The Weapon

Part II of Peart's Fear tetralogy (released after Part III, "Witch Hunt," from Moving Pictures). The song examines how fear is used as a weapon by those in power — through propaganda, manipulation, and the exploitation of ignorance. It's one of Peart's most politically pointed lyrics.

The atmospheric, almost menacing arrangement suits the subject matter perfectly, with swirling synthesizers and a dark, tension-filled groove. Hugh Syme contributes keyboards, as he had on "Witch Hunt," maintaining sonic continuity across the Fear series.

The song's analysis of how fear is weaponized for political control has only grown more relevant over the decades. It was performed live primarily during the Signals and Grace Under Pressure tours.