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Totem Lyrics

I've got twelve disciples and a Buddha smile
Garden of Allah, Viking Valhalla
A miracle once in a while

I've got a pantheon of animals in a pagan soul
Vishnu and Gaia, Aztec and Maya
Dance around my totem pole
Totem pole...

I believe in what I see
I believe in what I hear
I believe that what I'm feeling
Changes how the world appears

Angels and demons dancing in my head
Lunatics and monsters underneath my bed
Media messiahs preying on my fears
Pop culture prophets playing in my ears

I've got celestial mechanics
To synchronize my stars
Seasonal migrations, daily variations
World of the unlikely and bizarre

I've got idols and icons, unspoken holy vows
Thoughts to keep well-hidden
Sacred and forbidden
Free to browse among the holy cows

That's why I believe

Angels and demons inside of me
Saviors and Satans all around me

Sweet chariot, swing low, coming for me
Song Info
Submitted by
elquemataranas On Apr 10, 2006
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Cover art for Totem lyrics by Rush

Among other things, it is about popular beliefs and religion, how aspects of it are used as tools by the media to make profit. There are so many differnt cultures, religions, and people whom all see the world different ways. You should believe in what you see, hear, and feel but make sure it is how YOU really feel and know not everyone will agree with you and see it the same way.

Cover art for Totem lyrics by Rush

I was raised Catholic and for many many years did not believe in a god at all due to circumstances in my own life. I have since come to believe that god is inside of each of us- for each to interpret for ourselves to its meaning. Our own feelings and choices make the world around us - not others feelings and choices. This song completely embodies and exemplifies my current beliefs in detail. To each of us their is a god- he just looks different to each of us.

Cover art for Totem lyrics by Rush

I agree with both of you. To each his own... Don't conform... And don't be fascist either

i love this song ! soo up beat and fun! :D

i always felt this had to do with religion i was always a strict catholic but then when i went through depression and insanity i realized how odd Christianity is compared to modern human psychology and now i'm not sure what to believe but god i love this tune its so dark at the chorus and i love the haunting guitar in the background

Cover art for Totem lyrics by Rush

Neil Peart was a devout atheist.

@Widetrack No, he was a self-proclaimed agnostic, not atheist. Agnostics simply say that we can't be sure of a god whereas an atheist denies a god.

No, he was an atheist. He’s said so many time; most notably when describing his lyrics to the Rush song, ‘Faithless’.

@Widetrack He wasn't a devout atheist. I don't think you understand the lyrics to Faithless. He was critiquing religious beliefs, mostly the Christianity in the southern US. Never once did he say he was an atheist. In fact in his book The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa", he stats that " [he is] a linear thinking agnostic, but not an atheist, folks"

 
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