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.
Grand Illusion
Styx & REO Speedwagon 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.
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 song "Grand Illusion" by Styx and REO Speedwagon talks about the idea of the American Dream and how it can be misconstrued as an illusion. It invites the listener to step into a grand spectacle, but warns them not to be swayed by the false promises of mass media. The lyrics talk about how society is fixated on the idea of perfection and status, as portrayed by the radio, TV, and magazines. The song acknowledges that life can be hard, and it can be confusing and frustrating when one doesn't succeed in what society has taught them to strive for. However, the lyrics conclude with a message of hope, asserting that beneath the surface, we are all the same.
Overall, "Grand Illusion" serves as a commentary on the materialistic culture of America and how it can lead to personal disorientation. The lyrics suggest that the superficial world is just an illusion and that true human connection lies beneath. The song seems to imply that if we can break free from the constraints of societal norms, we might find a greater sense of purpose and meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to the Grand illusion
Welcome to the world of illusions and fantasies
Come on in and see what's happening
Explore and discover the things that are happening in this world of illusions
Pay the price, get your tickets for the show
In order to experience this world of illusions, you have to sacrifice something
The stage is set, the band starts playing
Everything is ready for the show to begin
Suddenly your heart is pounding
You feel an eagerness and excitement as you enter this world of illusions
Wishing secretly you were a star.
Deep down you desire to become a celebrity or a star in this illusionary world
But don't be fooled by the radio
Do not let the radio, or any other external influence, deceive you
The TV or the magazines
Similarly, the TV or the magazines may not depict the reality
They show you photographs of how your life should be
These mediums try to portray an idealistic and unrealistic version of how you should live your life
But they're just someone else's fantasy
These illusions are just someone else's dream world, not yours
So if you think your life is complete confusion
If you feel lost in this illusionary world
Because you never win the game
Or if you feel you can't succeed in this world of illusions
Just remember that it's a Grand illusion
Just remember that this illusionary world is a big lie
And deep inside we're all the same.
Ultimately, we are all the same in this illusionary world
America spells competition, join us in our blind ambition
In America, competition is everything, so join us in this rat race
Get yourself a brand new motor car
Get something materialistic to show off your success
Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on Earth's this spell we're under
At some point, we will think about what kind of illusion we are living in
We made the grade and still we wonder who the hell we are
Despite all our success, we still feel lost and unsure of our identity
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DENNIS DE YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kevin Mooneyham
That drummer for styx is KILLING IT!!!
Tim Cox
Only thing that would have made this concert better is if Gary Richrath was on lead guitar 🎸 for REO!! The most underrated Guitarist of all time! #RIPGaryRichrath #HeWasREOSpeedwagon #LongLiveTheGOAT
phsycopiano
And Dennis DeYoung
JON Gergeceff
Great video . Thank you. I’m loving it…
Cal Vid
So glad!
Thomas Robert
This concert was the first one I ever attended. I was sitting somewhere out on the lawn.
Greg Dunbrook
What a great show that was!
Mozart1220
Too bad REO and Styx died decades ago.
Javier Moretti
Love hearing Neal Doughty on the keys. Another great Hoosier export (Evansville, Indiana).
Greg Dunbrook
Gowan is just awesome!