The Soulful Resonance of Parallel Lines
The fascinating backstory of Parallel Lines links it directly to theatrical history and rock folklore. Rundgren originally wrote the piece for an off Broadway musical adaptation of Up Against It, a screenplay penned by playwright Joe Orton. This screenplay was originally commissioned as a potential feature film for The Beatles, though that project never came to fruition. Although the stage adaptation faced its own hurdles, the music survived, allowing Parallel Lines to find its ideal home among the lush, soul inspired arrangements of Rundgren's solo catalog.
Lyrically, the track employs a clever mathematical metaphor to depict the heartache of missed connections and unrequited love. Rundgren sings about two people moving along similar paths, realizing they are destined to travel in the same direction without ever truly intersecting. The emotional peak of the song emphasizes this concept by explaining that certain spirits can never meet because parallel lines must run on forever without crossing. This poignant image captures the universal frustration of loving someone while knowing the circumstances make a shared life impossible.
The production of the track mirrors the ambitious live recording style used throughout the entire album. Rundgren chose standard electronic sequencing, opting instead to record large ensembles of musicians and vocalists simultaneously in the studio. This approach gave the ballad an incredibly warm, organic energy that elevates the emotional weight of the performance. Decades after its debut, the song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring creative brilliance of Todd Rundgren.