Rush Song Lyrics NOT by Neil Only

It's not as if this hasn't been covered before on the interwebs, but for the first time, I want to get this straight, complete and accurate, and put down on virtual paper for my own purposes: for which Rush songs was Neil Peart not the lyricist... or not the only person who wrote it?

Over the years, especially when I was a teenager and in my early adult years, I learned this and that about songwriting credits from the liner notes on records, tapes, and CDs. It was sometimes hazy about who actually wrote the lyrical content, since all band members were credited with the creation of the song instrumentally.

Neil Peart has long been applauded (or scorned, depending on which side of the fence you're on) for his song lyrics. Early albums show his interest in genre fiction like sci-fi and fantasy, but also a leaning toward classic literature. Peart's evolution as a writer brought us something more real world, with commentary on history and politics, the human condition, and even personal events. Not nicknamed "The Professor" for nothing, it should be noted that Neil wasn't a hog in the writing department. The other guys in the band contributed words on occasion, and in more than a few instances, someone from outside the band offered their services to the crafting of lyrics.

Some of today's findings were old-hat and others were surprising. I never really thought about Rush's first album, since it was a newbie exercise in raw heavy rock à la Zeppelin and I don't really have any interest in it anymore. That wasn't really Rush yet, if you know what I mean. On sophomore recording Fly By Night, Peart, getting a handle on his new duties, found that Lee and Lifeson had already fleshed out certain songs.

So here ya go. A complete rundown, to the best of my knowledge and research, of Rush song lyrics not by Mr. Peart, or not by him alone:

The whole first Rush album - lyrics by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Pre-Peart, of course.

Best I Can - by vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee. A fave rockin' oldie of mine

In the End - by Geddy. The music is metallic, plodding, and simplistic. The lyrics, too

Lessons -  by Lifeson. OK-ish. Heavy & howling, it feels like a companion to the 2112 suite.

Tears - by Geddy. Probably his most emotional performance ever. And a ballad, too!

Closer to the Heart - co-written by Peart and non-band member Peter Talbot. First "hit" song!

Cinderella Man - by Geddy. Very much like Peart's writing, cool and optimistic

Different Strings - by Geddy. Another successful ballad with Peart-like word-play

Tom Sawyer -  Peart co-wrote this with Max Webster lyricist Pye Dubois

Chemistry - lyrics by the whole band, and the last time Al and Ged would get lyric credits

Force Ten - again a co-write with Dubois

Between Sun and Moon - another Dubois collaboration

Test For Echo - Neil collab with Dubois

Limbo - borrows a sample from the 60's novelty tune Monster Mash