This is easily my favorite song from Counterparts. I agree it could be about the self-motivated dream chaser, but the last line "What kind of difference can one person make?" could be interpreted to be more specifically about those who dedicate their lives to helping others and/or "changing the world".
But I would like to take this a little deeper and suggest that it may really be about the numerous times in our lives when we can choose to be selfish and short-sighted or choose to consider the greater good of humanity as we make decisions and form our opinions.
Neil Peart commented in his book, "Traveling Music" that, "Genius is the fire that lights itself." I've always been of the opinion that this song is about the nature of genius and its tendency to perpetually seek motion. I don't see the song as being about the tension between an unknowable "greater good" and one's own interest, but rather as a description of how genius and action are inextricably tied.
Neil Peart commented in his book, "Traveling Music" that, "Genius is the fire that lights itself." I've always been of the opinion that this song is about the nature of genius and its tendency to perpetually seek motion. I don't see the song as being about the tension between an unknowable "greater good" and one's own interest, but rather as a description of how genius and action are inextricably tied.
I hear echoes of "Mission" in these lyrics. "Obsession has to have action / Pride turns on the drive."
I hear echoes of "Mission" in these lyrics. "Obsession has to have action / Pride turns on the drive."
This is easily my favorite song from Counterparts. I agree it could be about the self-motivated dream chaser, but the last line "What kind of difference can one person make?" could be interpreted to be more specifically about those who dedicate their lives to helping others and/or "changing the world".
But I would like to take this a little deeper and suggest that it may really be about the numerous times in our lives when we can choose to be selfish and short-sighted or choose to consider the greater good of humanity as we make decisions and form our opinions.
Neil Peart commented in his book, "Traveling Music" that, "Genius is the fire that lights itself." I've always been of the opinion that this song is about the nature of genius and its tendency to perpetually seek motion. I don't see the song as being about the tension between an unknowable "greater good" and one's own interest, but rather as a description of how genius and action are inextricably tied.
Neil Peart commented in his book, "Traveling Music" that, "Genius is the fire that lights itself." I've always been of the opinion that this song is about the nature of genius and its tendency to perpetually seek motion. I don't see the song as being about the tension between an unknowable "greater good" and one's own interest, but rather as a description of how genius and action are inextricably tied.
I hear echoes of "Mission" in these lyrics. "Obsession has to have action / Pride turns on the drive."
I hear echoes of "Mission" in these lyrics. "Obsession has to have action / Pride turns on the drive."