second nature
Rush Lyrics
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Open letter to the powers that be
To a God, a King, a head of state
A captain of industry
To the movers and the shakers
Can't everybody see?
It ought to be second nature
Let's talk about this sensibly
We're not insensitive
I know progress has no patience
But something's got to give
I know you're different
You know I'm the same
We're both too busy
To be taking the blame
I'd like some changes
But you don't have the time
We can't go on thinking
It's a victimless crime
No one is blameless
But we're all without shame
We fight the fire
While we're feeding the flames
Folks have got to make choices
And choices got to have voices
Folks are basically decent
Conventional wisdom would say
Well, we read about
The exceptions
In the papers every day
It ought to be second nature
At least, that's what I feel
"Now I lay me down in Dreamland"
I know perfect's not for real
I thought we might get closer
But I'm ready to make a deal
Today is different
And tomorrow the same
It's hard to take the world
The way that it came
Too many rapids
Keep us sweeping along
Too many captains
Keep on steering us wrong
It's hard to take the heat
It's hard to lay blame
To fight the fire
While we're feeding the flames
The lyrics of Rush's song "Second Nature" convey a message to those in positions of power and influence. The song begins by addressing a higher office, a God, a King, a head of state, and a captain of industry. It calls out the people who shape society and asks if they can see the issues that need attention. It questions why certain things haven't become second nature, suggesting that the way we live should be more considerate and sensible.
The song acknowledges that progress can often be impatient, but emphasizes that something needs to change. The singer acknowledges that they are different from those in power but also points out that they share the same busyness and lack of time to address important matters. Although the singer desires change, they understand that it's difficult when there is no time allotted for it. The reality is that we can't keep ignoring these issues and pretending they only affect others.
The lyrics highlight the collective responsibility and shared guilt of society. It recognizes that no one is blameless, and while we may fight the fire, we also contribute to feeding the flames. This could refer to how, despite our efforts to address problems, we continue to perpetuate them unknowingly. The lyrics also suggest that choices need to be made, and these choices should have voices. While conventional wisdom often portrays people as decent, the reality is that exceptions exist daily and are reported in the media.
The song concludes with the notion that change should come naturally, but perfection is unrealistic. The singer expresses the hope of getting closer to their ideals and is willing to compromise to make it happen. The current day is seen as different, but tomorrow will likely be the same, highlighting the struggle of accepting the world as it is. The lyrics address the challenges of laying blame and taking the heat, as it is difficult to fight against the problems we also contribute to. The song ultimately urges society to recognize the need for change and take responsibility for their actions and choices.
Line by Line Meaning
A memo to a higher office
A written message addressed to those in a position of power and authority
Open letter to the powers that be
A public message directed towards those who hold influential positions
To a God, a King, a head of state
Referring to individuals with significant authority and control
A captain of industry
An influential figure in the business world
To the movers and the shakers
Addressing those who have the power to initiate change and make things happen
Can't everybody see?
Isn't it obvious to everyone?
It ought to be second nature
It should come naturally and be inherent
I mean, the places where we live
Referring to our surroundings and environment
Let's talk about this sensibly
Let's discuss this in a rational and practical manner
We're not insensitive
We are aware and considerate of others' feelings and needs
I know progress has no patience
Acknowledging that progress does not wait or tolerate delays
But something's got to give
A need for compromise and change to occur
I know you're different
Understanding that you have distinct perspectives
You know I'm the same
Recognizing that despite differences, there are similarities
We're both too busy
Both of us have demanding schedules
To be taking the blame
Neither of us want to accept responsibility
I'd like some changes
Desiring alterations and improvements
But you don't have the time
You are unavailable to dedicate time to those changes
We can't go on thinking
We cannot continue with our current mindset
It's a victimless crime
Believing that our actions do not harm anyone else
No one is blameless
Acknowledging that no one is without fault
But we're all without shame
Despite our faults, we do not feel guilty or remorseful
We fight the fire
We try to combat the problems and challenges
While we're feeding the flames
Simultaneously contributing to the issues we are trying to solve
Folks have got to make choices
Individuals have to make decisions
And choices got to have voices
Decisions need to be expressed and communicated
Folks are basically decent
People are fundamentally good and fair
Conventional wisdom would say
Common knowledge and accepted beliefs suggest
Well, we read about the exceptions
However, we often come across cases that are different
In the papers every day
In news articles and publications regularly
At least, that's what I feel
This is my personal opinion and perception
"Now I lay me down in Dreamland"
A phrase indicating a desire to escape reality and find solace
I know perfect's not for real
Being aware that perfection does not exist
I thought we might get closer
Expecting a stronger connection or bond
But I'm ready to make a deal
However, I am willing to negotiate and compromise
Today is different
The current situation has changed
And tomorrow the same
Yet, tomorrow is likely to be similar
It's hard to take the world
Coping with the challenges and realities of life
The way that it came
Accepting things as they are
Too many rapids
Numerous obstacles and difficulties
Keep us sweeping along
Causing us to continue moving quickly and without control
Too many captains
An abundance of leaders or decision-makers
Keep on steering us wrong
Continuing to guide us in the wrong direction
It's hard to take the heat
Difficult to handle criticism or pressure
It's hard to lay blame
Challenging to assign responsibility or fault
To fight the fire
To combat the problems and challenges we face
While we're feeding the flames
Yet, simultaneously contributing to the issues we are trying to solve
Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment
Written by: Neil Elwood Peart, Gary Lee Weinrib, Alex Zivojinovich
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind