Tears (3:35)

Tears is the fifth song from Rush’s fourth album 2112. It is the only song from the album (and one of the few songs in the band’s whole catalog) to be written entirely by Geddy Lee. It has the distinction of being the first Rush song to use keyboards, aside from the spacy intro to “2112.” It features a mellotron acting as strings, played by Hugh Syme, Rush’s primary album cover designer. Following the album, keyboards became an integral part of Rush’s sound, until the release of Vapor Trails in 2002. The only songs from that point on to feature keyboards are “Bravest Face” and “Good News First” from Snakes and Arrows. It’s the first time Rush has used a mellotron since “Tears,” this time with Lee playing. The song was covered by the American Progressive metal band Dream Theater.