and external: making peace with yourself and extending that harmony to those around you. It is a very personally mature body of work in this regard. It recognizes that we all have demons that we must embrace (Stick it Out), but also not to let our own problems drag others down and to view others with love and compassion no matter how different they are or what their situation (Nobody's Hero).

    mfratton September 08, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song is about the dualities of man. Read the theories on "man's feminine side" by Carl Jung.

    myfaveheadacheon May 01, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    There's a feminine side to every man, and they need to be more open about it.

    everyday_gloryon July 22, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    m.youtube.com/watch might as well let Neil explain

    ratmod12on April 26, 2014   Link

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