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Superconductor Lyrics
Packaged like a rebel or a hero
Target mass appeal
To make an audience feel
He really means it
Package the illusion of persona
Careful to conceal
The fact that she's only too real
She's got to screen it
Hit you in a soft place
A melody so sweet
A strong and simple beat
That you can dance to
Watch his every move
Superconductor
Orchestrate illusions
Superconductor
Watch his every move
Superconductor
Hoping you'll believe
Designing to deceive
That's entertainment
He can put a target on the market
Bask in your applause
Reality withdraws
Now he believes it
The role becomes the actor
She's addicted to applause
The stage a world because
She never leaves it
Hit you in a soft place
With sentimental ease
They know the fantasies
That you romance to
Watch her every move
Superconductor
She can manipulate reactions
Superconductor
Watch her every move
Superconductor
Pin the donkeys on her tail
Fantasy for sale
That's entertainment...
Target mass appeal
To make an audience feel
He really means it
Careful to conceal
The fact that she's only too real
She's got to screen it
A melody so sweet
A strong and simple beat
That you can dance to
Superconductor
Orchestrate illusions
Superconductor
Watch his every move
Superconductor
Hoping you'll believe
Designing to deceive
That's entertainment
Bask in your applause
Reality withdraws
Now he believes it
She's addicted to applause
The stage a world because
She never leaves it
With sentimental ease
They know the fantasies
That you romance to
Superconductor
She can manipulate reactions
Superconductor
Watch her every move
Superconductor
Pin the donkeys on her tail
Fantasy for sale
That's entertainment...
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This song is about mass media (especially contemporary movies/tv/music). Things are created to pull at your heartstrings and make you like/dislike them without any thought. This idea is nothing new, but it goes one step farther!
The superconductor basks in your applause, and even he starts to 'believe it' 'The role becomes the actor' - the people involved in spinning a web of illusory/deceitful media begin to believe in their fictional world, and reject the reality the rest of us live in.
If you've ever wondered why all the "famous" musicians/actors/directors seem to all date other famous musicians/actors/directors, this is your answer.
@johnstt I think your answer is the best overall -- good job -- but it doesn't mention the meaning of the song name itself. Superconductors are a substance that offer no resistance to electrons. They were all the talk at the end of the 80s, as their benefits for the public market seemed imminent. I think that title was chosen to express the free and pure flow of energy between the performer and the audience, with all the consequences @johnstt mentions above.
@johnstt I think your answer is the best overall -- good job -- but it doesn't mention the meaning of the song name itself. Superconductors are a substance that offer no resistance to electrons. They were all the talk at the end of the 80s, as their benefits for the public market seemed imminent. I think that title was chosen to express the free and pure flow of energy between the performer and the audience, with all the consequences @johnstt mentions above.
It was written as a corny 80's song in order to poke fun at the music industry (and to a lesser extent themselves). If you can find the video on line (it's available on the delux version of Retrospective III) you'll see that very clearly.
Still, there are some aspects of the song that ring true even for bands that aren't pop. All good performers are excellent at creating or instilling energy in those who watch them.
Samees is spot on with this. The rise of the "next new thing talent show" is testament to Neils foresight with the industry he's in. Today's kids like music because it's popular and not because it's good or well crafted. Everyday Joe's are ramped up by Cowell and his mob to be number 1 acts based purely on exposure and not content. Coming from Rush that's pretty damning indeed. I love it. They're all "packaged" with their stories to make you care about them but not their talent, and the masses buy-in in droves. It's hilariously bad TV and music,...
Samees is spot on with this. The rise of the "next new thing talent show" is testament to Neils foresight with the industry he's in. Today's kids like music because it's popular and not because it's good or well crafted. Everyday Joe's are ramped up by Cowell and his mob to be number 1 acts based purely on exposure and not content. Coming from Rush that's pretty damning indeed. I love it. They're all "packaged" with their stories to make you care about them but not their talent, and the masses buy-in in droves. It's hilariously bad TV and music, but it keeps Ol' Simon in new swimming pools and the networks in business.
I'm seeing Rush in May for the 3rd time in my life in the UK in May, and I'm unbelievably grateful for the honour. Good bands are worth waiting for, and Rush are certainly one of them.
Great song highlighting the ease in which one can become a musical celebrity! - People exist (agents and such) that will blow sunshine up your arse and hype you out of all comprehension. I don't know who the fool is in this - the would be sucker or the consumer for listening to the "superconductor" in the first place.
Yeah Superconductor aka Simon Cowell
Yeah Superconductor aka Simon Cowell
I love the line "the stage a world", very reminiscent of Limelight. A great song, and the section after the "thats entertainment!" is very cool. Well worth a listen, as is any Rush song, but this one has a particular strength to blow you away.
The music video is great! John Goodman dancing was pretty hilarious.
Not a great Rush song. Corny 80's...