Lessons
by Rush

Album: 2112 (1976)
Play Video
  • Sweet memories flashing very quickly by
    Reminding me and giving me a reason why
    I know that my goal is more than a thought
    I'll be there when I teach what I've been taught
    And I've been taught

    You know we've told you before
    But you didn't hear us then
    So you still question why
    No you didn't listen again
    You didn't listen again, whoa

    Sweet memories, I never thought it would be like this
    Reminding me, oh, just how close I came to missing
    I know that this is the way for me to go
    You'll be there when you know what I know
    And I know

    You know we've told you before
    But you didn't hear us then
    So you still question why
    No, you didn't listen again
    No, oh, oh
    You didn't listen again Writer/s: Alex Lifeson
    Publisher: Anthem Entertainment, BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Chuck from Downingtown, PaGreetings... I play guitar and am familiar with both songs. Both use D, A, and G chords in their main themes but the rhythm and sequence of the chords are completely different. Not to mentions there's other chords involved that aren't common between the two songs (e.g., B minor and D suspended 2nd). The opening chord for the repeating motif in Sweet Jane is a D - in Lessons, it's an A. I can understand you hearing some similarity - there is a somewhat similar "feel" to the two main parts but, without going into a lot more detail - they aren't the same.
  • John from Louisville, KyThe guitar in this song sounds very similiar to the repeated guitar riffs in "Sweet Jane" by the Velvet Underground....I don't play the guitar...
    but I'd like someone with a musical background to listen to both songs and give me your insight or thoughts about the similarities. It may be my imagination?? Thanks.
  • Kent Lyle from Cincinnati, OhThis is the only song in Rush's released collection which was entirely written by Lifeson, certain guitar instrumentals notwithstanding.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin Popoff

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin PopoffSong Writing

A talk with Martin Popoff about his latest book on Rush and how he assessed the thousands of albums he reviewed.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.