Ο δίσκος κυκλοφόρησε στις αρχές Απριλίου του 1976 ανεβαίνοντας στο # 61 του Billboard στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, όντας ο πρώτος τους δίσκος που μπήκε στο Top-100. Έγινε χρυσός στις 16 Νοεμβρίου 1977 και πλατινένιος στις 25 Φεβρουαρίου 1981. Επίσης, σκαρφάλωσε στην πέμπτη θέση των τσαρτ της πατρίδας τους και έχει βραβευθεί ως διπλά πλατινένιος και ασημένιος στην Μεγάλη Βρετανία.
Οι στίχοι του ομώνυμου τραγουδιού αναφέρονται σε μία φανταστική ιστορία η οποία διαδραματίζεται το έτος 2112, όπου μία συγκεκριμένη κάστα ανθρώπων (Priests of the Temples of Syrinx) καθορίζει τον τρόπο γραφής και το περιεχόμενο εικόνων, τραγουδιών, συγγραμμάτων, κτλ. Η ιστορία περιστρέφεται γύρω από έναν πρωταγωνιστή ο οποίος μαθαίνει να παίζει κιθάρα και να γράφει την δική του μουσική, κάτι που αποστρέφεται η προαναφερθείσα κάστα, οδηγώντας τον στην αυτοκτονία. Μετά τον θάνατο του, οι άνθρωποι απελευθερώνονται από την τυραννία.
Το εξώφυλλο του δίσκου είναι δημιουργία του Neil Peart και παρουσιάζει το "έμβλημα του αστρανθρώπου" για πρώτη φορά, ένα σήμα που υιοθέτησαν οι οπαδοί του σχήματος.
I. OVERTURE
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"And the meek shall inherit the earth."
II. THE TEMPLES OF SYRINX
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We've taken care of everything
The words you hear the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes.
It's one for all and all for one
We work together common sons
Never need to wonder how or why.
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls.
Look around this world we made
Equality our stock in trade
Come and join the Brotherhood of Man
Oh what a nice contented world
Let the banners be unfurled
Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand.
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls.
Lyrics by Neil Peart
Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
III. DISCOVERY
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What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound
It's got wires that vibrate and give music
What can this thing be that I found?
See how it sings like a sad heart
And joyously screams out its pain
Chords that build high like a mountain
Or notes that fall gently like rain.
I can't wait to share this new wonder
The people will all see its light
Let them all make their own music
The Priests praise my name on this night.
Lyrics by Neil Peart
Music by Alex Lifeson
IV. PRESENTATION
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I know it's most unusual
To come before you so
But I've found an ancient miracle
I thought that you should know
Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
There's something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you.
The Priests:
Yes, we know it's nothing new
It's just a waste of time
We have no need for ancient ways
The world is doing fine
Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn't fit the plan.
I can't believe you're saying
These things just can't be true
Our world could use this beauty
Just think what we might do.
Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
There's something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you.
The Priests:
Don't annoy us further
We have our work to do.
Just think about the average
What use have they for you?
Another toy will help destroy
The elder race of man
Forget about your silly whim
It doesn't fit the plan.
Lyrics by Neil Peart
Music by Alex Lifeson
V. ORACLE: THE DREAM
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I wandered home though the silent streets
And fell into a fitful sleep
Escape to realms beyond the night
Dream can't you show me the light?
I stand atop a spiral stair
An oracle confronts me there
He leads me on light years away
Through astral nights, galactic days
I see the works of gifted hands
That grace this strange and wondrous land
I see the hand of man arise
With hungry mind and open eyes
They left the planet long ago
The elder race still learn and grow
Their power grows with purpose strong
To claim the home where they belong
Home, to tear the Temples down...
Home, to change..
Lyrics by Neil Peart
Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
VI. SOLILOQUY
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The sleep is still in my eyes
The dream is still in my head
I heave a sigh and sadly smile
And lie a while in bed
I wish that it might come to pass
Not fade like all my dreams
Just think of what my life might be
In a world like I have seen
I don't think I can carry on
Carry on this cold and empty life
Oh...noo.
My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood spills over..
VII. GRAND FINALE
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ATTENTION ALL PLANETS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION
ATTENTION ALL PLANETS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION
ATTENTION ALL PLANETS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION
WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL
WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL
WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL
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