Peaceable Kingdom
by Rush

Album: Vapor Trails (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Peaceable Kingdom" is about terrorism and the forces of destruction against those who long for a time of peace. Specifically, it's a response to the attacks by terrorist on September 11, 2001 against the United States. It also refers to the response of hate against hate and the hope that those who desire peace can have a positive effect on others. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Mountlake Terrace, Washington
  • Originally meant as an instrumental, the lyrics were later added after the events of 9/11. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Matthew Daubert - Mequon, WI
  • The title of this song comes from the book The Peaceable Kingdom, written by Stanley Hauerwas. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    George - Manassas, VA

Comments: 9

  • Wiedeman from New JerseyFirst off, the song is definitely about the September 11th attacks. the "Time against the Tower" sorrowful wailing throughout, and the time of is release are dead giveaways.

    However the biting language in some areas suggests that Peart was mindful that this happened because of how much the west ignored the signs that something like this was about to happen:

    "The hermit against the lover, Or the devil against the fool?"

    It's the dichotomy of how the attacks were seen by the US, and the way he saw it. The Hermit stands as being Islamic extremists and the lover being the US population as it saw itself. Elsewise, The Devil is extremists and the fool is the US, as it should have seen it coming, as stated in the earlier lyric about "Shuffling and laying out all our cars, whole a billion dealers are skipping past our guards" and the later lyric regarding the decadence of the US as "Burning like bonfires in the dark".

    It is a brilliant use of metaphor, and probably one of the best thought out responses to the attacks in the world of writing. Written by a truly wise man.
  • V. from New Orleans, LaNo one has mentioned the lyrics about the Tarot cards. There's a lovers, tower, sword, time, justice, hanged man, etc. cards. Peart is just a genius and I would not know how to start to put meaning to his incredible deep lyrics.
  • Jayden from Perth, AustraliaI love the heavy riff in the bridge of Peaceable Kingdom. It's just one song you gotta crank, and really adds to the dark emotive in the song.
  • Jason Vaikasas from Uni-verse, AustraliaThe Song is not a response to anything but perhaps a warning.
  • Richie from Pearland, Txi love this song. It shows the bands heavy side. this song is about the world and peace.
  • Jaakko from Pudasjärvi, FinlandI'm with John, the "talk about peaceable kingdom" chorus is great, the bass line fits in perfectly.
  • Ray from Roseville, MiThe lines "Swords against the kingdom Time against the tower" says it all.
  • John from Asheville, NcI like this song quite well. It's not a favorite from Vapor Trails but I like the dynamic at work here just the same. Love, especially, the "talk of a peaceable kingdom" chorus...segueing into the heavy riffage..."Justice against the hanged man."
  • Dillon from Bismarck, NdI think this is one of the best songs to turn up just a little bit louder than the rest of the songs you listen to. I just suddenly got the idea that this song would be a good one to listen to loudly, and that's what I do every time it comes on now =-)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."