Animate
by Rush

Album: Counterparts (1993)
Play Video
  • Polarize me
    Sensitize me
    Criticize me
    Civilize me
    Compensate me
    Animate me
    Complicate me
    Elevate me

    Goddess in my garden
    Sister in my soul
    Angel in my armor
    Actress in my role

    Daughter of a demon lover
    Empress of the hidden face
    Priestess of the pagan mother
    Ancient queen of inner space

    Polarize me
    Sensitize me
    Criticize me
    Civilize me
    Compensate me
    Animate me
    Complicate me
    Elevate me

    Spirit in my psyche
    Double in my role
    Alter in my image
    Struggle for control

    Mistress of the dark unconscious
    Mermaid of the lunar sea
    Daughter of the great enchantress
    Sister to the boy inside of me

    Polarize me
    Sensitize me
    Criticize me
    Civilize me
    Compensate me
    Animate me
    Complicate me
    Elevate me

    My counterpart, my foolish heart
    A man must learn to rule his tender part
    A warming trend, a gentle friend
    A man must build a fortress to defend

    A secret face, a touch of grace
    A man must learn to give a little space
    A peaceful state, a submissive trait
    A man must learn to gently dominate

    Polarize me
    Sensitize me
    Criticize me
    Civilize me
    Compensate me
    Animate me
    Complicate me
    Elevate me

    Complicate me
    Elevate me Writer/s: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Neil Elwood Peart
    Publisher: Anthem Entertainment
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Mark From Syracuse from Syracuse,nyThe closest I ever came (seating) at a Rush show was on the "Counterparts" tour when it landed in Rochester NY at the War Memorial. The usher walked me to my seat and the stage got bigger and bigger dead center. The tickets didn't clearly reveal how close the seats were to the stage and it was a real treat to watch the song "Animate" played directly in front of me. Being a bass player and able to watch Geddy's flamenco pick technique on that tune was so freaking cool to see it. I was also introduced to "Candelbox" who put on a great set..
    Suffice to say I eventually learned how to play Animate but the wimpy way... With a pick... Never got that flamenco thing.. I tried!!
  • Eric from Bend, OrThis is one of my favorite Rush songs, or maybe it's the whole Counterparts album that is one of my favorite works of Rush. There isn't a song on Counterparts that I don't like.

    I first bought a copy of Counterparts on cassette when I was 14, and I listened to it quite a bit over my spring break. :) When I first listened to it, I thought it was an awesome album, and it continues to be one of my favorite Rush albums to this day.
  • John from Asheville, NcI've always liked this song...and Counterparts is one of my favorite Rush albums. Always played slower live. I prefer the peppier studio version I must say. Great groove.
  • Jesse from L.a., CaDuring the 30th Anniversary Tour, Rush performed a slightly shorter version of this song, in contrast to the almost 6 minute version on the album.
  • Mike from Mountlake Terrace, WashingtonThe Line "My counterpart, my foolish heart" hence the name of the album, Counterparts. In addition the album contains picture references to counterparts, e.g. a rabbit riding a turtle, salt and pepper shakers, tooth and a nail etc.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?