Something For Nothing
by Rush

Album: 2112 (1976)
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Songfacts®:

  • According to Rush drummer Neil Peart's book Traveling Music, in the mid-'70s the band was driving to a show in downtown Los Angeles, at the Shrine Auditorium, and Neil noticed some graffiti splattered across the wall that read: "Freedom isn't for free." He adapted that phrase for this song, which goes:

    You don't get something for nothing
    You don't get freedom for free
  • This song explores the ideas of freedom and free will - common themes in Peart's lyrics.

Comments: 5

  • Kencavender from Tulsa OkOk...I just got goose bumps all the way up to my frontal lobe. How many songs can you say that does that to you???
  • Frank Stroud from Orlando FlLong time fan, now 50 something, fairly successful and owe Rush and their songs for keeping me "Driven" throughout my career. Always thought the first four lines in the last verse captured so much. What you own is your own Kingdom, What do is your own glory, What you love is your own power, What you live is your own story...
  • Layton from Paris, TxWhen I first heard this song I was begging for more. I got hooked on Rush for a long time and they are still one of my favorite bands. This is one of the most underrated Rush songs of all time, no doubt. Great lyrics, great drum, amazing guitar, and Geddy Lee tears up the mic in this. Alex Lifeson shreds in the fade-out solo. And don't even get me started on Neil Peart...simply amazing.
  • Scott from Windsor, CanadaThis is one of Rush's best songs and arguably the best on the 2112 album.
  • Peter from Newark, NyThis is one of the most rocking songs that Rush has, it should have gotten radio play. Its about 200 times better than Big Money!
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