How “Closer To The Heart” by Rush started with a friendship

It’s been said “Closer To The Heart” by Rush is Canada’s “Stairway To Heaven,” in ways that go beyond the technical, and it struck a chord worldwide to audiences in a way that Rush’s songs hadn’t before. There’s a folk vibe to this song, a message about finding personal balance and how doing that puts the world at large in a better kind of order. It was the first Rush song to have lyrics penned by an outside co-writer, and it became a hit. Geddy Lee said it was “as close as they ever got to a pop song.” But who was that outside writer? Let’s get into “Closer To The Heart” in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast.

Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo

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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is an on-air host at WDRV-FM in Chicago, where she lives with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.

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[robertrichardson]

Senior English Lit, 1978. Brought that album in to listen to Kubla Khan. Listened to the whole album. Best hour of high school I ever had. Thanks Janda!

[Fast-]

Two grand gifts in one vid! Thank you!!

[katk]

I think this is quintessential. The most important message and it sounds great too. Thanks Janda, you rocked this one!!

[Graystaff]

Best part about the live version? That’s typically the part of the show where they go into “jam mode” at the end.

[Elephant-wili]

Never heard it described as Canada's 'Stairway to Heaven' before. But after seeing this backstory, my appreciation of this track and Rush has been enhanced. Thanks.

[StevenWDix]

What a cool and thoughtful review! One of my favorite songs, the way you explain how they divided the music production among other cool facts made this a compelling video for anyone fond of their music.

[backstreetangels-kz]

I've covered the song while busking on one acoustic guitar, the power of the lyrics really raises eyebrows. (Even in a small town in Scotland, full of tourists and holiday-makers. i.e. Not your average Rush or prog rock fans.) Neil Peart R.I.P.

[NDFlyFisher]

Closer To The Heart is, IMO, their best song.

[JoeRothstein]

My band played this song (terribly) at my Bar Mitzvah, so this episode hits home. Thanks Janda!

[MusicOverMyHead]

I absolutely love this song. Thank you for telling the story of how it came to be.

[tomshappyland]

Janda, I love your videos! Thank you for them. Where can I find your earlier videos that are not posted on YouTube?

[theringleader]

that was great. nothing else to say. Rush is the best band ever, 3 players. no contest.