We are the priests of the temples of syrinx

The themes of the classic album, 2112, by Canadian prog-rockers Rush, have some definite parallels with the current struggle between tech-conservatives and tech-progressives. As an interesting aside, Peart's lyrics were significantly influenced by the writings of Ayn Rand.

I. And the meek shall inherit the earth.



II. the temples of syrinx



... the massive grey walls of the temples rise from the

Heart of every federation city. I have always been awed

By them, to think that every single facet of every life is

Regulated and directed from within! our books, our music,

Our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent

Wisdom of the priests...



We’ve taken care of everything

The words you hear the songs you sing

The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes

It’s one for all and all for one

We work together common sons

Never need to wonder how or why



We are the priests of the temples of syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls

We are the priests of the temples of syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls



Look around this world we made

Equality our stock in trade

Come and join the brotherhood of man

Oh what a nice contented world

Let the banners be unfurled

Hold the red star proudly high in hand



We are the priests of the temples of syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.

We are the priests of the temples of syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls.



III. discovery



... behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was

Hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the

Dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in

My hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was

Beautiful ...

... I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn

The keys to make them sound differently. as I struck the

Wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious

Sounds, and soon my own music! how different it could

Be from the music of the temples! I can’t wait to tell the

Priests about it! ...



What can this strange device be?

When I touch it, it gives forth a sound

It’s got wires that vibrate and give music

What can this thing be that I found?



See how it sings like a sad heart

And joyously screams out it’s pain

Sounds that build high like a mountain

Or notes that fall gently like rain



I can’t wait to share this new wonder

The people will all see it’s light

Let them all make their own music

The priests praise my name on this night



IV. presentation



... in the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up

To a circle of grim, expressionless faces. father brown

Rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed

Throughout the silent temple hall. ...

... instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were

Words of quiet rejection! instead of praise, sullen

Dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as father brown

Ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his

Feet...



I know it’s most unusual

To come before you so

But I’ve found an ancient miracle

I thought that you should know



Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There’s something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you



Yes, we know it’s nothing new

It’s just a waste of time

We have no need for ancient ways

The world is doing fine



Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn’t fit the plan



I can’t believe you’re saying

These things just can’t be true

Our world could use this beauty

Just think what we might do



Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There’s something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you



Don’t annoy us further

We have our work to do

Just think about the average

What use have they for you?



Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn’t fit the plan



V. oracle: the dream



... I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so

Vivid to me. clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the

Oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase ...

... I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities

And the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works

Of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and

Understanding as I saw a completely different way to life,

A way that had been crushed by the federation long ago. i

Saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss

Of all these things ...



I wandered home though silent streets

And fell into a fitful sleep

Escape to realms beyond the night

Dream can’t you show me the light?



I stand atop a spiral stair

An oracle confronts me there

He leads me on light years away

Through astral nights, galactic days



I see the works of gifted hands

That grace this strange and wondrous land

I see the hand of man arise

With hungry mind and open eyes



They left the planets long ago

The elder race still learn and grow

Their power grows with purpose strong

To claim the home where they belong

Home, to tear the temples down...

Home, to change..



VI. soliloquy



... I have not left this cave for days now, it has become

My last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of

The waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live

Under the control of the federation, but there is no other

Place to go. my last hope is that with my death I may pass

Into the world of my dream, and know peace at last.



The sleep is still in my eyes

The dream is still in my head

I heave a sigh and sadly smile

And lie a while in bed

I wish that it might come to pass

Not fade like all my dreams



Just think of what my life might be

In a world like I have seen

I don’t think I can carry on

Carry on this cold and empty life

Oh...noo!



My spirits are low in the depths of despair

My lifeblood spills over..



VII. grand finale



Attention all planets of the solar federation

Attention all planets of the solar federation

Attention all planets of the solar federation

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.