The Body Electric” is a song by Rush that explores themes of artificial intelligence, self-awareness, and the struggle for freedom. The title “The Body Electric” is derived from a poem by Walt Whitman, “I Sing the Body Electric,” which celebrates the human body and its vitality. Additionally, the song is inspired by a Ray Bradbury short story and a Twilight Zone episode that features a family ordering a robot grandmother after the death of their mother. The song delves into the concept of a robot gaining self-awareness and seeking freedom from its programmed existence. It reflects on the emotional and intuitive aspects of intelligence that differentiate living beings from machines.
Geddy Lee’s Bass on The Body Electric
On Rush’s Grace Under Pressure track “The Body Electric”, Geddy Lee recorded the bass part using a Steinberger headless bass. This was part of his mid‑80s shift toward Steinbergers, which he used exclusively on the Grace Under Pressure album (1984). While the Steinberger was the main recording instrument, some bass parts on the track — including the intro and certain sections — were also played on a Rickenbacker. This dual‑instrument approach was common during that era, as Geddy often blended different basses for variety in tone and texture. The Steinberger’s headless design and single‑coil pickups gave the bass a bright, articulate, and slightly “murky” tone compared to his Rickenbackers, which contributed to the distinctive sound on Grace Under Pressure.
Video Information
Bass: Fender Vintera III Early 60s Jazz
Strings: Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats
DI Box: Grace M303 Active
Outboard effects: API Select Tranzformer Compressor
Audio Interface: Antelope Zenith 2
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