Dennis DeYoung was the co-founder, keyboardist, and vocalist of the rock ba… Read Full Bio ↴Dennis DeYoung was the co-founder, keyboardist, and vocalist of the rock band Styx, formed in Chicago along with John and Chuck Panozzo. He is credited for writing many of the band's hits including "Lady", "Come Sail Away", the number 1 hit "Babe", "Mr. Roboto", "Don't Let It End", and "Show Me The Way", which gave Styx the privilege of having hits in 3 decades. In 1999, DeYoung was removed from the band lineup after a viral ailment left him sensitive to bright light. By the time he recovered, guitarists Tommy Shaw and James "JY" Young had replaced him with Scottish-born Canadian rock musician Lawrence Gowan. Forced to become a solo musician, he briefly sued the band for misuse of the Styx logo, name and trademark, a dispute which was later settled out of court. Dennis currently tours as "The Music Of Styx" playing many of the Styx songs that he wrote in addition to some of his solo songs written during Styx's hiatus from 1984-1989. Former Styx bandmate Glen Burtnik currently tours with Dennis on selected shows.

Sanctuary
Dennis DeYoung Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"Little gypsy, we meet again, for the last time."
"Sergeant, what about the hunchback?"
"Leave him be. The girl will be his punishment."

Sanctuary
Not for gypsies
Sanctuary
Take back our streets

Sanctuary
Save our homeland
Sanctuary
Call the hangman

Vengeance justice
God be with us

Vengeance justice
To the church steps now

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are from the song Sanctuary by Dennis DeYoung. They appear to be part of a larger story. The first few lines indicate that the singer, who is addressing a little gypsy, has met them before, but that this will be the final meeting. The following line reveals the presence of a sergeant, who is asked about the fate of a hunchback. The sergeant decides that the hunchback should be left alone, and that the girl will be his punishment. The rest of the lyrics call for a sanctuary, but not for the gypsies. Instead, it is suggested that the sanctuary is needed to take back the streets, save the homeland, and call the hangman. The last lines seem to indicate a desire for vengeance and justice, and a call to go to the church steps.

Line by Line Meaning

Little gypsy, we meet again, for the last time.
The singer addresses a gypsy who they've encountered before, hinting that this will be their final meeting.

Sergeant, what about the hunchback?
The singer asks for confirmation on what will happen to the hunchback present, indicating they're part of some sort of group involving a sergeant.

Leave him be. The girl will be his punishment.
The sergeant replies that the hunchback will not be punished, but rather be left alone as the girl present will be his punishment.

Sanctuary
The chorus calls for sanctuary, which in this context means protection and safety.

Not for gypsies
However, the artist clarifies that this sanctuary is not meant for the gypsy character they previously addressed.

Take back our streets
The singer declares that they're taking back their streets through seeking sanctuary.

Save our homeland
Furthermore, they aim to save their homeland through this act.

Call the hangman
The chorus concludes with a call to hang those who've wronged them, emphasizing their desire for revenge.

Vengeance justice
The second verse establishes that the artist seeks vengeance and justice for past wrongs committed against them.

God be with us
They ask for God's support and blessing in their quest.

To the church steps now
Finally, they make their way to the church steps, suggesting an upcoming confrontation or major action is about to take place.

Contributed by Ellie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS