There is beauty in simplicity, and that's what I consider this song. This comes courtesy of the Roll the Bones album from 1991 (the same album that has Ghost of a Chance).
This song leaves a lot open for personal interpretation, but I always focus on the true inspiration - the end of the Cold War. And really looking at who caused it (politicians) and who paid the price (common folk).
With the war in Ukraine, it's hard not to draw from this song (unfortunately) once again. The horrors that Russia is inflicting on Ukrainians, their own citizens, the deception when they "hire" citizens from other countries and send them as first wave fodder - it's heartbreaking.
So certainly all the everday folks are "paying the price" while Putin "will not count the cost"...
Bravado Music by Lee and Lifeson / Lyrics by Peart
If we burn our wings Flying too close to the sun
If the moment of glory Is over before it's begun
If the dream is won Though everything is lost We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
When the dust has cleared And victory denied
A summit too lofty...
River a little too wide...
If we keep our pride Though paradise is lost We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
And if the music stops There's only the sound of the rain
All the hope and glory All the sacrifice in vain
And if love remains Though everything is lost We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
And if love remains Though everything is lost We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
And if love remains Though everything is lost We will pay the price, But we will not count the cost
And if love remains...
Rest In Peace, Neil Peart - 09/12/1952 - 01/07/2020
Ghost of a Chance 