This song was actually the song that got me into Rush in the first place. I'm a real science geek and I've taken a lot of classes on aquatic biology. "Red Tides" occur when phytoplankton (algae and other single-celled organisms) rapidly multiply in the water column and they can actually change the color of the water (to red, brown, purple, green, etc.). Some red tides (called harmful algal blooms) emit toxins that can cause fish-kills and can even make the water unsafe for swimming.
Red Tides are thought to be caused by (among other things) excess pollution run-off, so for me, this song is clearly about the environmental pollution that humans cause (ie: "stay out of the sun, it only burns my skin" and "river running like an open sore"). I especially like the line "too late for debate, too bad to ignore" because it highlights that environmental problems affect us all; we all need clean air to breathe and suitable drinking water but sometimes we chose to ignore these issues.
I also like how the song offers hope at the end with "Now's the time to turn the tide / Now's the time to fight."
@Rushofhippos Yes, well said. While aquatic life are innocent victims of the red tide, the red tide we face has been created by our own actions and carelessness.
@Rushofhippos Yes, well said. While aquatic life are innocent victims of the red tide, the red tide we face has been created by our own actions and carelessness.
This song was actually the song that got me into Rush in the first place. I'm a real science geek and I've taken a lot of classes on aquatic biology. "Red Tides" occur when phytoplankton (algae and other single-celled organisms) rapidly multiply in the water column and they can actually change the color of the water (to red, brown, purple, green, etc.). Some red tides (called harmful algal blooms) emit toxins that can cause fish-kills and can even make the water unsafe for swimming.
Red Tides are thought to be caused by (among other things) excess pollution run-off, so for me, this song is clearly about the environmental pollution that humans cause (ie: "stay out of the sun, it only burns my skin" and "river running like an open sore"). I especially like the line "too late for debate, too bad to ignore" because it highlights that environmental problems affect us all; we all need clean air to breathe and suitable drinking water but sometimes we chose to ignore these issues.
I also like how the song offers hope at the end with "Now's the time to turn the tide / Now's the time to fight."
I love this song!!!
@Rushofhippos Yes, well said. While aquatic life are innocent victims of the red tide, the red tide we face has been created by our own actions and carelessness.
@Rushofhippos Yes, well said. While aquatic life are innocent victims of the red tide, the red tide we face has been created by our own actions and carelessness.