Resist
by Rush

Album: Test For Echo (1996)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The line, "I can resist everything except temptation," is a quote from the play Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde.
  • Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee began performing this song acoustically on the Vapor Trails tour after Neil Peart performed his lengthy drum solo ("O Baterista"); they released this version on their DVD and live album Rush In Rio. This performance was so popular they repeated it in their set for the 30th anniversary tour two years later.
  • The instrument played at the beginning of the song is a hammer dulcimer, not a guitar. Neil Peart wanted to include that instrument on a track.

Comments: 13

  • Pryce from Litchfield, NhResist is amzing! I've been listening to it everytime i'm down.
  • Matt from Td, Ali think the different stages version is best...any song where geddy doesn't play bass is a waste of talent
  • Gary Lafalce from Fairmont, WvI'd have to say, listening to both versions back to back, the unplugged has my vote. I think this song just sounds better in this arrangement given that it is a folk song.
  • Gabriel from Minneapolis, MnI sing this song to my daughter as she's falling asleep.

    PS. Geddy's Scotland comment was a joke.
  • Taylor from Las Vegas, NeIt's best on the R30 DVD. The sound and picture quality is much better, and even the performance is greater.
  • John from Asheville, NcI enjoy both versions of this song, preferring, I think, the acoustic one most. Great (honest) lyric from Neil here. Even my wife likes this song and she hates Rush...LOL.
  • Robaba from Boston, United Statesis there anywhere on the net where Neil gives interpretation to his lyrics?
    Very beautiful song live
  • Jon from Fort Collins, CoI think that this song shows Neil's brilliance as a lyrcists. Especially the line "you can fight........win without a fight."
  • Randy from Colerain Twp., Oh I agree Jesse, the accoustic version of this song performed live is beautiful. This may be why 'Resist' is one of my favorite RUSH songs. If I am not mistaken, a dulcimer is also used in the music of 'Limbo', which is also on the 'Test for 'Echo' CD.
  • David from Port Hawkesbury, CanadaI Think the Scotland relation is that this is a folk song, folk music orginated in and around Scotland and Ireland
  • Brian from Meriden, CtGo reckless, leave caution never near
    Hark, alas I do not hinder nor hear
    To live - to drink and dance in bliss
    To survive - to think clear, and more than this -

    To Resist.
  • Brian from Taipei, TaiwanDoes anyone know the connection to Scotland that Geddy says this song has (on "Different Stages")?
  • Jesse from L.a., CaThe acoustic version of this song is beautiful, live.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."