Sweet Miracle

i would say that the guess that peart wrote this song about the lowest point in his life is correct. it seems to just say how low he was, very lyrically of course, add in the customary awesome guitar and bass parts, drums and then we have a rush soon-to-be classic

Ä°n my opinion this song is about a criticism of religions.

I wasn't walking on water I was standing on a reef When the tide came in

I think this part is about Moses and his intervention to the Red Sea.

Ä°n every part and paragraph we see a denial about miracles, magics....

i think this is about when Neil found his reason for living...i havent finished his book yet so i dont know if its in there but thats what this sounds like.

Consider the following: There is many a song which argues for the existence of a god from a personal perspective, by way of the lyricist making a case that some miracle has affected their life, and that this supposed miracle proves or evidences their god's existence.

Peart had experienced severe tragedy relatively recently before writing these lyrics (his daughter and then his wife died less than a year apart from each other). In light of Peart's recent tragic experiences, this song could perhaps be considered a rebuttal of those songs in which the lyricist states (or tries to imply) that their experience of a 'miracle' proves or evidences their god's existence (as I described above).

So what I'm trying to say is that, if the occurence of an amazing event in a person's life is to be considered a satisfactory reason for that person to believe in the existence of a good god, then we ought to at least try to be consistent, and therefore to wonder what conclusions should be drawn from terrible and unbelievable tragedy and suffering - what could perhaps be described as an 'anti-miracle'. Should we conclude, then, that god controls both 'miracles' and 'anti-miracles' - or should we instead conclude that unexpected occurences will naturally happen from time to time, and no god is required to explain them?

What I think this song means is that Neil is saying he has been overwhelmed with grief over the loss of his wife and daughter. I think the first verse says he was there and then he was swept away. He didn't have a choice or any control so he was swept away. The sweet miracle is his wife and daughter whom he missis very much and wishes they could be with him now. The second verse where he says he is raging against the night I think is about the feeling of being alone. I think the salvation is and further the miracle is also the will to go on with life. So in essence the song is about death of loved ones and missing them greatly, but forgiving yourself for still being alive and going on with life.