The second verse to me, means that Neil didn't know he was going to be a famous drummer. (He was "cast in this unlikely role".)
And the second line of that same verse, "Ill-equipped to act", means that he doesn't know how to act around people, or the public. Everyone just knows him as a drummer; not as a person.
Then, "One must put up barriers to keep oneself in tact" means that he must block himself, from the public in a way as to not be overwhelmed by people.
And, the limelight -- the spot light. Everybody can see him, and knows who he is.
(Although, Alex takes the spotlight with his solo!)
The second verse to me, means that Neil didn't know he was going to be a famous drummer. (He was "cast in this unlikely role".)
And the second line of that same verse, "Ill-equipped to act", means that he doesn't know how to act around people, or the public. Everyone just knows him as a drummer; not as a person.
Then, "One must put up barriers to keep oneself in tact" means that he must block himself, from the public in a way as to not be overwhelmed by people.
And, the limelight -- the spot light. Everybody can see him, and knows who he is.
(Although, Alex takes the spotlight with his solo!)