If you’re a veteran who loves classic rock, then you’re definitely familiar with the iconic band Rush.
Before the phrase “slappin’ the bass” was popularized by Paul Rudd in the movie, “I Love You, Man” this Canadian trio was revolutionizing the sound and definition of rock.
They gave headbangers huge power chords, synth melodies and a drummer that could literally blow our minds with beats and solos that modern rock had never seen before. Just listen to the monster backbeat Peart lays down on this version of their classic "Spirit of the Radio." Between every note is a sonic punch of drums that no other drummer had even thought about doing before Peart climbed behind the kit.
His sick drumming skills are on full display when you watch their all-time classic "Tom Sawyer".
Sadly in January, this legendary drummer (and the creative genius behind many of the band’s emotional lyrics) passed away after fighting brain cancer.
As tributes and condolences filled the airwaves, newscasts and social media I noticed one that resonated as deeply as the lyrics. The song is “Time Stand Still” and the performers are The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”.
In the video’s credits, we see how Rush and this song, in particular, had an incredible influence on singer Sergeant First Class Tim Whalen, “The lyrics to this song have always resonated deeply with me, and they show Neil’s heart. I wanted to showcase the deep humanity he had in his writing. The song is about life moving too fast, due to both things we can control and things we can’t, and the desire to hold onto something just a little longer. This is such a universal message, whether it be children growing up too fast, a loved one dying, or a soldier leaving home wondering if they’ll ever see their family again.”
So, click play and raise a glass to drummer Neil Peart. And as the music pours out of the speakers consider making a memory with someone you love.
Because only in Rush will "Time Stand Still".
Neil Peart, Sep 12, 1952- January 7, 2020
Time Stand Still (lyrics by Neil Peart)
I turn my back to the windTo catch my breathBefore I start off againDriven onWithout a moment to spendTo pass an eveningWith a drink and a friend
I let my skin get too thinI'd like to pause,No matter what I pretendLike some pilgrimWho learns to transcendLearns to liveAs if each step was the end
Time stand stillI'm not looking backBut I want to look around me nowTime stands stillSee more of the peopleAnd the places that surround me now
Time stands still
Freeze this momentA little bit longerMake each sensationA little bit stronger
Experience slips awayExperience slips away
Time stands still
I turn my face to the sunClose my eyesLet my defenses downAll those woundsThat I can't get unwound
I let my past go too fastNo time to pauseIf I could slow it all downLike some captainWhose ship runs agroundI can wait until the tide comes around
Time stand stillI'm not looking backBut I want to look around me nowTime stands stillSee more of the peopleAnd the places that surround me now
Freeze this momentA little bit longerMake each sensationA little bit stronger
Make each impressionA little bit strongerFreeze this motionA little bit longer
The innocence slips awayThe innocence slips away
Time stands stillTime stands still
I'm not looking backBut I want to look around me nowSee more of the peopleAnd the places that surround me now
Time stands still
Summer's going fastNights growing colderChildren growing upOld friends growing older
Freeze this momentA little bit longerMake each sensationA little bit stronger
Experience slips awayExperience slips awayThe innocence slips away