The Garden
by Rush

Album: Clockwork Angels (2012)
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  • In this one of many possible worlds
    All for the best or some bizarre test?
    It is what it is and whatever
    Time is still the infinite jest

    The arrow flies when you dream
    The hours tick away, the cells tick away
    The Watchmaker keeps to his schemes
    The hours tick away, they tick away

    The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
    So hard to earn, so easily burned
    The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
    So hard to earn, so easily burned

    In the fullness of time
    A garden to nurture and protect

    In the rise and the set of the sun
    'Til the stars go spinning
    Spinning 'round the night
    Oh, it is what it is and forever
    Each moment a memory in flight

    The arrow flies while you breathe
    The hours tick away, the cells tick away
    The Watchmaker has time up his sleeve
    The hours tick away, they tick away

    The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
    So hard to earn, so easily burned

    In the fullness of time
    A garden to nurture and protect
    It's a measure of a life

    The treasure of a life
    Is a measure of love and respect
    The way you live, the gifts that you give

    In the fullness of time
    Is the only return that you expect

    The future disappears into memory
    With only a moment between
    Forever dwells in that moment
    Hope is what remains to be seen

    Forever dwells in that moment
    Hope is what remains to be seen

    In the fullness of time
    A garden to nurture and protect
    It's a measure of a life

    In the fullness of time
    A garden to nurture and protect
    It's a measure of a life

    In the fullness of time
    A garden to nurture and protect
    It's a measure of a life

    In the fullness of time
    A garden to nurture and protect

    It's a measure of a life
    It's a measure of a life
    It's a measure of a life
    It's a measure of a life Writer/s: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Neil Elwood Peart
    Publisher: Anthem Entertainment
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 14

  • Karl from Warner Robins GaI thought it was appropriate for the last lyric of the last song of the last album be "Hope is what remains to be seen" ! Thanks for the Music !
  • Teresa from ColoradoThis song is so hauntingly beautiful and profound. It is one of my most treasured songs from their discography. Its musical simplicity, coupled with Pratt’s exceptionally powerful lyrics are a demonstration of the trio’s wisdom, virtuosity and mastery.

    They took great care to avoid obscuring their parting message by enveloping the lyrics within an expressive, transparent and reflective musical arrangement. They were not out to prove anything, but to share a vital message to those truly attuned to their music. What a gift to leave to their fans.

    For me, this song serves as a reminder to live each day to its fullest, to find the beauty and significance of each moment by being deliberate, present and grateful, as time is a gift that is fleeting and guaranteed to no one. Tears of gratitude flow each time I listen.
  • Dan from CanadaAnyone criticizing this masterpiece has no place here.
    These three humble geniuses were masters at their art.
    So 'F' all you naysayers.
    Rest in piece Neil, you will be cherished forever.
    And forever missed.
  • Conn Burns from N IrelandWe should petition for this song to be released as a single in memory of Neil a year + after his passing as a tribute and as sad as it is and heart breaking to listen to as a life long fan I think it would chart with all the Rush army buying it and some proceeds could go to his brain cancer charity
  • Mark from Syracuse,nyA song that to me is a masterpiece in lyric, execution, sentiment and thought. Hard not to get a lump in the throat while listening to it.
    The measure of a life.. Enough said!!
  • Russell from PennsylvaniaLike many great Rush songs The Garden has many meanings; it is up to the listener to determine his or her own opinion. If you have read the book you know that in the final scene Owen is tending to his garden and reflecting on his life. While doing that he is watching his family and friends interact (his garden). And my take: We are the garden in this song and Rush is giving us a veiled thank you for all of the love and respect we have had for them over the years. When I first head the song I knew this was the end...and a very fitting end it was. But none of us could imagine what would tragically happen only a few years after their "final" performance. The love and respect still remains.
  • May from WashingtonThis is a really uncommon take, but this is honestly my favorite Rush song, and I'd say Clockwork Angels is in my top 5 of their albums too. This song is beautiful to me, and really wish it received more attention, as I rarely hear anyone talk about it.
  • Not A Fan Boy from RealityToo bad Nick ruined this album with horrid production & over-compression. It's so harsh and unlistenable, it's sad. Sorry to see the band go out with such a lackluster final album. I've been a fan of Rush since 1981, but I can't get on board with this album. It's just not good. Period.
  • Jodeo from Tennessee. (well, Michigan Actually)When Neil passed Jan. 7 2020 (and announced on Friday Jan 10), many reflected on this last song on this last Rush studio album. In some ways it is a fitting eulogy for Neil, capturing at its core how the man's outlook on life manifest itself.

    The music ends with a tinge of sadness, something I'd long hoped the band would later resolve through new music. But now, I know the emotion that song provokes and they way it ends is really perfect against the backdrop of Neil's lyrics therein...

    The future disappears into memory
    With only a moment between,
    Forever dwells in that moment,
    Hope is what remains to be seen...

    Neil's life brought love and respect in light of all the gifts he gave.
    For such a life, the returns shall continue for time and times yet to be...

    Goodnight, Professor.
  • Glenn from Torrance, Cayou were right adam....
  • Monkey Pie from NjTalk about a guitar solo-this solo by Alex will tear your heart out, toss it on the ground, and stomp on it. Listen to the words-truly an amazing work.
  • Lennon from Plainview, NyLove this song so much! My favorite on the album! I am 13 and I learned it on the guitar right away! The solo is just perfect!
  • Larry from Ft. Pierce, FlA beautiful masterpiece. The music, the lyrics, the tone and the tempo all give me goosebumps and touches me on a psychological level like few other of their songs have--albeit, their repertoire of songs that have influenced me and touched me on many psychological and emotional levels over the years are difficult to count. "Closer To The Heart" and "Wish Them Well" run a close 2nd and 3rd (respectively). If all of humanity could have a chance to veiw the words to this song and reflect upon them, this world we share would function so much more smoothly and fluidly. The following lyrics say it all: "The treasure of a life is a measure of LOVE and RESPECT--The way that you live, the gifts that you give--In the fullness of time it's the only return that you expect." And, the final words that hit with such force: "The future disappears into memory--With only a MOMENT BETWEEN--Forever DWELLS IN THAT MOMENT--HOPE IS WHAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN...Beautiful. Hold these words "Closer To The Heart" and become better, much more enlightened, person by doing so.

    Thanks for all of the amazing, thought-provoking, songs over the years Geddy, Alex and Neil...you have played such a large part in my life as I strive to each year--all the while, as my personal countdown clock continues ticking ever closer to zero--become the kind of person that personifies empathy, kindliness and compassion towards my fellow man. I don't know that I will ever attain even an inkling of success in this area, but each time I listen to one of the classic songs you 3 have provided for us over the years, it reminds me to try that much harder and to live closer to the heart...
  • Adam from Sarnia, OnI find it hard to believe that no one has commented on this song!!!

    So I will be the first. The song explains itself, but I have a hunch that this will be the last song by Rush. I have a bet going with a die hard Rush fan. I wonder who will win:)
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