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Everyone Would Gather on the 24th of May...
...sitting in the sand to watch the fireworks display. Dancing fires on the beach, singing songs together. Though it's just a memory, some memories last forever ...
Happy Victoria Day to all of our friends in the Great White North. Observed on the Monday on or before May 24th, the Canadian holiday is celebrated in honour of both Queen Victoria's birthday and the current reigning Canadian sovereign's official birthday. It's also considered the unofficial start of the summer season, not unlike the celebration of Memorial Day in the U.S.
Rush fans the world over recognize May 24th for its inclusion in the song Lakeside Park which appeared on the band's third studio album Caress of Steel.
The "Lakeside Park" mentioned in the song is in St. Catharines, on Lake Ontario in Canada. Neil Peart lived very near Lakeside Park, and spent summers as a child working and playing there.
It's interesting to note that Geddy Lee gave a somewhat unfavourable mention of the song in a 1993 interview for Raw Magazine:
A lot of the early stuff I'm really proud of. Some of it sounds really goofy, but some of it stands up better than I gave it credit for. As weird as my voice sounds when I listen back, I certainly dig some of the arrangements. I can't go back beyond 2112 really, because that starts to get a bit hairy for me, and if I hear "Lakeside Park" on the radio I cringe. What a lousy song! Still, I don't regret anything that I've done! —Geddy Lee, Raw Magazine
I respectfully disagree, Geddy.
Next year, Victoria Day will be celebrated on May 21st (or 21.12) Fitting, isn't it? :)
I don´t like when musicians say they hate something they´ve done. One as a fan may be crazy about that song and to learn that one of its creators isn´t happy with it could be dissapointing.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Lakeside Park is, musically, a very well-arranged song, with a great guitar solo, and lyrically, nostalgic, about someone´s childhood shared with friends and family. How could it be lousy, Geddy ???
I'm with you, takes me back to Wisconsin Point at the tip of Lake Superior..... Oh, my squandered youth :)
DeleteI agree with you, C. It's always a little disheartening to hear the band talk down on a song that resonates so much with the fans.
ReplyDeleteAt lease, some of the fans :)
You kidding me?!!? I love Lakeside Park!
ReplyDeleteAs you get older you may appreciate Lakeside Park more. Me, I'm approaching the fountain of Lamneth. I would post more but I'm tired, out of breath. Time for a nap.
ReplyDeleteI love Lakeside park. Reminds me of my youth. I play it every year on the 24th May. A small ritual for me. A huge tribute to Rush.
ReplyDelete