Released: October 19, 1979

Songwriter: Tommy Shaw Dennis DeYoung

Producer: Dennis DeYoung Chuck Panozzo John Panozzo James Young Tommy Shaw

I heard the knock on my door
I heard the ring of the bell
I got the letter
But I couldn't go
So many thoughts in my head
So many places to be
So many faces that I long to see
Standing in front of me
To night the lights will take me where I long to be
Just like a thousand nights before
Somebody said to me
Why do you do this to you
Why not sit back and relax
Go to the Isalnds and forget it all
Slow down
You're moving too fast
You seem afraid it won't last
Take my advice
Go straight and settle down
Thank you for caring
But
Tonight the lights will take me where I long to be
Just like a thousand nights before
I can't explain
It gives me something
Give me the lights
Precious lights
Give me the lights
Give me my hope
Give me my energy
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me
Won't you let me play
...
Give me the lights
...

Styx

Styx is a rock band from Chicago formed in 1970. They enjoyed great success with pop rock and hard rock songs, and became famous for their power ballads and album releases of the mid 1970s and early 80s.

The band has gone through some famously nasty internal struggles, drug problems, illnesses and deaths, but continues to perform today (with a significantly altered line-up). Tommy Shaw, from Montgomery, AL, left but returned to the band. Drummer John Panozzo developed a debilitating drinking problem and ultimately died. Dennis DeYoung developed an acute case of photosensitivity, and he left the band. They fought among themselves for control of the band name. Glen Burtnik also left and returned, this time on bass, to replace Chuck Panozzo (John’s brother), who had also left the band. (whew.)