In 2009 the bands went on to make a split single, "Can't Stop Rockin'", in order to support their current tour. The single includes, besides the title track, both "Blue Collar Man" and "Roll With The Changes" from the "Arch Allies" album.
Can't Stop Rockin'
Styx & REO Speedwagon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The whole thing started 1963
Young girls screamin'
Black-and-white T.V
I was so ready for something to set me free
Those four boys from England, singin' right to me
Everyone said no, no, no, I said yeah, yeah, yeah
I can't stop, can't stop rockin'
Never really fit in
Couldn't quite be cool
Got my ass kicked up and down the halls of my high school
When things got too crazy
When life got too cruel
I would just remember the boys from Liverpool
When I was lost, they were there to hold my hand
When everyone said no, no, no, they said yeah, yeah, yeah
I can't stop, can't stop rockin'
The lyrics of "Can't Stop Rockin'" by Styx and REO Speedwagon are a testament to the power of music and how it has the ability to lift us up when we're feeling down. The song describes how the singer first heard rock and roll music in 1963 and how it changed his life forever. He felt immediately drawn to the music and the freedom it represented, and he saw hope in the British Invasion bands that started to gain popularity at the time.
The lyrics also touch on the singer's personal struggles, as he never quite fit in and was bullied in high school. However, he found solace in the music of the Beatles and other bands, who provided a sense of belonging and strength when things got tough. The chorus of the song, "I can't stop, can't stop rockin'," reflects the singer's unwavering dedication to music and how it has helped him through the difficult times.
Overall, the lyrics of "Can't Stop Rockin'" celebrate the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. The song acknowledges the struggles of the past, but ultimately, it's an anthem of hope and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't stop, can't stop rockin'
The singer's love for rock music is so intense that he cannot stop enjoying and rocking to it
The whole thing started 1963
The rock music revolution started in 1963 as confirmed by historical events
Young girls screamin'
The euphoria of rock music was exemplified by the screams of young female fans
Black-and-white T.V
Rock music was so captivating that even watching it in black-and-white did not reduce its potency
I was so ready for something to set me free
The singer's soul was yearning for an avenue to express itself and break free of social or emotional constraints
Those four boys from England, singin' right to me
The Beatles, who were four young English musicians, created an instant connection with the singer through their music
That night I had a dream, of a rock 'n' roll band
The singer had a dream about the possibility of forming a rock band and becoming a rock star
Everyone said no, no, no, I said yeah, yeah, yeah
Despite discouraging comments from people around him, the singer was relentlessly optimistic about fulfilling his dream
Never really fit in
The singer did not feel at home or accepted in his environment
Couldn't quite be cool
The singer could not easily conform to societal expectations of what is considered cool or trendy
Got my ass kicked up and down the halls of my high school
The singer was bullied and physically abused in high school due to his differences and unique personality
When things got too crazy
During moments of chaos or extreme challenges
When life got too cruel
During moments of unbearable circumstances or emotional pain
I would just remember the boys from Liverpool
The Beatles and their music provided comfort and a source of hope for the singer
When I was lost, they were there to hold my hand
The Beatles' music was a form of emotional support for the singer during tough times
When everyone said no, no, no, they said yeah, yeah, yeah
The Beatles provided optimism and encouragement for the singer when others were negative and discouraging
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KEVIN PATRICK CRONIN, TOMMY R. SHAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
nicksterwixter
Wow GREAT new single!! Definately mixes the best from both bands: the sick vocals from REO meets the amazing guitars from Styx. I'm rly happy these bands recorded this song together! And I just saw "Rock of Ages" a couple weekends ago...FANTASTIC show, but I wish I was there for the show where Styx and REO speedwagon perform.
My Media Archive
Wish this was on iTunes or Spotify or Deezer, I love this song so much after rock band 4.
Luis Echeverria
What people need to understand is that Styx was attempting to embelish their classic rock sound into a very modern rock sound. I think they did a great job of doing that with the Brave New World and Cyclorama albums. My favorites from those include I Will Be Your Witness, While There's Still Time, Heavy Water, Fallen Angel, Everything is Cool, Best New Face, Waiting for Our Time, Kiss You Ass Goodbye, Yes I Can, More Love For the Money, Together, One With Everything, and Genki Des Ka. How bout u
Nancy Chuba
Love it Reo Styx ❤🎶🎹🎸🎤❤
CVedit
I had tickets to see them in 1976 but they canceled their show in Dallas. Waited 33 years before seeing the opening show of this tour in Amarillo TX. It kicked ass!! I still feel 17.
Michael
Great, solid rock from the best rockers!!!
Mia Halliwell
I LOVE it!
Cris Nuñez
los amo, Tommy Shaw y Kevin Cronin ... They are simply the best !!
fallingspears77
i heard this song live. it was awesome!
trish mackie
Saw these guys in Utah..had a great time..they can still rock....