[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse 1]
Sprawling on the fringes of the city
In geometric order, an insulated border
In between the bright lights and the far unlit unknown
[Verse 2]
Growing up, it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided, the future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided in the mass production zone
Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone
[Chorus: Geddy Lee & Neil Peart]
(Subdivisions)—
In the high school halls, in the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)—
In the basement bars, in the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
[Post-Chorus]
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Drawn like moths, we drift into the city
The timeless old attraction, cruising for the action
Lit up like a firefly just to feel the living night
[Verse 4]
Some will sell their dreams for small desires
Or lose the race to rats, get caught in ticking traps
And start to dream of somewhere to relax their restless flight
Somewhere out of a memory of lighted streets on quiet nights
[Chorus: Geddy Lee & Neil Peart]
(Subdivisions)—
In the high school halls in the shopping malls
Conform or be cast out
(Subdivisions)—
In the basement bars in the backs of cars
Be cool or be cast out
[Guitar Solo]
[Post-Chorus]
Any escape might help to smooth the unattractive truth
But the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth