Virtuality
by Rush

Album: Test For Echo (1996)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Rush drummer Neil Peart wrote this song about the internet experience; specifically cyber-relationships, chatting, and the ability of people to communicate with each other from all around the world. It relates to the whole delusive nature of interaction with unknown others in an uncertain environment.

    In 1996, only a few people had internet connections, and most were on very slow connections. Back then, it wasn't so much about visiting websites and looking up information as it was about making connections in AOL chat rooms and other platforms. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Comments: 5

  • Alex from Portland, OrYeah the lyrics are a little corny, but if you're a real Rush fan, you're used to that. Considering the band wrote this when it did reminds me of the fact that they were writing songs about black holes with relatively accurate physics and cosmology references way before black holes were part of common parlance.
  • Michael from Frederick, MdI don't care much for the lyrics in this one, although the subject matter is interesting. The "Net Boy... Net Girl" section is just embarrassing.

    That said, Alex's verse riff is a total JAM!
  • Chuck from Oklahoma City, OkMy sister sent me a video of a hockey game with one of my nephews playing a few years ago. Loved the video and the song the creator used . But being a techno-queeen, had no idea who sang it. A friend at work recognized the lyrics and turned me on to RUSH. I think Neil Peart was way ahead of his time in 1996 writing this song, and find it even more relavent 11 years later. If only all music outlived it's time-period....chuck
  • Kent Lyle from Cincinnati, OhThe timing of this song synchs with the CD's second counter exactly. Watch it and see. Also, I became aware of the fact that this was one of their first songs to not contain a single trace of keyboards since after _2112_.
  • Drew from Butler, NjGreat tune, one of my favorites from the Test For Echo CD, and definitely an interesting look at life in the age of information technology. Neil's words are inspiring, and as always, a perfect match with the music created by this excellent band.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.