Album: Test For Echo (1997)

License This Song 

• I don't have an explanation
  For another lonely night
  I just feel this sense of mission
  And the sense of what is right
  
  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
  
  It's a hopeless situation
  Lie awake for half the night
  You're not sure what's going on here
  But you're sure it isn't right
  
  Make it easy on yourself
  There's nothing more you can do
  You're so full of what is right
  You can't see what is true
  
  A quality of justice
  A quantity of light
  A particle of mercy
  Makes the color of right
  
  Gravity and distance
  Change the passage of light
  Gravity and distance
  Change the color of right
  
  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
  
  Make it easy on yourself
  There's nothing more you can do
  You're so full of what is right
  You can't see what is true
  
  A quality of justice
  A quantity of light
  A particle of mercy
  Makes the color of right
  
  Gravity and distance
  Change the passage of light
  Gravity and distance
  Change the color of right Writer/s: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Neil Elwood Peart
  Publisher: Anthem Entertainment
  Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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.

More Songfacts:

More Than a FeelingBoston

Boston leader Tom Scholz went back to his job at Polaroid after releasing the group's debut album. When his co-workers kept coming by to tell him "More Than A Feeling" was playing on the radio, he knew it was time to quit his day job.

Return To InnocenceEnigma

"Return To Innocence" by Enigma is based on a Taiwanese chant by a husband and wife. The couple won a lawsuit granting them royalties from the song.

Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)Katy Perry

When "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" climbed to #1 on the Hot 100, Katy Perry became the first woman to send five songs from one album to the top of the charts. The four previous chart-toppers from her Teenage Dream set were "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Firework" and "E.T."

I Don't Want To Miss A ThingAerosmith

Diane Warren originally wrote Aerosmith's hit tune "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" for Celine Dion.

All The Young DudesMott the Hoople

All The Young Dudes "carry the news" because it was intended for a David Bowie concept album where Ziggy Stardust spreads the news in a world with electricity.

Papa Don't PreachMadonna

Madonna didn't write "Papa Don't Preach," which deals with abortion. What drew her to the song was the singer standing up to male authority.

Editor's Picks

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.