A Farewell to Kings (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“A Farewell to Kings”
Song by Rush
Album A Farewell to Kings
Released August 18, 1977
Recorded 1977, Rockfield Studios
Genre Progressive Rock
Length 5:51
Label Mercury Records
Writer Peart
Composer Lee & Lifeson
Producer Rush & Terry Brown
A Farewell to Kings track listing
None A Farewell to Kings
(1)
"Xanadu"
(2)


A Farewell to Kings is the title track from Canadian progressive rock trio Rush's 1977 album A Farewell to Kings. The song, while not one of Rush's better known songs, has been included on the double-disc Rush compilation album Chronicles.

The song begins with a serene, medieval-sounding ditty played by Lifeson on classical guitar, before opening into a full-out rocker. Most notably, is the song's distinct mid-section, containing a tricky alternating 5/8, 7/8 time signature. Geddy Lee and Neil Peart hold a constant rhythm over this, while Lifeson performs a unique guitar solo, showcasing some of his best attributes: heavy use of the tremolo bar, pinch harmonics and lightning-fast arpeggios.