Album: Test For Echo (1997)

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Songfacts®:

• 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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