Styx

Released: February 22, 1983

Songwriter: Tommy Shaw

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

[Verse: Tommy Shaw]
Haven't we been here before
Footsteps lead down to the note on the door
That says, I can't stay here anymore
And haven't we felt this same way
Sure in our hearts, but afraid just the same
To say, I can't stay one minute more

[Pre-Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
You might think that it's hopeless
Beyond our control
But that's not necessarily so
Can't you see there's a chance
For the daring young soul
Who's finally learned to say no
No, I won't be misused
Ignored or refused
And I won't just give up and let go

[Chorus: Tommy Shaw, Dennis DeYoung, & both]
So tonight, hold me close to you
And don't give up what's important to you
And as time rolls on
Nothing can stand in our way
(And I) I believe if we learn from the past
We'd say, haven't we been here before
(And I) I believe if we open our hearts
We'd find keys to unlock every door

[Post-Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
Dark would turn into light
We'd be strong
We'd be right

[Chorus: Tommy Shaw, Dennis DeYoung, & both]
So tonight, hold me close to you
And don't give up what's important to you
And as time rolls on
Nothing will stand in our way
(And I) I believe if we learn from the past
We'd say, haven't we been here before
(Oh, and I) I believe if we open our hearts
We'd find keys to unlock every door

[Post-Chorus: Tommy Shaw & Dennis DeYoung]
Hearts could change (Don't say no) overnight (Don't say no)
We'd be strong... (Don't say no) we'd be right

[Outro: Tommy Shaw]
So stay with me now
The future is ours
And we'll be the ones who go on

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

Kilroy Was Here

From the albums

Kilroy Was Here (1983)
Greatest Hits Part 2 (1996)

Styx popular songs

Haven’t We Been Here BeforeStyx

Styx

Kilroy Was Here