“Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete. Genetic blends with uncertain ends on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.” One of my favorite lyrics ever 🙏

I always feel like I got smarter after listening to RUSH!☮

Neil was certainly the textbook definition of "renaissance man". A true poet beyond his obvious musical skills.

This entire album is fire!

I love that Rush brings out your inner philosophical nerd . Lol

One of the best instrumental breaks ever where all three of them shine. I remember watching this live in May 1983 at the Royal Highland Exhibition Centre in Edinburgh on the final date of the 'Signals' tour. They played it even quicker on that tour & I was absolutely stunned at the speed & dexterity of Alex in particular during the instrumental break. If there was any doubts that they were 3 of the best musicians in rock, they were dispelled that night.

You CANNOT let this album go on by without checking out Entre Nous. My personal favorite from Permanent Waves. A Rush version of a love song and also the favorite Rush song of Billy Corgan, lead vocals of Smashing Pumpkins. He LOVES the tune and is a huge Rush fan. I’ve seen him interviewed, and speaking about Rush, says that they are without a doubt, one of the greatest bands of all time and we wouldn’t be where we are, musically, without them. RIP Professor 🕊️🕊️🙏😇One of the most prolific lyricists AND greatest drummers EVER!

How could you not love Rush?

"You can choose..." 🆓️

"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice!" Such a great song, what Rush song isn't!

RUSH The greatest rock band that ever was or ever will be.

Alex Lifeson always played the most wicked solos! 🏄‍♂️

You sir are doing this album proud. Top notch. Thank you.

that's why we called him the Professor

Ain't it fun to discover RUSH? You've only scratched the surface! Thank you for another RUSH reaction!

Alex, Geddy & Neil all soloing at the same time was insane. The first time I heard this song live in concert I was so blown away. I totally agree Entre Nous is a beautiful song on Permanent Waves album. Saeed, I've been a Rush fan for 46 years. The best musical journey I've been on. Anthem on the Fly by Night album.

Freewill is just one of those songs that🤯musically, and THEN you throw those lyrics on top of it😳👌and Neil’s style of writing makes you one, think, two, research if you do think about it, and most importantly, three, never makes the prose sound as if HE’S taking a side or preaching about his feelings on any topic but rather impartially presenting a idea or knowledge he’s trying to convey to others and then allow them/us to make our own decisions based on what we feel and discover from it.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎸🎤🎹

One of the reasons this is my favorite Rush album.

Great song, great album, great band…. Happy Friday!!!

Everybody solo!

I anticipated this reaction and it did not disappoint! When I was getting sober, my AA sponsor said the greatest use of will is to find the God of your own understanding and I naturally gravitated to Eastern Thought. I studied Hindu texts such as the Vedas and writings by masters such as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda and my own Guru, a living master, called Sai Maa. The truth I have found is that self-realization leads to RADICAL freewill and the direct knowledge/experience of One Divine Love. It is my freewill choice to choose love over fear (the only chose there is between the only two energies that exist). One could say Neil life was a study in the practice of aligning heart, mind and actions to his love (passion) for life. Everyday asking himself: "What is the most excellent thing I can do today" then doing it. He's such an inspiration! Interestingly, RUSH's second to last album, "Snakes and Arrows" explores freewill from another angle perhaps influenced by the tragedies Neil experienced. The game Snakes and Arrows is a forerunner to the popular "Chutes and Ladders" game. However, its ancient roots are found in India with a game called Lila (Divine Play/Illusion) which taught children how to behave in order to overcome karma and live their dharma (plan the Soul makes for growth and service to the All and eventual enlightenment). There is no limit to the depths I can dive with RUSH - that's why I come back to them all the time.

their best album imo

I was born in 1961 and grow up listening to some of the greatest musicians that ever lived. I never realized the greatness of this music. In the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s I thought it was how music was supposed to be. But now 40, 50 years later I realize there will never ever be music like back then. I was 15 when I discovered Rush. And back in 75 Rush wasn’t really a girls band but my girl friends and I got is. Got them. I’m so excited to see these young people getting it too. Keep going Rush will not disappoint. 🤘🤘🤘

The refrain after the solo, or rather solos, with all three doing it at the same time, features Geddy's highest vocal range.

This is one of my favorite Rush songs, and I love how all three are soloing in the middle of the song! There is a great live version of this worth checking out from the Snakes & Arrows tour.

I love that you love this stuff!!! I love this stuff too!!! I would love to have conversations with you about life and all its complications , nuances and challenges and all of the joys that come with free will 😊 and the external environment that affects us as well 😉🤨🤔😘😆

Thank you Rush for zillions of amazing songs and lyrics

🤗 Totally looking forward to this reaction of Free Will! 🍿🧃 🥰🐰

best instrumental part ever made

I own the 40th anniversary edition, and the original album cover is on the back. This cover was on the back side of the original release, IIRC.

Thanks Saeed. Been looking forward to your reaction to this. I love that you are so aware of the concept Neil is discussing. Fascinating subject. This is one of my top 5 from Rush. And when it comes to their seamless transitions, the exit from the solo back into the pre-chorus.. My absolute favourite. It needs a few listens to that bit, but when are familiar, it'll give you goosebumps! You've done 3 from this classic album now, I think. Jacob's Ladder next 😉

"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice". Brilliant... absolutely a brilliant line by Neil. R.I.P. Cheers from 🇨🇦.

I think there is no one choice, no one answer, no one start, no one destination but, these things are common to all.. questions we are compelled to ask, answer.. push/pull, on/off, light/dark, positive/negative.. Science, philosophy, religion, all have different descriptions of the same phenomenon, actions cause reactions. Choice has consequence. All have reflection. No matter what foundation we put stock in the pattern reveals itself in the language we understand.. science, philosophy, religion.. We think these things separate when they are just colors of the same phenomenon.

I always viewed freewill as my ability to chose my own actions despite what anyone else may think. But it is true that we tend to do things based on the assumption we’re going to be rewarded for good behavior even though we should do the right thing because it is the right thing, no need for reward just good karma.

For me free will is me choosing to align with my heart aka sourceI have the free will to align with the monkey mind/ego or stay aligned with love ❤️🙏

🎁🎁🎁 ... what a gift RUSH is. I can't tell you Saeed how glad I am that you are diving into their musical story telling saga. You have taken me back to my early teens ..... and I must reinforce that I was raised entirely on Country Music. A classmate would have me over to his house once in a while , and he was way into RUSH. I was baffled how complicated the songs were at first ..... then I started going into a dreamstate with every song. I really love "Freewill" with his piercing voice. The music is changing and exciting at every turn. Thanks for this one Saeed. Maybe one of the best Rock songs of all times. Keep diving .. loving your take on this band. 🎼🔥🎼

all reactions from rush should be like this one. you get it. 90% do not. thumbs up. easily. great content. more rush please.

The album that changed my musical life.

I'm glad you're taking the time to read "Ghost Rider." I enjoy hearing your thoughts on it.

Peak Geddy Lee on this one I think.

Because RUSH is impressive ❣️❣️❣️ they’re a cut above and so intelligent in their maturity and the progression of their music and humanity is beyond compare ❣️❣️❣️🔥🔥🔥🫶🥰💗💕💜❤️

'' Kicked in the face.....'' Don't worry if life treats you like garbage; there is a place waiting for you right next to ....( insert your deity here ).

I know you’re staying away from “The Fountain of Lamneth” because of the length of the song. But please do this song soon I think you would enjoy it more than you know.

It's fabulous to have an intelligent literate person reviewing Rush lyrics, it's an aspect that gets overlooked by many reviewers and they miss so much by not reading and trying to understand what the professor is telling us. Also love the fact you are reading Ghost Rider, you are becoming a true Rush fan, welcome to the family!

So glad you immediately identified the issue with defining Freewill that inhibits conversations and debates. Appreciated your other comments as well. The music is as insane as the lyrics. Great reaction to a first listen. Thanks for sharing this reaction. Looking forward to more Rush on the channel.

Damn right we really have a choice.

Kindness that can kill - Spanish Inquisition/Salem Witch Trials/etc.

Damn, I love this friggin song! 😁😎

I did'nt untill this reaction that you we're reading Niels Book. God bless you for actually following up on your words. He was and still is the most important person in my life whom i have never met in person

You must see them do this live. Check out the version from the Time Machine tour Cleveland 2011. Three guys in their late 50's absolutely smashing it 👏

Such a goooood song!! Embodies everything I believe in! Incredible lyrics incredible musicianship… so Fn good Your one of only a few reactions that get the depth of the lyrics on the first go, always enjoy your breakdowns

Now you can include Neil Peart’s thoughts on the subject! Thank you!🤘🎸

Would love to see your reaction to Jacobs Ladder. An overlooked classic from this album.

Bars! And jams! I need to read Ghost Rider again…

Great song. About the topic, since Neil brings it up, there's 3 major philosophical views off the top of my head: Hard Determinism - i.e. any form of Fatalism, many cause/effect deterministic forms of Materialism Libertarian free will - i.e. the will functions pretty much arbitrarily, with no accompanying restraints nor bounds within which it functions Compatibilist Determinism - i.e. choices are freely made, unforced, but are necessarily in alignment with a determined path; in particular choices are made based on one's innate, ethical nature that precedes any conscious choice. A choice is by definition made according to one's strongest desires, so "free" only means free to choose according to your pre existing inclinations. So then you have to go back another step prior to volition when considering pre-existing inclinations, innate moral sense, etc. out of which the will is exercised. The last one, C.D. is the view I think is most logically coherent. However, the vast majority people today are reflexively Libertarian Free Will, and so are repulsed by any mention of "determinism". Philosopher Harry Frankfurt has an air tight argument on why Compatibilist Determinism is not contradictory to making unforced choices. In fact it is, as Frankfurt argues, the view that most clearly establishes moral culpability in exercising the will.

Freewill/Predetermination is a sphere. There is no side. It's all one "side". From the human perspective the sphere appears as one side with an opposite side. A common phenomenon in the human experience. Thankfully there are spheres all over the place so we can get a grasp of it.

After Yes going to Rush is a logical transition. I like your reflections on religion.

One of my favorite quotes... If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice it's so so true!!! ... My other favorite is from Jimmy Buffett where he says if we weren't all crazy we would go insane 😂 check out changes in latitudes it'll make you smile

I would be glad to talk to you about the topic of free will and a sovereign God.

After you're finished reading Neil's book Ghost Rider, I'd like for you to hear the same-named song from their 2001 album Vapor Trails, for which his lyrics were also based on the journey he took, and which they performed live during their show in Rio. Another interesting read IMO is Geddy's book My Effin' Life, where pages 288-292 include his thoughts on what the lyrics of Freewill meant to him and how some people have taken them out of context as a licence to do whatever they wanted without regards for others. Have a wonderful evening and Rush on! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐

Give this song a listen "Red Sector A " from their album Grace Under Pressure.

Great reaction... I've read 'Determined' by Sapolsky and feel, like him that we don't have freewill except in the boring areas. "I will choose Freewill", I believe is Neil's answer to the religious version of freewill - i.e. you can't escape god's plan. They take an opposite view if their 'logic' gets foiled.

Ghost Rider is a great book! I'm glad you're delving into it. It is completely heartbreaking, but it lets you into the mind of one of the most creative and complex humans that ever wielded a drum stick and written a vocal line. It's definitely a book of great loss and triumph. Read his others as well. They're all good, but this one is definitely the deepest.

Great song. Great review. You truly set yourself apart from many other reviewers I have watched. Really appreciate your introspection and passion for not only the song but the lyrics. Keep up the great work!

Great lyrics and great song writing. Saeed, great breakdown of the lyrics! Neils lyrics are timeless and always relevant. Another song written in the eighties but very relevant today, Territories, off the Power Windows album.

Cheers Saeed, great work man, Rush forever.

That fast part in the solo when Alex jams out of his mind give me chills every time!

We have free will, but God knows what we will choose.

You're not ready for Rush.

Have a thumbsup for pronouncing Neil Peart correctly! 😁

Great song, but better live!😊

Great song!!❤❤❤

Alex's solo on this is one of my favs but in actuality they are all soloing at the same time. Entre Nous is one I thinl you would really enjoy. Cheers 🇨🇦

You know...thanks, Todd from Ohio..Middle-town dreams, is pretty sweet...Todd from Ohio...

The song Something for Nothing from the 2112 album (1976) has a similar theme. I like the live version from their All the World's a Stage album from the same year.

you have to watch this one live

One of the too few songs that got radio play. Check out Entre Nous on that album; deep, but relatable song

Nice job ! I'd love to have a conversation with you. Thx again

God's plan is like a screenplay. There's a map, but we're free to adlib.

Great thoughts. Lately I’ve been a soundboard for a buddy going through a trying divorce. He’s having trouble regaining his own free well because a lot of his thoughts and actions are filtered through his old relationship. Is he now free but lost and forgot his will? Tough.

found the smart dude, subbed

Free will is not absolute. It is not whether we do or don’t have free will. We all have varying degrees of free will. A parent raises their kids with varying degrees of free will and we have desires for their outcomes. In my opinion the argument isn’t whether we have free will or not, but how much.

PreCode reality

, top favorite rush songs even though some parts of the lyrics I disagree but understand, in putting a spotlight on the god factor, possible a sadist creator making us choose. but for me there is no guessing not without having purpose, He comes knocking when u least expect it when you hear his voice Open! the door. you'll be the one sometime watching a freewill reaction like I do all the time and know when it happens, that choice is the! choice, above of all other choices guess work is gone, not speaking only about eternal life, but life, within life. much to experience here now, much to learn no religion, just walking in fellowship with three new friends the best you can in life. great reaction brother well wishes

God having a "plan" means only that, in my opinion. I think the "plan" on the whole is set, but one's "free will" basically threatens the "plan" on a personal level.. depending on one's personal choices. I believe you can thwart God's plan for you. Free will is never necessarily lost, but you can screw up the general plan for you.

Neil Peart was the man...

God does have a plan for us. But since we have free will, we choose to go against his will, and THAT'S when bad things happen. God has a plan, we just don't always follow it. Everything would be MUCH better if people did.

Damn sorry good sir you spent what 5 years looking into this subject when all you really needed was 5 mins of your time to find the truth :) Peace and Love from Canada eh :) sorry :)

You are preaching,not reviewing.

Brother please do Rush - Animate, super underrated song with amazing lyrics and Geddy going in on the bass

Since you have the ability to rise above your preconditions and genetic dispositions (including addiction), that you can conclude that free will is real. The actual answer is paradox and seeming contradiction. We have both both free will and there are elements of determinism in the cosmic fabric.