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.
Pieces Of Eight
Styx Lyrics
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Lead Vocals by Dennis DeYoung
It's six o'clock
Good morning sounds are everywhere
The warmth of spring, a gentle breeze blows through my hair
I hurry through my life never stopping to see
I'm just a prisoner in a king's disguise
Broken dreams as we shuffle by
It's six o'clock it's quitting time I'm done for the day
Out on the streets I overheard a lady say
We now have everything or so people say
But now this emptiness haunts me every day
We seek the lion's share never knowing why
Come alive spread your wings and fly
Pieces of eight
The search for the money tree
Don't cash your freedoms in for gold
Pieces of eight
Can't buy you everything
Don't let it turn your heart to stone
The song Pieces Of Eight by Styx is a reflection on the emptiness that can come from the pursuit of material wealth. The lyrics highlight the rush and busyness of everyday life, with the singer being too preoccupied to appreciate the beauty around him. He compares himself to a prisoner, confined by his own desire for more, and speaks of broken dreams. The chorus brings in the symbol of pieces of eight, a type of Spanish coin that was widely used during the 16th and 17th centuries. The coins were often associated with piracy, greed, and the search for treasure. Styx uses this image to emphasize their message: the pursuit of material wealth can be all-consuming and ultimately unfulfilling.
The second verse introduces a lady who feels haunted by the emptiness that comes from having everything. The singer comments on how we often seek the "lion's share" without really understanding why. The chorus repeats, reminding listeners that the pursuit of material wealth can lead to a heart turned to stone. Styx encourages listeners to "come alive, spread your wings, and fly," presumably towards a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Overall, Pieces Of Eight is a song about the dangers of materialism and the importance of finding fulfillment beyond wealth. It reminds us to slow down, appreciate the natural beauty around us, and prioritize things like freedom and happiness over money and possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
It's six o'clock
The start of a new day where anything is possible
Good morning sounds are everywhere
The beauty of everyday life that is often overlooked
The warmth of spring, a gentle breeze blows through my hair
Nature's gift of renewal and hope for a new day
I hurry through my life never stopping to see
The rush of life causing one to miss the beauty around them
How beautiful it was meant to be
The realization that life is full of beauty and meaning
I'm just a prisoner in a king's disguise
Trapped by societal expectations and the desire for power
Broken dreams as we shuffle by
Life's disappointments that can crush one's spirit
It's six o'clock it's quitting time I'm done for the day
The end of a long day of work and the desire for a change of pace
Out on the streets I overheard a lady say
Hearing the opinions and thoughts of others can bring a new perspective
We now have everything or so people say
The belief that one has everything they need to be happy
But now this emptiness haunts me every day
The realization that material possessions do not bring true happiness
We seek the lion's share never knowing why
The endless pursuit of more without truly understanding why
Come alive spread your wings and fly
The call to awaken one's spirit and embrace life
Pieces of eight
The pursuit of money and wealth
The search for the money tree
The belief that money can solve all problems
Don't cash your freedoms in for gold
Warning against sacrificing freedom and happiness for wealth
Can't buy you everything
Material possessions cannot replace the things that truly matter in life
Don't let it turn your heart to stone
The danger of allowing wealth and materialism to harden one's heart and soul
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Dennis De Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind