The Big Money

Rush's song 'The Big Money' delves into the pervasive and often corrupting influence of wealth in modern society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how money circulates globally, impacting every facet of life. The phrase 'Big money goes around the world' suggests the omnipresence of financial power, while 'Big money make no sound' highlights its often unseen yet profound effects. The song uses metaphors like 'weave a mighty web' and 'draw the flies' to illustrate how money entangles and attracts people, often leading to manipulation and control.

The song also explores the dual nature of wealth, portraying it as both a builder and a destroyer. Lines like 'Sometimes building ivory towers, sometimes knocking castles down' reflect how money can create grand structures and opportunities but can also lead to downfall and ruin. The recurring theme of 'pushing people around' and 'pulling out the rug' underscores the unpredictable and often ruthless nature of financial power. The lyrics 'It's a war in paradise' and 'It's a Cinderella story on a tumble of the dice' further emphasize the chaotic and often arbitrary outcomes that money can bring.

Rush also critiques the superficiality and moral emptiness that can accompany great wealth. Phrases like 'It's the fool on television getting paid to play the fool' and 'Big money got no soul' suggest that financial success often comes at the cost of integrity and authenticity. The song's reference to 'old-time religion' and 'the kingdom they would rule' hints at the almost religious reverence society has for wealth, elevating it to a status of ultimate power and glory. Through its intricate lyrics and powerful metaphors, 'The Big Money' serves as a poignant commentary on the far-reaching and often detrimental impact of financial power in our world.