Shapes of Things

Background and Commentary

The piece was written by Paul Samwell-Smith, Keith Relf, and Jim McCarty and released by The Yardbirds as a single in 1966. The title bears a striking resemblance to The Shape of Things to Come, the “future history” book by H.G. Wells which foresaw cities being destroyed by aerial bombing. The song is considered one of the first psychedelic songs and features a psychedelic-style guitar solo by Jeff Beck using his Fender Esquire guitar. Q magazine in 2005 ranked the piece number 61 in its list of the 100 greatest guitar tracks.—Wikipedia

The piece was one of the songs Alex and Geddy played as part of their set in the band’s earliest years, Neil says in the liner notes to Feedback.

Lyrics

The Yardbirds

Shapes of things before my eyes
Just teach me to despise
Will time make men more wise?
Here within my lonely frame
My eyes just hurt my brain
But will it seem the same?

Come tomorrow, will I be older?
Come tomorrow, may be a soldier
Come tomorrow, may I be bolder than today?

Now the trees are almost green
But will they still be seen?
When time and tide have been
Fall into your passing hands
Please don’t destroy these lands
Don’t make them desert sands

Chorus

Soon I hope that I will find
Thoughts deep within my mind
That won’t disgrace my kind