Meaning of "Turn the Page" by Rush

"Turn the Page" speaks to the universal experience of humanity, highlighting the fact that no one can exist in isolation. With the line "Nothing can survive in a vacuum, No one can exist all alone," the song asserts the importance of connections and relationships. It suggests that we often pretend that difficult events only happen to strangers, failing to recognize that we all have our own problems and struggles.

The lyrics advocate for the sharing of joys and pleasures, emphasizing that sympathy alone cannot alleviate pain. Instead, the song proposes that the act of sharing and connecting with others through joyful experiences can help to soothe the hardships of life. The line "It's enough to learn to share our pleasures, We can't soothe pain with sympathy" highlights this sentiment.

The song also touches on the idea that truth is a complex and elusive concept. With the line "Truth is after all a moving target, Hairs to split and pieces that don't fit," the lyrics reflect on the difficulty of finding objective truth and the subjective nature of perception. The idea of enlightenment is presented as a challenge, with the line "How can anybody be enlightened? Truth is after all so poorly lit."

Overall, "Turn the Page" conveys the message that it is essential to accept the passage of time and embrace life's changes. The song suggests that disengaging from negativity and turning the page can lead to a more fulfilling and forward-thinking existence. It encourages listeners to face the future with optimism and open-mindedness.