One of my all time favorite Rush songs. I always feel better after listening to it about 10 times. I took this cassette with me to boot camp when I was 18 years old, and smuggled it in with a Walkman. This song made everything a whole lot easier.
This puts SO much in perspective... China is 5000 years old. America is a baby country. we need to breathe and see our purpose on this planet Good job, Neil!
My father died today, this is the only song he ever seemed to like - wel he said "its alright" that was a huge compliment trust me - for now until forever it will be our song
"Different eyes see different things Different hearts beat on different strings But there are times For you and me, when all such things agree." - Geddy Lee "Different Strings" Some people probably think they should dislike Thai Shan now... :-) Geddy just had to choose one song for the interview. He knows there are people who will now go and listen to Thai Shan for the first time. So, now this "hidden gem" is not lost forever. ;-) You can all think for yourself and trust your own ears.
This song centers me... my chase of a new car, promotion, new countertops... I think we in the West have missed our chance to BE in this world- we chase man made goods- there is MUCH more out there! Neil is the best poet.
I read and interview with Geddy Lee in which he said they weren't particularly happy with this song. He said something like "What the hell were we thinking?" And before anyone starts popping at me, I am amassive fan of Rush and I personally like the song.
Rush has been my favorite band for as long as I can remember. "Between the Wheels" is the only song of theirs I really don't like. However, I know there are some who like it and I respect their opinions because everyone has their own taste in music.
i watched the same video of geddy. even though he and alex didnt like the song, they still done it to the best of their abilities. true musicians, do their best to make it great. and put their personal feelings aside. good job i think.
Just watched a video interview with Geddy...both he and Alex consider this a song they shouldn't have recorded, but they did because Neil told them the lyrics he wrote were important to him. Just thought I'd come here to listen to it because I hadn't heard it before...it's not a bad song really. I love the synths...very soothing.
@TheMaster8061 Good point....In all the concerts I've been to with them not once have they done this tune. Maybe it's hard to pull off live...but a beautiful song no doubt.
This is the famous Dung Yu (eastern mountain) located in Shangtung province, home of Confucius who once upon arrival at the top lauded it with: "The world becomes smaller when you are on top of Taishan!" One of the most famous mountain in China, indeed! But ignorance does foster small talks. As Confucius taught, "little people" are part of our lives. Just ignore them!
So this is "the worst" song? You know Rush is something incredibly wonderful when such a song is called "the worst". The tone of the guitar, the atmosphere... It's different, but why hate it? And I think Geddy could meant it was "an error", because lyrics didn't connect with him, he didn't say it was wrong musically.
Yeah, I just saw the youtube interview with Geddy where he says this is his least favorite Rush song. I actually quite like this one. It has a very exotic vibe to it. I can think of several Rush songs I think are weaker even on HYF.
Funny, I love Rush and one of the best bands, ever. But I JUST saw an interview (dated of course) in which Geddy said he did not like it as well. While, I'm more of a fan of power windows and before, I did like this piece along with "open secrets" as some of my favs :) And to the one below me about Between the Wheels, funny as that is one of my favs off that album. Funny, how we all see "Different Strings"....
I still can't make-out the backwards Aimee Mann lyrics towards the end. The "Sectors" box set take them out, but she's saying something, supposedly copied from either "Open Secrets" or "Time Stand Still".
The reason why they don't play this song is because its a production number,or to put it another way its a filler for the studio cd they produce.That's why they never play any numbers like tears,or madrigal,or "How it is" off of Vapour trails.
haha. this is so funny. Geddy and Alex HATE this song. Geddy said he considers it an "error" in the Rush song book. It's horrible. Enjoy nonetheless people!!!
Power Windows-Poor Hold Your Fire-Bad Presto-Great Roll the Bones-Very Good Counterparts-Fair Test for Echo-Poor Vapor Trails-Good Snakes and Arrows-Fair Don't really know about the last one. Not all the stuff past GUP, or even mostly, crap. I thought Vapor Trails was overall pretty good.
They went from amazing to this ****? What a loss of a once stellar band! RIP Rush. 1975 (when Neil joined) - 1983 When their last good CD, Grace Under Pressure was released. After that, crap, mostly.
Think about this: these are the same three guys who did Bastille Day. That's kind of funny. I've always thought this was a beautiful song. I had it in my head all day so I looked it up. But hey, I like I Think I'm Going Bald too so.......
I am SO close to "punching out" and leaving the fiance, her bratty teen... I will buy a boat and sail- I know sailboats... 50 happens this years, yes, I have done much but I still have an unrequeted soul. There is an angst that I can no longer ignore.
where did Geddy ever say he regrets this song or any Rush song produced? Rush has said repeatedly that if they are not 100% sold on the idea that a song meets there standards, they wont publish it. There are no "b" side songs in the Rush library.
why does it matter what album/song you think is better? If you like the song ...you like it. Enough said. If it strikes a feeling in you great. Stop stomping on peoples feelings because of your stupid opinion. I have not heard any of you on an album and probably never will. You are just a comment on you tube. " below the song/video you dislike' (why are you watching it) Wow you really made a difference:)
Rush is the ultimate ANTISTEREOTYPE as far as Rock bands go. Songs like this prove my point. Neil Peart never wrote about his travels in China in bookform. This is as far as this goes.
Rush doesn't seem to like Rush. What do they think we want to hear? Dog Years? I Think I'm Going Bald? Hell no! This is what Rush sounds like, and if nobody (including them) thinks this period is any good, then maybe we're just not real fans.
I played this at the top of Mt Fuji (Yes I know it was Japan and not China) but a profound feeling of calm and rightness of the world took me over. I so love this song!
It sounds more like World Music than a rock song. I think that probably has more to do with it than any political reasons.They just don't like the song for aesthetic reasons. To each his own, as they say.
I think it's really fun both Geddy and Alex hate this song, I've always loved it, it brings me peace... always has... but of course I think all their albums past PRESTO are awful, I simply don't connect with those albums at all.
while the sentiment of the father and son is touching. I think I attempted to like this in my teen's but hold your fire has always been my least favorite album. This could be a Michael Bolton song. It's soft rock, not rush rock.
I love this song. I was really surprised to hear Geddy say he didn't like it. It motivated me to come listen. I think its masterful.
One of my all time favorite Rush songs. I always feel better after listening to it about 10 times. I took this cassette with me to boot camp when I was 18 years old, and smuggled it in with a Walkman. This song made everything a whole lot easier.
Thanks for posting this. I have always loved Tai Shan, and your photographs give it new meaning.
I love, love, LOVE Alex Lifeson's guitar work on this song. Whole album is just so underrated IMO.
Fabulous, I haven't heard this in so long. One of my favs.
This puts SO much in perspective...
China is 5000 years old. America is a baby country.
we need to breathe and see our purpose on this planet
Good job, Neil!
thanks for adding the real pictures of Tai Shan to this awesome song.
This song needs more views.
love this song
My father died today, this is the only song he ever seemed to like - wel he said "its alright" that was a huge compliment trust me - for now until forever it will be our song
I love this song.
This is such a beautiful song. The lyrics, the vocal, the midi-koto.... gorgeous.
this is one of my favorites.
"Different eyes see different things
Different hearts beat on different strings
But there are times
For you and me, when all such things agree."
- Geddy Lee "Different Strings"
Some people probably think they should dislike Thai Shan now... :-) Geddy just had to choose one song for the interview. He knows there are people who will now go and listen to Thai Shan for the first time. So, now this "hidden gem" is not lost forever. ;-)
You can all think for yourself and trust your own ears.
This song centers me...
my chase of a new car, promotion, new countertops...
I think we in the West have missed our chance to BE in this world- we chase man made goods- there is MUCH more out there!
Neil is the best poet.
The artistry of this band is outrageous.
I read and interview with Geddy Lee in which he said they weren't particularly happy with this song. He said something like "What the hell were we thinking?" And before anyone starts popping at me, I am amassive fan of Rush and I personally like the song.
Rush doesn't have a worst song
Rush has been my favorite band for as long as I can remember. "Between the Wheels" is the only song of theirs I really don't like. However, I know there are some who like it and I respect their opinions because everyone has their own taste in music.
Perhaps one of their better songs, I love it.
i watched the same video of geddy. even though he and alex didnt like the song, they still done it to the best of their abilities. true musicians, do their best to make it great. and put their personal feelings aside. good job i think.
Hold Your Fire is a GREAT album including Thai Shan.
Just watched a video interview with Geddy...both he and Alex consider this a song they shouldn't have recorded, but they did because Neil told them the lyrics he wrote were important to him.
Just thought I'd come here to listen to it because I hadn't heard it before...it's not a bad song really. I love the synths...very soothing.
Every time I hear this song I imagine kissing a beautiful Chinese girl dressed in a Kimono with the mountains in the background.
kimonos are Japanese
Great song!!!!!!!!
@TheMaster8061 Good point....In all the concerts I've been to with them not once have they done this tune. Maybe it's hard to pull off live...but a beautiful song no doubt.
Not one of the better know Rush songs, but an excellent one anyway. thanks for sharing.
Geddy says in interviews that this is his and Alex's least favorite Rush song. He said it was an "error'.
This is the famous Dung Yu (eastern mountain) located in Shangtung province, home of Confucius who once upon arrival at the top lauded it with:
"The world becomes smaller when you are on top of Taishan!"
One of the most famous mountain in China, indeed! But ignorance does foster small talks. As Confucius taught, "little people" are part of our lives. Just ignore them!
So this is "the worst" song? You know Rush is something incredibly wonderful when such a song is called "the worst". The tone of the guitar, the atmosphere... It's different, but why hate it?
And I think Geddy could meant it was "an error", because lyrics didn't connect with him, he didn't say it was wrong musically.
I dont see why this isnt more of a popular song, well truthfully the whole hold your fire album wasnt that popular, but i love it.
Yeah, I just saw the youtube interview with Geddy where he says this is his least favorite Rush song. I actually quite like this one. It has a very exotic vibe to it. I can think of several Rush songs I think are weaker even on HYF.
Funny, I love Rush and one of the best bands, ever. But I JUST saw an interview (dated of course) in which Geddy said he did not like it as well. While, I'm more of a fan of power windows and before, I did like this piece along with "open secrets" as some of my favs :) And to the one below me about Between the Wheels, funny as that is one of my favs off that album. Funny, how we all see "Different Strings"....
@Nocturnehunt Rimmed lol, hope you got your computer sorted bud, now... where did I put that sweetroll :)
Agree love!
I still can't make-out the backwards Aimee Mann lyrics towards the end. The "Sectors" box set take them out, but she's saying something, supposedly copied from either "Open Secrets" or "Time Stand Still".
I used to climb mountains... then I took an arrow to the knee :)
This is the one song in their discography that Geddy regrets recording.
The reason why they don't play this song is because its a production number,or to put it another way its a filler for the studio cd they produce.That's why they never play any numbers like tears,or madrigal,or "How it is" off of Vapour trails.
haha. this is so funny. Geddy and Alex HATE this song. Geddy said he considers it an "error" in the Rush song book. It's horrible. Enjoy nonetheless people!!!
Power Windows-Poor
Hold Your Fire-Bad
Presto-Great
Roll the Bones-Very Good
Counterparts-Fair
Test for Echo-Poor
Vapor Trails-Good
Snakes and Arrows-Fair
Don't really know about the last one.
Not all the stuff past GUP, or even mostly, crap. I thought Vapor Trails was overall pretty good.
GEDDaY, everybody!
They have played How It Is live.
Yeah, sort of similar in that regard to Yes's the ladder album although different in sound.
geddy and alex might consider this to be there worst song, but i dont mind it at all. no where close to being my favourite, but i still like it
They went from amazing to this ****? What a loss of a once stellar band! RIP Rush. 1975 (when Neil joined) - 1983 When their last good CD, Grace Under Pressure was released. After that, crap, mostly.
Think about this: these are the same three guys who did Bastille Day. That's kind of funny. I've always thought this was a beautiful song. I had it in my head all day so I looked it up. But hey, I like I Think I'm Going Bald too so.......
I am SO close to "punching out" and leaving the fiance, her bratty teen...
I will buy a boat and sail- I know sailboats...
50 happens this years, yes, I have done much but I still have an unrequeted soul.
There is an angst that I can no longer ignore.
It's a good tune with a nice chorus/melody; not sure why Geddy regrets it.
where did Geddy ever say he regrets this song or any Rush song produced? Rush has said repeatedly that if they are not 100% sold on the idea that a song meets there standards, they wont publish it. There are no "b" side songs in the Rush library.
Pamela Ondo
Read an interview where he said that, no bull.
Pamela Ondo It's true..Ged said this was his least favorite song..He said something like what was Neil thinking?
Even artist can make mistake about their own value.
why does it matter what album/song you think is better? If you like the song ...you like it. Enough said. If it strikes a feeling in you great. Stop stomping on peoples feelings because of your stupid opinion. I have not heard any of you on an album and probably never will. You are just a comment on you tube. " below the song/video you dislike' (why are you watching it) Wow you really made a difference:)
And you dare call yourself a RUSH fan?
TIJUCA FOREST, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL AND SPIRITUAL PEACE...
I'm surprised Geddy and Alex call this their worst song....it beats the hell out of "Between the Wheels"
This really is not a bad song. Not sure why Geddy and Alex are so down on it.
I liked between the wheels... :(
Rush is the ultimate ANTISTEREOTYPE as far as Rock bands go. Songs like this prove my point. Neil Peart never wrote about his travels in China in bookform. This is as far as this goes.
Rush doesn't seem to like Rush. What do they think we want to hear? Dog Years? I Think I'm Going Bald? Hell no! This is what Rush sounds like, and if nobody (including them) thinks this period is any good, then maybe we're just not real fans.
Strange how it is Alex and Geddy's LEAST favorite song and they wish they never recorded it! :)
I played this at the top of Mt Fuji (Yes I know it was Japan and not China) but a profound feeling of calm and rightness of the world took me over. I so love this song!
It sounds more like World Music than a rock song. I think that probably has more to do with it than any political reasons.They just don't like the song for aesthetic reasons. To each his own, as they say.
OFTEN referred by Alex and Geddy as their worst song.
@garyhicks789 Damn it. Not again...
I think it's really fun both Geddy and Alex hate this song, I've always loved it, it brings me peace... always has... but of course I think all their albums past PRESTO are awful, I simply don't connect with those albums at all.
Geddy's LEAST favorite Rush tune.
I cound bring down a 2000 year old Buddist Statue so fast..the Taliban would be jealous.
Neil's least favorite song.
this is and shall remain my least listened to RUSH song...
the mermaids from the wreckers
/watch?v=wbWVDk68BOI
"China sang to me"....poorly.
while the sentiment of the father and son is touching. I think I attempted to like this in my teen's but hold your fire has always been my least favorite album. This could be a Michael Bolton song. It's soft rock, not rush rock.
THIS IS POSSIBLY THE MOST OFFENSIVE SONG RUSH HAS EVER WRITTEN. PURE SCHLOCK.
White women think....
ehh, not the best rush song...
It's not vintage Rush, but damn if it's not beautiful.
It's not Rush's favorite song, either. Neil wrote it upon returning from China. The band, wanting to support him, recorded it.