Styx

Released: July 7, 1977

Songwriter: Dennis DeYoung

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

[Verse 1]
Once in a dream far beyond these castle walls
Down near the bay where the moonlit water falls
I stood alone while the minstrel sang his song
So afraid I'd lost my soul

[Verse 2]
There in the fog his song kept calling me
Leading me on with its haunting melody
Deep in my heart a voice kept echoing
I knew I'd soon be wandering

[Chorus]
Far beyond these castle walls
Where the distant harbor meets the sky
There the battle raged like hell
And every dove there lost its will to fly

[Instrumental]

Far beyond these castle walls
Where I thought I heard Tiresias say
"Life is never what it seems
And every man must meet his destiny"

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

The Grand Illusion

From the album

The Grand Illusion (1977)

Styx popular songs

Castle WallsStyx

Styx

The Grand Illusion