Color Of Right by Rush

Album: Test For Echo (1997)

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Regarding the last two lines:

Gravity and distance change the passage of light
Gravity and distance change the color of right

Neil Peart explained: "The lyrics that surround it are rather unremarkable, and the context of the song seems to cast these lines in the sense of "don't be self-righteous" - something rather uninteresting. But I have used the above metaphor, changed it around, suited it to my needs. I am interested in the double sense of gravity and distance. Physical vs. metaphysical. I take the second meaning of the quotation as another way of saying there is a great difference between theory and practice. When things are serious, when we see them up close, they look different." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Comments: 7

Carlos Partel from BrazilColour of Right is a legal term, it's an excuse for a crime or a mistake committed. Means "I thought I was doing the right thing". This is the message in the song; we try honestly do the right thing, but we are not sure if the consequence is good and bad.
Ian from New York CityI thought the song was dealing with the legal system, since there were so many judicial inferences throughout the song. In some way, I thought there was a very light reference to racism playing a part in the outcome of a court case but from the juror's perspective. Think "Twelve Angry Men" for example.
Larry from Ft. Pierce, FlAgain, as is prevalent in any good song--in other words, all Rush songs--if it can cause you to pause, reflect, and see how it relates to your life and experiences, then it merits importance. Rush consistently does these things in its songs.
Rufus from Wheeling, WvMy favorite off Test for Echo, next to the title track. "Take it easy on me now
I'd be there if I could
I'm so full of what is right
I can't see what is good"
Avlight from Anytown, NcAccording to an interview, Neil did for the album release, the song came of a conversation he had with his daughter (who had came home on break from Law School) about what her professors were teaching her. The Color of Right is a legal term in the judicial system.
John from Asheville, NcI don't mind this song. A bit underrated or dismissed. I usually listen and realize I've missed something or at least find myself enjoying it. *Good* Rush song. Not bad. Not brilliant.
Julie from Perth, NvOdd song.
very different.

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