If pop culture is any indication, Rush songs have a unique way of helping men express their feelings. Just look at the movie I Love You, Man or the series Freaks and Geeks (where Jason Segel shines), and how in an episode of Togetherness, Mark Duplass’s character recognizes his friend’s downcast expression and dives into a heartfelt discussion about the meaning behind “Tom Sawyer.” Suddenly, their buddy is perked up, and they continue their “chat” with an enthusiastic air drum solo as the track plays.
As Rush embarks on their 40th-anniversary tour this month, it’s hard to deny that even if you’re not a die-hard fan, you know how their music resonates with many, particularly grown men. What an incredible tool that can be!
After nearly a decade of marriage, I realize I’ve been trying to enhance communication with my husband by suggesting we sit down for a heart-to-heart, while I’ve had a treasure trove of Rush albums right at my fingertips. Want to improve your communication with your partner? Let’s meet at the 1056 mark—Rush speak for “halfway,” since 1056 is half of 2112 (but let’s not get ahead of ourselves).
Here’s how you can encourage your guy to open up with the help of some classic tracks from Canada’s legendary prog-rock trio:
When You Want to Know What’s Bugging Him:
“Distant Early Warning”
“You sometimes drive me crazy, but I worry about you.”
When You Want Him to Understand What’s on Your Mind:
“The Trees”
“There is unrest in the forest, there is trouble with the trees / For the maples want more sunlight, and the oaks ignore their pleas.”
When You’re Dropping Hints for a Birthday Surprise:
“Red Barchetta”
“Suddenly ahead of me, across the mountainside / A gleaming alloy air car, shoots towards me, two lanes wide.”
When You Wish He’d Say the ‘L’ Word:
“Closer to the Heart”
“You can be the captain, I will draw the chart / Sailing into destiny, closer to the heart.”
When You’re Ready for a Commitment Discussion:
“Force Ten”
“Tough times demand tough talk demand tough hearts demand tough songs …”
When You Want His Opinion, Just to See If He Knows How You Feel:
“Limelight”
“All the world’s a stage and we are merely players, performers and portrayers …”
When You’re Considering the ‘Are We Done Having Kids?’ Talk:
“Vital Signs”
“Everybody got mixed feelings about the function and the form.”
When You Feel a Bit Drifting Apart:
“Subdivisions”
“Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth.”
When You Wish He’d Look at You Like He Did When You Gave Him Rush Tickets:
“Time Stand Still”
“Freeze this moment a little bit longer, make each sensation a little bit stronger.”
When You Need Some Space:
“Fly by Night”
“The change of a season, is enough of a reason, to want to get away.”
When You Want to Reignite the Romance:
“Ghost of a Chance”
“Somehow we found each other, somehow we have stayed, in a state of grace.”
When You Want Him to Slow Dance—Oops, That’s Journey’s ‘Faithfully’ You’re Thinking Of:
But play “Freewill” and he might be in the mood to accompany you to a flea market.
“Genetic blends, with uncertain ends, on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.”
When You’d Like Him to Stop Playing Rush All the Time:
“The Spirit of Radio”
“One likes to believe in the freedom of music.”
This article was originally published on May 29, 2015.
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Summary:
Using Rush songs as a means to communicate can enhance your marriage significantly. Each track can serve as a playful prompt for serious conversations about feelings, future plans, and relationship dynamics. So next time you’re looking to connect, let the music do the talking!