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.
Lights
Styx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard the ring of the bell
I got the letter but I couldn't go
So many thoughts in my head
So many places to be
So many faces that I long to see
Standing in front of me tonight
The lights will take me where I long to be
Somebody said to me
Why do you do this to you
Why not sit back and relax
Go to the islands and forget it all
Slow down, you're moving too fast
You seem afraid it won't last
Take my advice, go straight and settle down
Thank you for caring, but tonight the lights will take
Me where I long to be
Just like a thousand nights before
I can't explain, it gives me something
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Give me my hope, give me my energy
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, won't you let me play
Let me play
Won't you, won't you let me play
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Give me my hope, give me my energy
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, won't you watch me play
Won't you watch me play
Give me the lights, precious lights
Give me lights
Shine on upon me give me my energy, oh
You can turn the wrong into right
Precious lights
Illuminate me, give me?
Carry me way
Carry me, carry me, carry me, carry me (carry me way) carry me (oh oh)
The song Lights by Styx tells the story of someone who is constantly on the move, always chasing after something or someone. The opening lines describe someone knocking on the singer's door, but they cannot go because they have so much going on in their head and too many places and people to see. And yet, despite all of this, the singer is drawn to the lights, which take them where they long to be. The chorus is the repetition of the singer asking for the lights to illuminate them, give them hope and energy, and turn the wrong into right.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of restlessness and discontentment, and the singer seems to find solace and purpose in the lights. So much so that they reject someone's advice to slow down and settle down, declaring that tonight they need the lights more than ever. Styx uses the metaphor of the lights to represent a sense of direction, purpose, and inspiration that we all need at times. It is often difficult to find our way in life, but sometimes all we need is a little bit of light to guide us.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard the knock on my door
Someone came to see me and it caught my attention.
I heard the ring of the bell
Someone arrived at my place and rang the doorbell.
I got the letter but I couldn't go
I received a message or notification but I was unable to attend to it physically.
So many thoughts in my head
I have a lot of things in my mind that I am thinking about.
So many places to be
I have a lot of obligations and commitments that require my presence or attention.
So many faces that I long to see
I miss many people and would like to see them again.
Standing in front of me tonight
Someone or something is present before me at this moment in time.
The lights will take me where I long to be
I am drawn to the bright lights and they have the power to transport me to my desired destination.
Just like a thousand nights before
This experience is familiar and has a repetitive quality to it.
Somebody said to me
Another person made a comment to me.
Why do you do this to you
They questioned my motivations and behaviors.
Why not sit back and relax
They suggested that I take a more leisurely approach to life.
Slow down, you're moving too fast
I am advised to take things at a slower pace.
You seem afraid it won't last
The person perceives that I am anxious about the future and uncertain if things will continue to go well.
Take my advice, go straight and settle down
They propose that I follow their guidance and live a more traditional, stable life.
Thank you for caring, but tonight the lights will take me where I long to be
I acknowledge the person's concern but ultimately decide to pursue my own desires and be guided by the lights.
I can't explain, it gives me something
I do not have the words to describe the feeling but there is something about the lights that elicits a positive response in me.
Give me the lights, precious lights
I request the lights that are valuable and important to me.
Give me my hope, give me my energy
The lights represent my sources of optimism and vitality.
You can turn the wrong into right
The lights have transformative powers and can bring about a positive change from negative circumstances.
Illuminate me, won't you let me play
I ask the lights to shine on me and allow me to engage in playful activities.
Won't you, won't you let me play
I am eager for the lights to give me permission to have fun.
Shine on upon me give me my energy, oh
I want the lights to beam on me and provide me with inspiration and enthusiasm.
Carry me way
I want the lights to lift me up and transport me elsewhere.
Carry me, carry me, carry me, carry me (carry me way) carry me (oh oh)
I repeat my request for the lights to carry me, emphasizing its importance to me.
Lyrics ยฉ Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Dennis De Young, Tommy R Shaw
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Wallace Sanders
Singles - Billboard (North America)
Year Single Chart Position
1979 "Babe" Billboard Hot 100 1
1980 "Borrowed Time" Billboard Hot 100 63
1980 "Why Me" Billboard Hot 100 26
Singles - Germany
Year Single Chart Position
1980 "Boat on the River" Singles 1
Singles - Switzerland
Year Single Chart Position
1980 "Boat on the River" Singles 1
Bob Baretta
Our oldest Son just passed away two weeks ago and while preparing a slideshow for his funeral, this song kept playing in my head over and over again. We used it as background theme, canโt believe how much it has helped me grieve his sudden loss. Rest In Peace dear Son, see you soon... Well played Tommy and Dennis....
robert doerner
So very sorry for your loss. It's a horrible thing when a son or daughter dies before a parent.
Daniel Koher
You are Wonderful!
This 45 got me through so many hard times listening ๐๐ป repetitively. As a teenager.
Todd Haylock
Brother Bob.. can't give an accurate simile of thy grief friend ๐ฅbut we pray for whatever ๐comfort is afforded you ..in your unique process of grief๐๐ฅฒ( as I love the nostalgic/ beautiful message of the song)..
Be .. comforted..in all...friend๐๐ฅ
Steven Atkinson
Sorry for your loss.
win parerurk
Bob Baretta, my condolence for your loss.
Kevin Ammons
I think this is one of the most underrated songs in the Styx catalog. The backing vocals on this song are special.
W Sue
It is my favorite Styx song!
Pandburger
agreed! this song is great!! it has a funky music break near the middle, but it's still one of my favs from this album!!
sparkytdg
Rode my bicycle to buy this at Record Theater and I was ten. Pedaled home with my bag... I have now had this album for 40 years and I still love it like my first.