(Dennis DeYoung)
Tonight's the night we'll make history, as sure as dogs can fly
And I'll take any risk to tie back the hands of time
And stay with you here all night
So take your seats and don't be late, we need your spirits high
To turn on these theatre lights and brighten the darkest skies
Here at the Paradise....
Styx - Paradise Theatre Album Lyrics
Styx - Paradise Theatre Lyrics
Writer: DENNIS DE YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Rockin The Paradise
Paradise
Whatcha doin' tonight? (Whatcha doin', whatcha doin')
Have you heard that the world's gone crazy?
Young Americans listen when I say
There's people puttin' us down
I know they're sayin' that we've gone lazy
To tell you the truth we've all seen better days
Don't need no fast buck lame duck profits for fun
Quick trick plans, take the money and run
We need long term, slow burn, getting it done
And some straight talking, hard working son of a gun
So whatcha doin' tonight (whatcha doin', whatcha doin')
I got faith in our generation
Let's stick together and futurize our attitudes
I ain't lookin' to fight
But I know with determination
We can challenge the schemers who cheat all the rules
Come on take pride, be wise, spottin' the fools
Big shots, crackpots bending the rules
A fair shot here for me and for you
Knowing that we can't lose
And we'll be rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight
Rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight
Tonight, tonight
Come on take pride, be wise, spottin' the fools
Big shots, crackpots bending the rules
A fair shot here for me and for you
Knowing that we can't lose
And we'll be rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight (you know we're rocking in paradise)
Rockin' in paradise (you know we're rocking tonight)
Rockin' the paradise tonight (yeah we gnona rock)
Rockin' in paradise (rock, rock, rock, rock, in paradise)
Rockin' the paradise tonight
Rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight (come on, come on)
Whatcha doin' tonight? (Whatcha doin', whatcha doin')
Have you heard that the world's gone crazy?
Young Americans listen when I say
There's people puttin' us down
I know they're sayin' that we've gone lazy
To tell you the truth we've all seen better days
Don't need no fast buck lame duck profits for fun
Quick trick plans, take the money and run
We need long term, slow burn, getting it done
And some straight talking, hard working son of a gun
So whatcha doin' tonight (whatcha doin', whatcha doin')
I got faith in our generation
Let's stick together and futurize our attitudes
I ain't lookin' to fight
But I know with determination
We can challenge the schemers who cheat all the rules
Come on take pride, be wise, spottin' the fools
Big shots, crackpots bending the rules
A fair shot here for me and for you
Knowing that we can't lose
And we'll be rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight
Rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight
Tonight, tonight
Come on take pride, be wise, spottin' the fools
Big shots, crackpots bending the rules
A fair shot here for me and for you
Knowing that we can't lose
And we'll be rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight (you know we're rocking in paradise)
Rockin' in paradise (you know we're rocking tonight)
Rockin' the paradise tonight (yeah we gnona rock)
Rockin' in paradise (rock, rock, rock, rock, in paradise)
Rockin' the paradise tonight
Rockin' in paradise
Rockin' the paradise tonight (come on, come on)
Writer: DENNIS DE YOUNG, JAMES VINCENT YOUNG, TOMMY R SHAW
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Too Much Time On My Hands
Yeah, here I am sitting on this bar stool,
Talking like a damn fool
Got the twelve o'clock news blues
And I've given up hope for the afternoon soaps
And a bottle of cold brew
Is it any wonder I'm not crazy
Is it any wonder I'm sane at all
Well I'm so tired of losing
I've got nothing to do and all day to do it
Well I'd go out cruising, but I've no place
To go and all night to get there
Is it any wonder I'm not a criminal
Is it any wonder I'm not in jail
Is it any wonder I've got too much time on my hands
It's ticking away with my sanity
I've got too much time on my hands
It's hard to believe such a calamity
I've got too much time on my hands
And it's ticking away, ticking away from me
Too much time on my hands
It's tick tick tick tick ticking away (Too much time on my hands)
Now I don't know what to do with myself (Too much time on my hands)
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
Now I'm a jet fuel genius
I can solve the world's problems
Without even trying
I've got dozens of friends, and the fun never ends
That is as long as I'm buying
Is it any wonder I'm not the President
Is it any wonder I'm null and void
Is it any wonder I've got too much
Time on my hands
It's ticking away with my sanity
I've got too much time on my hands
It's hard to believe such a calamity
I've got too much time on my hands
And it's ticking away, ticking away from me
Too much time on my hands
Tick tick tick tick tick ticking away (Too much time on my hands)
Now I don't know what to do with myself (Too much time on my hands)
Umm mmm (Too much time on my hands)
Tick tick tick ticking away (Too much time on my hands)
Umm mmm (Too much time on my hands)
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my
Talking like a damn fool
Got the twelve o'clock news blues
And I've given up hope for the afternoon soaps
And a bottle of cold brew
Is it any wonder I'm not crazy
Is it any wonder I'm sane at all
Well I'm so tired of losing
I've got nothing to do and all day to do it
Well I'd go out cruising, but I've no place
To go and all night to get there
Is it any wonder I'm not a criminal
Is it any wonder I'm not in jail
Is it any wonder I've got too much time on my hands
It's ticking away with my sanity
I've got too much time on my hands
It's hard to believe such a calamity
I've got too much time on my hands
And it's ticking away, ticking away from me
Too much time on my hands
It's tick tick tick tick ticking away (Too much time on my hands)
Now I don't know what to do with myself (Too much time on my hands)
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
Now I'm a jet fuel genius
I can solve the world's problems
Without even trying
I've got dozens of friends, and the fun never ends
That is as long as I'm buying
Is it any wonder I'm not the President
Is it any wonder I'm null and void
Is it any wonder I've got too much
Time on my hands
It's ticking away with my sanity
I've got too much time on my hands
It's hard to believe such a calamity
I've got too much time on my hands
And it's ticking away, ticking away from me
Too much time on my hands
Tick tick tick tick tick ticking away (Too much time on my hands)
Now I don't know what to do with myself (Too much time on my hands)
Umm mmm (Too much time on my hands)
Tick tick tick ticking away (Too much time on my hands)
Umm mmm (Too much time on my hands)
Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my
Writer: TOMMY SHAW
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Nothing Ever Goes As Planned
What'cha going to do when the sun goes down tonight
You'll hit the same old clubs, rap that same old trash
That's right
You've got them real silk shirts and them baggy pants
Dago shoes in the colors that match
But the girls are acting bored
And you're feeling like you're going to lose
You've got the G.Q. Blues
You get up every morning and you go to work each day
(You go to work, you go to work, you go to work)
Been doing the same damn job for ten long years this May
(You've got to work, you've got to work, you've got to work)
You've been working and saving for your Jamaican dream
Paradise is waiting across the sea
But when your plane lands Montego turns to Monsoon
You've got the Island Blues
'Cause, nothing ever goes as planned
It's a hell of a notion
Even Pharaohs turn to sand
Like a drop in the ocean
You're so together and you act so civilized
But every time that things go wrong you're still surprised
You've done your duty, you've paid a fortune in dues
Still got those Mother Nature's Blues
I strut around the stage like a little king tonight
They'll scream for every word and every note, that's right
But when the show is over and I'm all alone
Can't reach my baby on the telephone
And everywhere I look Mr. Loneliness is in the news
I've got the Big Star Blues
Boy, nothing ever goes as planned
It's a hell of a notion
Even Pharaohs turn to sand
Like a drop in the ocean
I'm so together and I act so civilized
But every time that things go wrong
I'm still surprised
I've done my duty and paid a fortune in dues
Still got them Mother Nature's Blues
You'll hit the same old clubs, rap that same old trash
That's right
You've got them real silk shirts and them baggy pants
Dago shoes in the colors that match
But the girls are acting bored
And you're feeling like you're going to lose
You've got the G.Q. Blues
You get up every morning and you go to work each day
(You go to work, you go to work, you go to work)
Been doing the same damn job for ten long years this May
(You've got to work, you've got to work, you've got to work)
You've been working and saving for your Jamaican dream
Paradise is waiting across the sea
But when your plane lands Montego turns to Monsoon
You've got the Island Blues
'Cause, nothing ever goes as planned
It's a hell of a notion
Even Pharaohs turn to sand
Like a drop in the ocean
You're so together and you act so civilized
But every time that things go wrong you're still surprised
You've done your duty, you've paid a fortune in dues
Still got those Mother Nature's Blues
I strut around the stage like a little king tonight
They'll scream for every word and every note, that's right
But when the show is over and I'm all alone
Can't reach my baby on the telephone
And everywhere I look Mr. Loneliness is in the news
I've got the Big Star Blues
Boy, nothing ever goes as planned
It's a hell of a notion
Even Pharaohs turn to sand
Like a drop in the ocean
I'm so together and I act so civilized
But every time that things go wrong
I'm still surprised
I've done my duty and paid a fortune in dues
Still got them Mother Nature's Blues
Writer: DENNIS DE YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
The Best Of Times
Tonight's the night we'll make history
Honey, you and I
'Cause I'll take any risk to tie back the hands of time
And stay with you here tonight
I know you feel these are the worst of times
I do believe it's true
When people lock their doors and hide inside
Rumor has it it's the end of paradise
But I know, if the world just passed us by
Baby I know, you wouldn't have to cry, no no
The best of times are when I'm alone with you
Some rain some shine
We'll make this a world for two
Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime
We'll take the best, forget the rest
And someday we'll find these are the best of times
These are the best of times
The headlines read "These are the worst of times"
I do believe it's true
I feel so helpless like a boat against the tide
I wish the summer winds could bring back paradise
But I know, if the world turned upside down
Baby, I know you'd always be around
The best of times are when I'm alone with you
Some rain some shine, we'll make this a world for two
When I'm alone with you (the best of times)
Everything's alright (are when I'm alone with you)
When I'm alone with you (some rain some shine)
You brighten up the night (we'll make this a world for two) said, when I'm alone
Honey, you and I
'Cause I'll take any risk to tie back the hands of time
And stay with you here tonight
I know you feel these are the worst of times
I do believe it's true
When people lock their doors and hide inside
Rumor has it it's the end of paradise
But I know, if the world just passed us by
Baby I know, you wouldn't have to cry, no no
The best of times are when I'm alone with you
Some rain some shine
We'll make this a world for two
Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime
We'll take the best, forget the rest
And someday we'll find these are the best of times
These are the best of times
The headlines read "These are the worst of times"
I do believe it's true
I feel so helpless like a boat against the tide
I wish the summer winds could bring back paradise
But I know, if the world turned upside down
Baby, I know you'd always be around
The best of times are when I'm alone with you
Some rain some shine, we'll make this a world for two
When I'm alone with you (the best of times)
Everything's alright (are when I'm alone with you)
When I'm alone with you (some rain some shine)
You brighten up the night (we'll make this a world for two) said, when I'm alone
Writer: DENNIS DEYOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lonely People
Hey, hey out there knock it off will ya?
And give it a rest will I'm tryin' to get some sleep
Want me to call the cops?
I tell ya Erma I can't till next week when they start to tear that damn old theater down
The rain was hot, the streets were empty
As downtown closed her eyes
The movie house stood in silence as I said my last good-byes
Her silver screen was stained with memories
As cagney shot them down
As I watched I was that hero
In dreamlands lost and found
Oh my god, well we both are empty paradise and me
Do you believe I'm still chasing rainbows
When everywhere I see
Lonely people
Lonely people
Up above these ghetto streets in penthouse suites they sit and stare
Lonely people, lonely people
They smile and say they're fine
But behind their eyes they just don't care
Lonely people
They just don't care
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people, lonely people
Beneath these neon streets in subway seats they crowd for air
Lonely people, lonely people
So close and yet so far they share the secrets of despair
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
And give it a rest will I'm tryin' to get some sleep
Want me to call the cops?
I tell ya Erma I can't till next week when they start to tear that damn old theater down
The rain was hot, the streets were empty
As downtown closed her eyes
The movie house stood in silence as I said my last good-byes
Her silver screen was stained with memories
As cagney shot them down
As I watched I was that hero
In dreamlands lost and found
Oh my god, well we both are empty paradise and me
Do you believe I'm still chasing rainbows
When everywhere I see
Lonely people
Lonely people
Up above these ghetto streets in penthouse suites they sit and stare
Lonely people, lonely people
They smile and say they're fine
But behind their eyes they just don't care
Lonely people
They just don't care
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people, lonely people
Beneath these neon streets in subway seats they crowd for air
Lonely people, lonely people
So close and yet so far they share the secrets of despair
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Lonely people
Writer: DENNIS DE YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
She Cares
I tried to be the perfect soldier
I tried to be what everyone said was expected
Somehow I was selected
Well, my hands were steady, my aim was true
But deep inside of my heart I knew
That I lacked the will
I just couldn't shoot to kill
And still she treats me like a human
She says she'll still be there
I may not be a hero, but I'll be there
'Cause I know she cares
I worked hard to be the greatest lover
I wanted to be sure that I was her only one
That's how I thought it was done
But I went too far, assumed too much
The need to feel a younger one's touch
Seemed important then
Oh what a fool I've been
And still she treats me like a human (like a human)
She says she'll still be there (that she'll be there)
I don't quite understand it, she's been too fair
'Cause somehow she cares
I guess that's the way it goes, the way that it goes
And nobody knows what compels her
She's seen my highs and lows and never let go (never let go)
Oh yes she treats me like a human (like a human)
She says she'll still be there (that she'll be there)
I don't quite understand it, she's been too fair
'Cause somehow she cares
I guess that's the way it goes, the way that it goes
And nobody knows what compels her
She's seen my highs and lows and never let go
And when the world has turned its back on me
I won't have to feel alone 'cause I know she cares
Oh oh I know she cares
Uh uh and that's the way it goes oh oh
I said, oh oh oh the way it goes
I said, oh oh oh way it goes
Oh oh oh
I tried to be what everyone said was expected
Somehow I was selected
Well, my hands were steady, my aim was true
But deep inside of my heart I knew
That I lacked the will
I just couldn't shoot to kill
And still she treats me like a human
She says she'll still be there
I may not be a hero, but I'll be there
'Cause I know she cares
I worked hard to be the greatest lover
I wanted to be sure that I was her only one
That's how I thought it was done
But I went too far, assumed too much
The need to feel a younger one's touch
Seemed important then
Oh what a fool I've been
And still she treats me like a human (like a human)
She says she'll still be there (that she'll be there)
I don't quite understand it, she's been too fair
'Cause somehow she cares
I guess that's the way it goes, the way that it goes
And nobody knows what compels her
She's seen my highs and lows and never let go (never let go)
Oh yes she treats me like a human (like a human)
She says she'll still be there (that she'll be there)
I don't quite understand it, she's been too fair
'Cause somehow she cares
I guess that's the way it goes, the way that it goes
And nobody knows what compels her
She's seen my highs and lows and never let go
And when the world has turned its back on me
I won't have to feel alone 'cause I know she cares
Oh oh I know she cares
Uh uh and that's the way it goes oh oh
I said, oh oh oh the way it goes
I said, oh oh oh way it goes
Oh oh oh
Writer: TOMMY R SHAW
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Snowblind
Mirror, mirror on the wall
The face you've shown me scares me so
I thought that I could call your bluff
But now the lines are clear enough
Life's not pretty even though
I've tried so hard to make it so
Mornings are such cold distress
How did I ever get into this mess
Now I'm snowblind, can't live without you (uh uh)
'Cause so fine I just can't get away (uh uh)
Yes I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Harmless and innocent you devil in white
You stole my will without a fight
You filled me with confidence, but you blinded my eyes
You tricked me with visions of paradise
Now I realize I'm
Snowblind, can't live without you
'Cause so fine I just can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Uh uh
Uh uh ah ah
Hey maybe I'm snowblind, can't live without you
'Cause so fine I just can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Mirror, mirror I confess
I can't escape this emptiness
No more reason to pretend
Here comes that same old feeling again
Yes, I'm snowblind, can't live without you
'Cause so fine I just can't get away
Won't you throw me a lifeline
I'm going down for the third time
'Cause I'm snowblind, and I can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
The face you've shown me scares me so
I thought that I could call your bluff
But now the lines are clear enough
Life's not pretty even though
I've tried so hard to make it so
Mornings are such cold distress
How did I ever get into this mess
Now I'm snowblind, can't live without you (uh uh)
'Cause so fine I just can't get away (uh uh)
Yes I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Harmless and innocent you devil in white
You stole my will without a fight
You filled me with confidence, but you blinded my eyes
You tricked me with visions of paradise
Now I realize I'm
Snowblind, can't live without you
'Cause so fine I just can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Uh uh
Uh uh ah ah
Hey maybe I'm snowblind, can't live without you
'Cause so fine I just can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Mirror, mirror I confess
I can't escape this emptiness
No more reason to pretend
Here comes that same old feeling again
Yes, I'm snowblind, can't live without you
'Cause so fine I just can't get away
Won't you throw me a lifeline
I'm going down for the third time
'Cause I'm snowblind, and I can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
Writer: DENNIS DE YOUNG, JAMES VINCENT YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Half-Penny Two-Penny
(James Young)
Half penny, two penny, gold Krugerrand
He was exceedingly rich for such a young man
Sad story, old story
Bring out the band
Another divorce just a few hundred grand
Half penny, two penny, back of the queue
Yes mister poor man this means you
Justice for money what can you say
We all know it's the American Way
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
Half penny, two penny, back in the States
You just couldn't take that African pace
Yes, Mrs. Cleaver your son's home to stay
We all know it's the American Way
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
"Come here - hey Angelo... what's happenin'?"
"Hey, Stosh, good to see ya"
"What the hell you doin'?"
"We're tearing this old building down here"
"Oh you're kiddin' me. Remember when we were kids, and we used to come here every Saturday afternoon to see a cartoon?"
"Yeah, I remember"
"Well what's she lost to?"
"Who knows- politicians, taxes...it's a disgrace"
"I'm not surprised, they make me sick. They don't make theaters like thisany more."
Half penny, two penny, ashes to dust
The almighty dollar says "In God we trust"
Justice for money how much more can I pay
We all know it's the American Way
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
(I want to be free)
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
(We all want to be free)
Half penny, two penny, gold Krugerrand
He was exceedingly rich for such a young man
Sad story, old story
Bring out the band
Another divorce just a few hundred grand
Half penny, two penny, back of the queue
Yes mister poor man this means you
Justice for money what can you say
We all know it's the American Way
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
Half penny, two penny, back in the States
You just couldn't take that African pace
Yes, Mrs. Cleaver your son's home to stay
We all know it's the American Way
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
"Come here - hey Angelo... what's happenin'?"
"Hey, Stosh, good to see ya"
"What the hell you doin'?"
"We're tearing this old building down here"
"Oh you're kiddin' me. Remember when we were kids, and we used to come here every Saturday afternoon to see a cartoon?"
"Yeah, I remember"
"Well what's she lost to?"
"Who knows- politicians, taxes...it's a disgrace"
"I'm not surprised, they make me sick. They don't make theaters like thisany more."
Half penny, two penny, ashes to dust
The almighty dollar says "In God we trust"
Justice for money how much more can I pay
We all know it's the American Way
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
(I want to be free)
Yes, I'm gonna shake myself loose
Back home across the sea
Where I know that I will be free
(We all want to be free)
Copyright: Lyrics © Original Writer and Publisher
A.D. 1958
And so, my friends, we'll say goodnight
For time has claimed his prize
But tonight can always last
As long as we keep alive
The memories of Paradise
Goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight, Paradise
For time has claimed his prize
But tonight can always last
As long as we keep alive
The memories of Paradise
Goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight, Paradise
Writer: DENNIS DE YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Original Writer and Publisher
Paradise Theatre is the tenth studio album by American rock band Styx, released on January 16, 1981, by A&M Records. It was the band's most commercially successful album, peaking at #1 for 3 weeks on the Billboard 200 in April and May 1981 (non-consecutively). It was also the band's fourth consecutive album to be certified triple-platinum by the RIAA.
Four singles from the album charted on various charts, with two songs reaching the top 10 pop singles chart. The lead single "The Best of Times", written by Dennis DeYoung, went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Too Much Time on My Hands", written by Tommy Shaw, went to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, Shaw's only top 10 hit for Styx. "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned", written by DeYoung, went to #54 on the US Pop Chart. "Rockin' the Paradise"—written by DeYoung, Shaw and James Young—went to #8 on the Top Rock Track Chart.
Performed By:
StyxFour singles from the album charted on various charts, with two songs reaching the top 10 pop singles chart. The lead single "The Best of Times", written by Dennis DeYoung, went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Too Much Time on My Hands", written by Tommy Shaw, went to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, Shaw's only top 10 hit for Styx. "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned", written by DeYoung, went to #54 on the US Pop Chart. "Rockin' the Paradise"—written by DeYoung, Shaw and James Young—went to #8 on the Top Rock Track Chart.
Genre(s): Progressive rock, arena rock, hard rock, AOR
Producer(s): Styx
Length: 40:37
Released: January 16th, 1981
Year: 1981