Lessons
by Rush

Album: 2112 (1976)
Play Video
  • Sweet memories flashing very quickly by
    Reminding me and giving me a reason why
    I know that my goal is more than a thought
    I'll be there when I teach what I've been taught
    And I've been taught

    You know we've told you before
    But you didn't hear us then
    So you still question why
    No you didn't listen again
    You didn't listen again, whoa

    Sweet memories, I never thought it would be like this
    Reminding me, oh, just how close I came to missing
    I know that this is the way for me to go
    You'll be there when you know what I know
    And I know

    You know we've told you before
    But you didn't hear us then
    So you still question why
    No, you didn't listen again
    No, oh, oh
    You didn't listen again Writer/s: Alex Lifeson
    Publisher: Anthem Entertainment, BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Chuck from Downingtown, PaGreetings... I play guitar and am familiar with both songs. Both use D, A, and G chords in their main themes but the rhythm and sequence of the chords are completely different. Not to mentions there's other chords involved that aren't common between the two songs (e.g., B minor and D suspended 2nd). The opening chord for the repeating motif in Sweet Jane is a D - in Lessons, it's an A. I can understand you hearing some similarity - there is a somewhat similar "feel" to the two main parts but, without going into a lot more detail - they aren't the same.
  • John from Louisville, KyThe guitar in this song sounds very similiar to the repeated guitar riffs in "Sweet Jane" by the Velvet Underground....I don't play the guitar...
    but I'd like someone with a musical background to listen to both songs and give me your insight or thoughts about the similarities. It may be my imagination?? Thanks.
  • Kent Lyle from Cincinnati, OhThis is the only song in Rush's released collection which was entirely written by Lifeson, certain guitar instrumentals notwithstanding.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Country Song Titles

Country Song TitlesFact or Fiction

Country songs with titles so bizarre they can't possibly be real... or can they?

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.