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.
The Grand Illusion
Styx Lyrics
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Come on in and see what's happening
Pay the price, get your tickets for the show
The stage is set, the band starts playing
Suddenly your heart is pounding
Wishing secretly you were a star
But don't be fooled by the radio
They show you photographs of how your life should be
But they're just someone else's fantasy
So if you think your life is complete confusion
Because you never win the game
Just remember that it's a grand illusion
And deep inside we're all the same
We're all the same
So if you think your life is complete confusion
Because your neighbors got it made
Just remember that it's a grand illusion
And deep inside we're all the same
America spells competition, join us in our blind ambition
Get yourself a brand new motor car
Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on earth's this spell we're under
We made the grade and still we wonder who the hell we are
The Grand Illusion by Styx is a thought-provoking song that critiques the consumerist culture and warns of the dangers of living in comparison with others. The song starts with an invitation to the "Grand illusion," a metaphorical place where people come to forget about their life's worries and enjoy the show. However, the song warns against relying on external sources such as radio, TV, or magazines that create illusions about how our life should be. These images are not real and only serve to distract us from our own lives. Instead, we should remember that we are all the same and avoid comparing ourselves with others.
The chorus repeats the warning that if we think our lives are complete chaos or look at our neighbors and think they have it all, remember that it's a grand illusion. The verse about America spells out that the country's culture is all about competition and blind ambition to get ahead in life. We have been conditioned to desire material wealth, and our success is often equated with having a brand new motor car. The song ends with questioning the American dream and culture, wondering who we are despite having achieved success.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to the Grand illusion
The song is a warning or reminder that what is being presented to the audience is not necessarily reality, but illusion or fantasy.
Come on in and see what's happening
The song invites the audience to take part in the show or spectacle that is being presented.
Pay the price, get your tickets for the show
The audience must buy into the illusion or fantasy by paying for their admission or participation.
The stage is set, the band starts playing
The illusion or fantasy is being brought to life before the audience's eyes and ears.
Suddenly your heart is pounding
The audience may feel excited or overwhelmed by the spectacle being presented to them.
Wishing secretly you were a star
The audience may be drawn into the illusion or fantasy and may desire to be a part of it.
But don't be fooled by the radio
The song warns against trusting media that create false or unrealistic images of what one's life should be like.
The TV or the magazines
The song further cautions against media that promote false images of life or reality.
They show you photographs of how your life should be
The media often present idealized or unrealistic pictures of how life should look, which may not be realistic or attainable.
But they're just someone else's fantasy
The media's version of reality or life is often not based in reality, but rather in an idealized version of reality that is someone else's fantasy.
So if you think your life is complete confusion
The song addresses the sense of confusion or disillusionment that some people may feel when they realize that their life does not match the idealized version of reality the media presents to them.
Because you never win the game
The song suggests that some people may feel like they are not successful in life because they cannot attain the idealized version of life presented to them by the media.
Just remember that it's a grand illusion
The song reminds the audience that the idealized version of reality the media presents is not reality, but rather an illusion or fantasy.
And deep inside we're all the same
The song suggests that ultimately, all humans share common experiences and emotions, despite the differences in their lives or circumstances.
America spells competition, join us in our blind ambition
The song comments on American culture and society, which often emphasizes competition and ambition over other values.
Get yourself a brand new motor car
The song critiques the consumerism and desire for material possessions that is often associated with American culture.
Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on earth's this spell we're under
The song suggests that people may eventually question the values and assumptions that underlie American culture and society.
We made the grade and still we wonder who the hell we are
Despite the success or achievements we may attain in life, humans still often grapple with existential questions about their identity and purpose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Dennis De Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@keithkruger7270
17 albums, 50 years of music and NOT in the hall of fame. Absolutely criminal. This is one of the great rock albums of the 70's. Every track is top notch.
@idk012
yes, I agree. Styx and Foreigner both belong in the hall of fame. However, I don't mind if they don't get in because the "rock" hall of fame inducted Madonna and the sex pistols.
@matthewmckee9914
I agree but think about it like the movie critics, they give the movie a bad review, but, I myself will decide if I liked the movie or not, that being said STYX is the one of the best rock n roll bands of all time .
@lynnejackson2808
🙏❤️ GM
@haywardjeblomey6505
It's political obviously
@christinapennington5403
Totally agree they got robbed.
@DavidBrown-no5zt
I'm 58 years old/Young and I am very thankful to be part of a chosen generation to have been privileged to actually hear what music should sound like when placed into the right hands!
I thank Styx and all the bands that gave of their time and their talent for all of us!!
You've made our days and our nights with your gifts of talents!
Thank you all!!
As we've always said Rock on and turn it up!!
@nesekitty9703
@DavidBrown-no5zt 🙌AWESOME comment👍.......................................same here🎇 ✨
@clrjohnstone6119
59..😏
@ejohn8733
Okay I think sticks should be in the Hall of Fame, I agree they had a run that's phenomenal. Some of their hits are as good as the day they wrote them they still hold up, babe, lady, Blue Man song, Renegade, Come Sail Away. And I am very thankful that these songs we're available for us to enjoy. But I draw the line at sticks giving their time and talent to the world. They didn't give anything to anybody. They made a ton of money, they are wealthy their children are wealthy and their grandchildren will be wealthy, they are famous all over the world and worshipped by Millions. So while I appreciate having all of those songs to enjoy for so many years, I'm not going to set them up as gods that gave of their personal time and talents. Or that they made any sacrifices or anyone! Let's just keep it real