Subtitled "Part III of Fear," this was the first song released in Peart's ambitious tetralogy exploring different aspects of fear. Confusingly, the parts were released in reverse order: Part III here (mob mentality, 1981), Part II "The Weapon" (propaganda, Signals 1982), Part I "The Enemy Within" (personal fear, Grace Under Pressure 1984), and finally Part IV "Freeze" (paralysis, Vapor Trails 2002).
The atmospheric introduction was recorded outside Le Studio in sub-zero temperatures, with the band and crew ranting and raving in a deliberately humorous way to create the sound of an angry mob. Hugh Syme plays keyboards on the track, and Peart's drum part was recorded twice in a single verse, with each percussion sound captured differently to create a layered, cinematic effect.
The lyrics about mob mentality, groupthink, and the dangers of collective hysteria have proved remarkably prescient and timeless. It's one of Rush's most powerful social commentaries.