Texas King Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 Which Neil?Who wrote better lyrics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RushFanForever Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 (edited) Neil Peart is a voracuious reader that influences his lyric writing, whereas Neil Young finds reading a distraction. As well Neil Young likes to record in the moment when the muse is there and then leave it be. He doesn't like correcting things and is a one take individual. Whereas with Neil Peart that isn't the case. The Vexing Simplicity Of Neil Young Also check out the first comment, which is a reprint of an interview with Costco Connection in this forum thread below. Young On Songwriting - "Thinking is the worst thing for writing a song" Edited August 18, 2017 by RushFanForever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasbo Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 Neil Peart-Dog Years,it's the season of the itch.Neil Young-Got mashed potato ,ain't got no t-bone.Both great writers.Neil wins it by a scratch . 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorraine Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 I have to think about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorraine Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 Neither one really touch me as a lyricist, so I won't vote for either. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurkst Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 (edited) Neil Peart is a voracuious reader that influences his lyric writing, whereas Neil Young finds reading a distraction. As well Neil Young likes to record in the moment when the muse is there and then leave it be. He doesn't like correcting things and is a one take individual. Whereas with Neil Peart that isn't the case. As above, two very different writers and personalities (although from what I've observed they have quite a few behavioural similarities). Both have written some sublime lyrics, and some clunkingly awful ones, however when the classic song count is totted up I have to vouch for Mr Young. Edited August 17, 2017 by Lurkst 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystic Slipperman Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 This is tough. On the strength of Powderfinger, Pocahontas, Sail Away, Thrasher (can you tell I love Rust Never Sleeps) and Birds, I gotta go with Young. I love a lot of Peart's lyrics too... no doubt. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mithrandir Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 Peart. Not even close for me. Like a million miles apart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prolix Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyBlaze Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Can't vote. I don't know the FULL lyrics to a single Young song. Just snippets to a handful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
custom55 Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 (edited) YOUNG for sure + plus he sings what he writes Edited August 18, 2017 by custom55 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New_World_Man Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Silly poll question for a Rush site. Lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RushFanForever Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 I wonder what Geddy's answer to this thread would be. http://rivista-cdn.postcity.com/images/cache/cache_f/cache_8/cache_4/Cover-GeddyandNeil-b8fe648f.jpeg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goose Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Neither one really touch me as a lyricist, so I won't vote for either.Neil Young is certainly more lyrical. Country Girl. Old Man. The Needle and the Damage Done. Ohio. Peart tackles meatier subjects, but his lyrics are more hit and miss, I think. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughedatbytime Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Can't vote. I don't know the FULL lyrics to a single Young song. Just snippets to a handful.Now you do. Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneT-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneNo T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Ain't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Ain't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughedatbytime Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 ShotsRinging all along the borderscan be heardStriking outlike a venom in the skyCutting through the airfaster than a birdIn the night. ChildrenAre lost in the sand,building roadswith little handsTrying to jointheir father's castlestogether againWill they make it?Who knows where or whenOld wounds will mend? MachinesAre winding their way along,looking strongBuilding roadsand bringing backloads and loadsOf building materialsIn the night MenAre trying to move the borderson the groundLines between the different spotsthat each has foundBut back homeanother scene was going downIn the night. LustComes creepin' through the nightto feed on heartsOf suburban wiveswho learned to pretendWhen they met their dream's endIn the night. ShotsI hear shots, I keep hearing shotsI keep hearing shotsI hear shots. ShotsI hear shots, I keep hearing shotsI keep hearing shotsI hear shots. But I'll never use your love,You know I'm not that kindAnd so if you give your heart awayI promise to youWhatever we doThat I will always be true. This, reactor, is a really great album. Not so much lyrically though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughedatbytime Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Here's a story about Surfer JoeHe caught the big one,but he let it goThere's somebody satisfiedwith winning. Back on the boardwalkthere's Moe the SleazeSells good thingsand aims to pleaseHe's almost even buthe doesn't mind a handout. Come on downfor a pleasure cruiseWe're all goingon a pleasure cruiseCome on downfor a pleasure cruisePlenty of women,plenty of booze. Give your ticketto Moe the SleazeHe's the one that'sweak in the kneesHis pants are baggy,but you can see them shaking. I'll introduce you to Surfer JoeHe may be there,I really don't knowWe can smoke garfongand watch him ridethe big one. Come on downfor a pleasure cruiseWe're all goingon a pleasure cruiseCome on downfor a pleasure cruisePlenty of women,plenty of booze. Come on down, come on downCome on down, come on. Here's a story about Surfer JoeHe caught the big one,and he let it goThere's somebody satisfiedwith winning. Here's a story about Surfer JoeHe caught the big one,and he let it goHe's somebody satisfiedwith winning.He's somebody. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 I voted Neil Young, but he does have the somewhat unfair advantage of conveying the feeling with his guitar/piano and voice - all of which adds to the meaning .. Looking at the lyrics to "Journey Through The Past", for example, without hearing the song - they are OK .. but the way everything comes together when he plays it with just vocals and piano, it is incredible and very moving .. But as far as sentiment, I love what The Professor was doing in the 70s .. his later stuff killed it for me though 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djflex Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Pretty hard to beat some of the epic style Peart stuff, a lot of it is very complex yet enjoyable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyBlaze Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Can't vote. I don't know the FULL lyrics to a single Young song. Just snippets to a handful.Now you do. Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneT-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneNo T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Ain't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Ain't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-Bone Got mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesGot mashed potatoesAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-BoneAin't got no T-Bone Who the hell does he think he is?! Phish?! :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Permanent-Rush Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Neil Ellwood Peart all the way, but Neil Young ain't bad :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasbo Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 As mentioned Shots from Youngs Reactor album is guaranteed to blow stereos up. Some of the most insane overdriven guitar work ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurkst Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Looking at the lyrics to "Journey Through The Past", for example, without hearing the song - they are OK .. but the way everything comes together when he plays it with just vocals and piano, it is incredible and very moving .. Was lucky enough to see him play it live on the tack piano at Hammersmith Apollo a few years back. Jaw droppingly great :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurkst Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 I voted Neil Young, but he does have the somewhat unfair advantage of conveying the feeling with his guitar/piano and voice - all of which adds to the meaning .. That's a good point too, and it can't be ignored that Rush lyrics are a collaborative effort.You only need to read one of Neil's blog entries to appreciate the importance of Geddy's role as lyric editor in chief... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaportrailer Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Of the two Canadian Neils, one's a US citizen now. Universal-Neil-lyricist battle! Neil Finn > Neil Young > Neil Sedeka > Neil Diamond > Neil Peart > Vince Neil > Right Said Fred Neil "Hmm, what rhymes with chronosynclastic infundibulum?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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