The Stars Look Down

Rush

Like the fly on the wheel, who says,
"What a lot of dust we're raising."
Are you under the illusion
That you're part of this scheme?
Does it seem a lifetime ago
That you looked with pride
On your world of dreams?

What is the meaning of this?
And the stars look down
What are you trying to do?
And the stars look down
Was it something I said?
And the stars look down

Like the rat in a maze who says
"Watch me choose my own direction."
Are you under the illusion
The path is winding your way?
Are you surprised by confusion
When it leads you astray?
Have you lived a lifetime today
Or do you feel like you just got carried away?

What is the meaning of this?
And the stars look down
What are you trying to do?
And the stars look down
Was it something I said?
And the stars look down
Something you'd like me to do?
And the stars look down

And the stars look down

What is the meaning of this?
And the stars look down
What are you trying to do?
And the stars look down
Was it something I said?
And the stars look down
Something you'd like me to do?
And the stars look down
And the stars look down
And the stars look down
And the stars look down


Lyrics submitted by nemt

The Stars Look Down song meanings
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5 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment
    I've read various stories about this song. One said that this was inspired by a sci-fi graphic novel and the other about questioning faith due to tragic events. Either case I really enjoy it.
    realitycrashon January 02, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    i think it is a question of faith because of what Neil had to go through. in the chorus he is tryin to figure out if what happened was supposed to mean something or if it was just bad luck. and the verses he's questioning whether or not he still wants to live his life and chase after his old dreams.
    harper83087on April 09, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    You're both basically right about the faith thing. To quote Peart from the Vapor Trails tourbook: "This seemed to express a fitting view of an uncaring universe."
    Skeith2005on October 16, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    The sequal to Freewill?
    Xanadudeon February 07, 2018   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Like the fly on the wheel who says "What a lot of dust we're raising." Like the rat in a maze who says "Watch me choose my own direction." The lyrics cut two ways. One is indignation of asserting self importance where none exists and the other is the in the grand scheme of things self-importance is the grand illusion. In the end it matters not and does not affect the final outcome. We are all born the same and we all die the same. Everything else is just the tapestries we either inherit, earn, or leave behind.
    john q1122on January 11, 2021   Link

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