Closer to the Heart

Rush's first genuine hit single and one of their most beloved songs, with lyrics co-written by Peter Talbot, a friend of the band. Talbot wrote the words and Peart set them to music. At under three minutes, it was proof that Rush could craft a concise, radio-friendly song without sacrificing their artistic identity.

The song calls for people in positions of power to lead with compassion rather than self-interest. Its earnest idealism struck a chord with fans and radio programmers alike — it reached #36 in the UK, finally cracking the singles chart after years of near-misses with "Fly by Night" and "Bastille Day." It became one of the most-played songs on classic rock radio.

The band performed "Closer to the Heart" at virtually every concert for decades, though Peart eventually admitted they "got sick of it" and dropped it from setlists during the Vapor Trails and 30th anniversary tours. It remains one of the first songs most casual fans associate with Rush — a gateway into their deeper catalog.