Styx is best known for the hit songs "Lady", "Come Sail Away", "Babe", "Boat on the River", "The Best of Times", "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Renegade" and "Mr. Roboto". The band has had four consecutive albums certified multi-platinum by the RIAA.
Crystal Ball
Styx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to think that everything was fine
Sometimes I'd like to sit and gaze for days through sleepless dreams
All alone and trapped in time
All alone and trapped in time
I wonder what tomorrow has in mind for me
Or am I even in it's mind at all
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball
Tell me, tell me where I'm going
I don't know where I've been
Tell me, tell me, won't you tell me
And then tell me again
My heart is breaking, my body's aching
And I don't know where to go
So tell me, tell me, won't you tell me
I've just got to know
Crystal ball
There's so many things I need to know
Crystal ball
There's so many things I've got to know
Crystal ball
Won't you tell me please before I go
Crystal ball
Tell me, tell me where I'm going
I don't know where I've been
Tell me, tell me, won't you tell me
And then tell me again
My heart is breaking, my body's aching
And I don't know where to go
So tell me, tell me, won't you tell me
I've just got to know
Crystal ball
There's so many things I need to know
Crystal ball
There's so many things I've got to know
Crystal ball
Won't you tell me please before I go
Crystal ball
The lyrics to Styx's "Crystal Ball" depict a sense of uncertainty and a longing for clarity about the future. The singer begins by reflecting upon a time when they used to be confident and content with their direction in life. However, they now find themselves feeling lost and trapped, wishing to escape their current state of mind. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation as the singer seeks answers about their future, wondering what tomorrow holds for them and questioning whether they are even on the radar of fate.
As the chorus repeats, the singer pleads with a "crystal ball" to reveal the secrets of their destiny, asking "where I'm going" and expressing a desire to know "so many things." The repetition of the chorus underscores the singer's desperate longing for clarity and resolution. However, the song ends on a still uncertain note, as the singer expresses a sense of urgency to find answers and gain insight into their path forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to like to walk the straight and narrow line
In the past, I preferred to live by a strict set of rules and guidelines.
I used to think that everything was fine
Back then, I believed that all was well and good in the world.
Sometimes I'd like to sit and gaze for days through sleepless dreams
Occasionally, I wish to spend an extended period lost in my imagination without sleep.
All alone and trapped in time
However, this desire leaves me stranded and isolated within the confines of my mind.
I wonder what tomorrow has in mind for me
I ponder what the future holds for me.
Or am I even in it's mind at all
Perhaps the future is uninterested or even unaware of my existence.
Perhaps I'll get a chance to look ahead and see
Maybe I will have the opportunity to glimpse into my future.
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball
As soon as I locate a magical object that can reveal my destiny.
Tell me, tell me where I'm going
Please, inform me of my destination.
I don't know where I've been
I am uncertain of where I have traveled before now.
And then tell me again
And repeat the information to ensure that I fully comprehend.
My heart is breaking, my body's aching
I am experiencing severe emotional and physical pain.
And I don't know where to go
I am lost and unsure of where to turn or what to do next.
So tell me, tell me, won't you tell me
I implore you to reveal the information I seek.
Crystal ball, There's so many things I need to know
I require the mystical assistance of a crystal ball to answer all of my pressing questions.
Won't you tell me please before I go
Please inform me before I depart and continue on life's journey.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tommy Shaw
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zachzimmerman7105
I used to like to walk the straight and narrow line
I used to think that everything was fine
Sometimes I'd like to sit and gaze for days through sleepless dreams
All alone and trapped in time
All alone and trapped in time
I wonder what tomorrow has in mind for me
Or am I even in it's mind at all
Perhaps I'll get a chance to look ahead and see
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball
Tell me, tell me where I'm going
I don't know where I've been
Tell me, tell me, won't you tell me
And then tell me again
My heart is breaking, my body's aching
And I don't know where to go
Tell me, tell me, won't you tell me
I've just got to know
Crystal ball
There's so many things I need to know
Crystal ball
There's so many things I've got to know
Crystal ball
["extra verse" used occasionally live]
If you should see me walking
Through your dreams at night
Would you please direct me
Where I ought to be
I've been looking for a crystal ball
To shed the light
To find a future in me...
To find a future in me...
Crystal ball
There's so many things I need to know
Crystal ball
There's so many things I've got to know
Crystal ball
@pkaner
I just saw Styx last night and it doesn’t matter how many times you listen to “Crystal Ball”, it’s one of the best songs ever written. 46 years later and still brings out memories from my teenage years.
@Earthangel63
Ok I’m jealous
If I could’ve seen them live ESPECIALLY this song
I’d almost sell my damn soul !
@cathy6948
My favorite Styx song as well. I'm 63 years old & Styx was the 1st concert I saw in 1976. I've seen them in concert 3 times. Songs today aren't written like the ones I grew up too. Now they call them "classic rock"... makes me feel really old. Lol
@user-bn8mj9no6f
I'm 64. Rock on!
@TheSimba3062
I'm 58, and have always been a big Styx fan. They have so many classic tunes, but Crystal Ball has always been my favorite. Tommy has always been my favorite songwriter in Styx. This is a song I never tire of hearing, and brings back many memories.
@sebren3298
Love em!
@juliesunshine333
I’m 56 yrs on this earth. This has been my fav song since it was released. A great song for a mixed-up teenaged runaway. I’ll never forget. And so it is
@carlhale4089
May the Son (of God) shine upon you Julie!
@magnificentfailure2390
I'm gonna be 56 in a month. I'm still looking for that crystal ball.
@GenX...MCMLXV
55 and i was lost too,,,,,,,,,,, Jensen 6x9's in the back of my bug 15 , 5 yrs after this was released big styx fan