Peak
76
Weeks
4
Score
189
Chart Year
1977
This is about people who run governments, and how they should be responsible for initiating harmony among themselves, just as blue collar workers do: And men who hold high places Must be the ones to start to mold a new reality Closer to the heart The next part talks about a blacksmith and an artist and how they forge their creativity in their art. Then we hear about the role of philosophers and ploughmen in sowing a new mentality - a new way for people to view life. Finally, "You can be the captain, I will draw the chart, sailing into destiny, closer to the heart" - achieving your goal is like sailing; someone needs to guide you or be your role model, but you have to draw the charts to navigate toward your destiny. The goal is to be "Closer to the Heart." >> Since this was originally released, it as appeared on several other Rush albums, including all of their live albums. This was not on the set list for their 2002 Vapor Trails tour until they played in South America (the last two shows). The decision was made to include it due to how popular it was with their fans there. Therefore, it was included on Rush In Rio. Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson says this is the ultimate Rush song. Lifeson (Guitar For The Practicing Musician, 1991): "There was a feeling that the song had changed a bit. It opens up into a bit more of a ham towards the end. It probably translates better live, visually, than it does on the record. But there is an energy to it, and it's a very positive song. It's been connected with the band for over 13 years." >> A Season 3 episode of Trailer Park Boys was titled "Closer to the Heart" after this song, which was also used in the episode. Rush got hooked on the show while watching it during their Vapor Trails tour; Alex Lifeson approached the director about contributing. Throughout the guitar solo and the end of the song, you can hear the subtle rattle of a vibraslap, a unique percussion instrument that was used more prominently in Bowie's "Fame," Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," and Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower."
And the men who hold high places Must be the ones who start To mold a new reality Closer to the heart Closer to the heart The blacksmith and the artist Reflect it in their art They forge their creativity Closer to the heart Yes, closer to the heart Philosophers and plowmen Each must know his part To sow a new mentality Closer to the heart Yes, closer to the heart, yeah, oh Whoa, whoa You can be the captain And I will draw the chart Sailing into destiny Closer to the heart Closer to the heart Well, closer to the heart, yeah Closer to the heart Closer to the heart I said closer to the heart Well, closer to the heart, yeah Closer to your heart Closer to your heart, whoa
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 26, 1977 | 89 | 37 |
| 2 | Dec 3, 1977 | 78 | 48 |
| 3 | Dec 10, 1977 | 76 | 50 |
| 4 | Dec 17, 1977 | 97 | 29 |