The Iconic Classic Rock Track: Tom Sawyer

🎸Alex Lifeson's rhythm guitar parts in Tom Sawyer showcase his use of extended chord voicings and arpeggios to fill the harmonic space in the absence of a keyboard player.

🥁Neil Pert's drumming in Tom Sawyer features intricate and improvisational patterns, including a notable section in a 7/8 time signature.

🎹Geddy Lee's use of synthesizers, particularly the Oberheim OBX, adds unique textures and the iconic growl sound to the song.

📝The lyrics of Tom Sawyer, written by Neil Pert and Pye Dubois, explore themes of individualism, self-perception, and reconciling one's true self with how others perceive them.

🎙️The vocal performance in Tom Sawyer showcases Geddy Lee's powerful range and delivery, contributing to the song's memorable and iconic sound.

Who wrote the lyrics of Tom Sawyer?

—The lyrics of Tom Sawyer were written by Neil Pert and Pye Dubois. Neil Pert, the band's drummer, also contributed to the song's complex musical composition.

What is the time signature of Tom Sawyer?

—Tom Sawyer features a unique time signature, largely in 4/4 but with sections in a 7/8 time signature, adding to the song's complexity and progressive rock sound.

What guitar gear did Alex Lifeson use in Tom Sawyer?

—During the recording of Tom Sawyer, Alex Lifeson primarily used Gibson guitars, including the 335 and Howard Roberts Fusion models. He also experimented with Stratocasters with humbuckers in the bridge position.

What is the significance of the Oberheim OBX synthesizer in Tom Sawyer?

—The Oberheim OBX synthesizer, used by Geddy Lee in Tom Sawyer, adds unique textures and the iconic growl sound to the song. It became a defining element of the song's sound and is still associated with Rush's music.

What is the meaning behind the lyrics of Tom Sawyer?

—The lyrics of Tom Sawyer explore themes of individualism, self-perception, and the difference between how people are and how they are perceived by others. It reflects on the journey of reconciling one's true self with societal expectations.

00:00Rush established themselves as leaders of the progressive rock sound in the 70s.

02:50Tom Sawyer was released in 1981 and became a defining track for Rush.

07:30Alex Lifeson's rhythm guitar parts in Tom Sawyer showcase extended chord voicings.

09:15The guitar solo in Tom Sawyer is based on the E Mixolydian mode.

12:19The section in 7/8 time signature adds complexity to the song.

15:37The guitar solo in Tom Sawyer features pinched harmonics and improvised elements.

16:53The vocals in Tom Sawyer exhibit Geddy Lee's powerful range and delivery.

17:34Neil Pert and Pye Dubois co-wrote the lyrics of Tom Sawyer, exploring themes of individualism and self-perception.