Styx

Released: December 1, 1975

Songwriter: Dennis DeYoung John Curulewski

Producer: John Panozzo John Curulewski Chuck Panozzo James Young Dennis DeYoung

[Verse 1: Dennis DeYoung & John Curulewski]
Lonely feelings in the city
One room flat with crumbling walls
Sirens play a distant melody
Neon shadows paint the halls
In the thirteen months I've spent here
With my manuscript and rhymes
I've paid in cash for foolish pleasures
Mother dear, you'd call them crimes

[Chorus: Dennis DeYoung]
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learn

[Chorus: Dennis DeYoung]
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learn

[Verse 2: Dennis DeYoung & John Curulewski]
I've been a Roman for survival
Showing two sides of my face
I need the comfort of your wisdom
I'm coming home to your embrace
If by chance I pass before you
Don't discount my gratitude
You're responsible for me here
And of course my attitude

[Chorus: Dennis DeYoung]
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learn

[Outro: Dennis DeYoung]
Stayin' up half the night
Wonderin' if what I'm doin' is right
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight

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.)

more tracks from the album

Equinox

From the album

Equinox (1975)

Styx popular songs

Mother DearStyx

Styx

Equinox