Something For Nothing
by Rush

Album: 2112 (1976)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to Rush drummer Neil Peart's book Traveling Music, in the mid-'70s the band was driving to a show in downtown Los Angeles, at the Shrine Auditorium, and Neil noticed some graffiti splattered across the wall: "Freedom isn't for free," and this was adapted for this song. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Darkside of the Moon
  • This song explores the ideas of freedom and free will - common themes in Peart's lyrics.

Comments: 5

  • Kencavender from Tulsa OkOk...I just got goose bumps all the way up to my frontal lobe. How many songs can you say that does that to you???
  • Frank Stroud from Orlando FlLong time fan, now 50 something, fairly successful and owe Rush and their songs for keeping me "Driven" throughout my career. Always thought the first four lines in the last verse captured so much. What you own is your own Kingdom, What do is your own glory, What you love is your own power, What you live is your own story...
  • Layton from Paris, TxWhen I first heard this song I was begging for more. I got hooked on Rush for a long time and they are still one of my favorite bands. This is one of the most underrated Rush songs of all time, no doubt. Great lyrics, great drum, amazing guitar, and Geddy Lee tears up the mic in this. Alex Lifeson shreds in the fade-out solo. And don't even get me started on Neil Peart...simply amazing.
  • Scott from Windsor, CanadaThis is one of Rush's best songs and arguably the best on the 2112 album.
  • Peter from Newark, NyThis is one of the most rocking songs that Rush has, it should have gotten radio play. Its about 200 times better than Big Money!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."