| "Vital Signs" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Rush | ||||
| from the album Moving Pictures | ||||
| B-side | ||||
| Released | March 1981 (UK)[1] | |||
| Recorded | October–November 1980 | |||
| Studio | Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:43 | |||
| Label | Mercury | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
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| Rush singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Vital Signs" on YouTube | ||||
"Vital Signs" is a song by progressive rock trio Rush from their 8th studio album Moving Pictures. The lyrics of the song are about individuality and the pressures of conforming.[3]
The song is heavily influenced by reggae (in the guitar riff) as well as progressive electronica (in its use of sequencers) and the music of The Police.[4] These influences would carry on into their next three studio albums: Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and Power Windows.
The song was released as a single in the U.K. peaking at No 41. Also, a live version of "Vital Signs" appeared as the B-side to Rush's "New World Man" single in 1982 (Mercury #76179, US edition).[4]
It has appeared in Rush's set lists as recently as the 2010–2011 Time Machine Tour (documented on Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland[5]), during which Moving Pictures was played in its entirety.[6] It is also noted for being played during the encore of the Grace Under Pressure Tour[7] (documented on the Grace Under Pressure Tour Live album and video).[8]
