Goodbye Roseland
Styx Lyrics


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There was a time
When we were children
Blue skies would shine
And all was forgiven
And there were heroes to guide us
And we had family beside us
And there were dreams to believe in
Each and every day

And I was your friend
Father and brother
And you were my wife
Mistress and mother
And through the good times and bad times
We shared the love of a lifetime
Oh what a shame and a damn crime
For it all to end

So goodbye to roseland
How I wish I could stay
To live in the memory
Of your sweet sweet day
But every road that we travel, has an end
And so the time now has come to say
Farewell old friend

Well goodbye to roseland
How I want you to know
Just how much I miss you
So I got to let go




But all the love that you gave me will remain
And every tear that Ive cried has not been shed in vain

Overall Meaning

The song "Goodbye Roseland" by Styx is a nostalgic and bittersweet ode to a time when life was simpler and love was pure. The lyrics describe an idyllic childhood where everything was forgiven and heroes guided them. The singer speaks to a close friend, addressing them as wife, mother, father, and brother, showcasing the depth of their relationship. The two shared their love through good and bad times, but sadly, it all had to come to an end.


The Roseland referred to in the song is likely a place with fond memories for the singer and his friend. The song is a tribute to the place, and there is a sense of longing to stay in the memory of Roseland's sweet day. However, the reality is that every road has an end, and it's time for the singer to say goodbye to an old friend. Even though they have to move on, the love shared, and the tears shed don't go in vain. The lyrics express the depth of the relationship and the emotion attached to it, making it a touching and soulful tribute.


Line by Line Meaning

There was a time
There was a time in the past, a period we can reminisce


When we were children
A time when we were innocent and carefree, unencumbered by the weight of adult problems


Blue skies would shine
The world was a bright place, full of hope and positivity


And all was forgiven
Mistakes were easily forgotten and relationships were not tainted by grudges and resentment


And there were heroes to guide us
We had role models and exemplars who inspired us to be our best selves


And we had family beside us
Our families were a source of strength, guidance, and support for us


And there were dreams to believe in
We had hopes, aspirations and ambitions for the future, which gave us direction and purpose


Each and every day
These positive attributes were a constant presence in our lives


And I was your friend
I was your companion, confidante, and ally


Father and brother
I played the role of a father figure and a brother, offering guidance and support to you


And you were my wife
You were my significant other, my soulmate who completed me


Mistress and mother
You were the one who fulfilled my desires and gave birth to our children


And through the good times and bad times
We went through thick and thin, experiencing joys and sorrows alike, together


We shared the love of a lifetime
We were blessed with a love that transcended time, space, and any obstacles that came our way


Oh what a shame and a damn crime
It is lamentable and tragic that our love has come to an end, as we were meant to be together forever


For it all to end
This is the unfortunate, heart-wrenching conclusion to a beautiful chapter in our lives


So goodbye to roseland
Farewell to the place where we shared our memories


How I wish I could stay
I long to prolong my time in this place, as it holds great sentimental value for me


To live in the memory
To exist in the recollection of this special place


Of your sweet sweet day
A day that was full of beauty and richness, which cannot be replicated elsewhere


But every road that we travel, has an end
All journeys, no matter how long or fulfilling, must come to an end at some point


And so the time now has come to say
The moment we have been dreading is finally upon us, forcing us to confront the end of an era


Farewell old friend
Goodbye to a dear companion, whose presence will be deeply missed


Well goodbye to roseland
I bid adieu to a place that has been an integral part of my life


How I want you to know
It is important to me that you understand the depth of my emotions towards this place


Just how much I miss you
My longing for this place is palpable and intense


So I got to let go
As difficult as it may be, it is time to move on and release my attachment to this place


But all the love that you gave me will remain
Even though I am departing from this place, the affection and fond memories will continue to reside within me


And every tear that Ive cried has not been shed in vain
It is a consolation that the pain and sorrow I have experienced here has not been a futile, meaningless exercise




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