Beneath, Between And Behind

Rush's song 'Beneath, Between And Behind' is a profound commentary on the American Dream and the disillusionment that often accompanies it. The lyrics take the listener on a journey through the history of the United States, starting with the nation's founding and the initial sense of hope and possibility. The phrase 'Ten score years ago' references the time since the Declaration of Independence, setting the stage for a reflection on the country's evolution. The 'kingly foe' symbolizes the British monarchy, which the American colonies defeated to gain independence. However, the song quickly shifts to a more critical tone, highlighting the exploitation of the land and the loss of innocence ('no virgin land left chaste') as the nation expanded westward.

The recurring lines 'Beneath the noble bird / Between the proudest words / Behind the beauty, cracks appear' serve as a powerful metaphor for the underlying issues that mar the surface of America's achievements. The 'noble bird' likely represents the bald eagle, a symbol of American freedom and strength, while the 'proudest words' could refer to the lofty ideals enshrined in the nation's founding documents. Despite these symbols of pride and beauty, the song suggests that there are deep-seated problems ('cracks') that undermine the nation's integrity. The imagery of shadows bowing in fear contrasts sharply with the earlier depiction of people with 'heads held high,' indicating a loss of confidence and a sense of betrayal.

The song also touches on the theme of progress and innovation, with lines like 'Watch the cities rise / Another ship arrives / Earth's melting pot and ever growing.' This reflects the influx of immigrants and the rapid industrialization that characterized much of American history. However, the optimism is tempered by a sense of disillusionment, as 'The guns replace the plow, facades are tarnished now / The principles have been betrayed.' The transformation from agricultural to industrial society brings with it a loss of the original ideals and a sense of moral decay. Despite this, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, urging that 'hope prevail' even though 'History's debt won't be repaid.' This suggests a recognition of past mistakes but also a call to strive for a better future.