Styx

Released: January 19, 1981

Songwriter: Ray Brandle James Young

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

[Verse 1]
Half penny, two penny, gold Krugerrand
He was exceedingly rich for such a young man
Sad story, old story
Bring out the band
Another divorce just a few hundred grand

[Verse 2]
Half penny, two penny, back of the queue
Yes mister poor man this means you
Justice for money what can you say
We all know it's the American Way

[Chorus]
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free

[Verse 3]
Half penny, two penny, back in the States
You just couldn't take that African pace
Yes, Mrs. Cleaver your son's home to stay
We all know it's the American Way

[Chorus]

[Background Voices]
"Come here - hey Angelo... what's happenin'?"
"Hey, Stosh, good to see ya"
"What the hell you doin'?"
"We're tearing this old building down here"
"Oh you're kiddin' me. Remember when we were kids, and we used to come here every Saturday afternoon to see a cartoon?"
"Yeah, I remember"
"Well what's she lost to?"
"Who knows- politicians, taxes...it's a disgrace"
"I'm not surprised, they make me sick. They don't make theaters like this any more."

[Verse 4]
Half penny, two penny, ashes to dust
The almighty dollar says "In God we trust"
Justice for money how much more can I pay
We all know it's the American Way

[Chorus]

I want to be free

[Chorus]

We all want to be free

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

Paradise Theatre

From the album

Paradise Theatre (1981)

Styx popular songs

Half-Penny, Two-PennyStyx

Styx

Paradise Theatre