Force Ten

Born from necessity and serendipity, "Force Ten" was written on the last day of pre-production when producer Peter Collins insisted the album needed a tenth track. Pye Dubois — the Max Webster lyricist who had co-written "Tom Sawyer" six years earlier — contributed lyrics that Peart reworked. The title refers to Force 10 on the Beaufort wind scale: a full storm.

Despite (or because of) its rushed creation, "Force Ten" is one of the most dynamic and energetic tracks on the album. The driving rhythms and Peart's powerful drumming immediately announce that whatever else Hold Your Fire might be, it opens with force. The interplay between Lee's synths and Lifeson's guitar is among the best-balanced on the album.

It became a concert staple and is often cited by fans who otherwise struggle with Hold Your Fire as one of the album's clear highlights. Sometimes the songs that come together fastest have the most natural energy.