Styx

Lyrics

[Chorus]
Take me back to my boat on the river
I need to go down, I need to come down
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won't cry out any more

[Verse 1]
Time stands still as I gaze in her waters
She eases me down, touching me gently
With the waters that flow past my boat on the river
So I don't cry out anymore

[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, the river is wise
The river, it touches my life like the waves on the sand
And all roads lead to Tranquility Base
Where the frown on my face disappears

[Chorus]
Take me down to my boat on the river
And I won't cry out anymore

[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, the river is deep
The river, it touches my life like the waves on the sand
And all roads lead to Tranquility Base
Where the frown on my face disappears, whoa
[Chorus]
Take me down to my boat on the river
I need to go down, won't you let me go down
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won't cry out anymore
And I won't cry out anymore
And I won't cry out anymore

Boat on the River is a classic rock song by the American rock band Styx. It was released in 1980 as a single, and although it didn't receive much airplay in the band's native United States, it became a hit in many European countries and Japan. The song is known for its unique sound, which incorporates both mandolin and accordion, played by Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung, respectively.

About Boat on the River

Boat on the River is known for being quite different from other Styx songs, particularly in terms of its sound. While Styx was known for their hard rock sound, Boat on the River is much more subdued and acoustic. The song features a mandolin solo played by Tommy Shaw, which became an important part of the song's melody and structure. The accordion, played by Dennis DeYoung, gives the song a folksy, almost medieval sound. Together, these instruments create a unique musical landscape that sets the song apart from other Styx classics.

The lyrics of Boat on the River are also quite different from what Styx fans would expect. Instead of grand, epic themes, Boat on the River tells a simple, almost melancholy story of a man going down the river on a boat. The lyrics are introspective and meditative, with lines like "Take me back to my boat on the river / And I won't cry out any more."

The song was written by Tommy Shaw, who initially didn't think it was suitable for Styx. In fact, when he played the song for Dennis DeYoung, he said it wasn't ready for the band. But DeYoung saw something in the song that he liked, and the decision was made to include it on the album. The song proved to be a hit in many countries outside the United States, where it wasn't played much on the radio. This is a somewhat unusual situation for a band like Styx, who were known for their arena rock anthems and high-energy shows.

The song's popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a favorite among Styx fans. It has been covered by other artists and has been used in various film and TV soundtracks. The song's legacy is a testament to Styx's ability to branch out and experiment with different sounds and styles, and to the power of a simple, introspective song.

So why did Boat on the River become such a hit outside the United States? One reason may be the song's instrumentation. The mandolin and accordion give the song a timeless, almost folk-like quality that resonates with people from many different cultures. Another reason may be the song's themes of nostalgia, longing, and introspection. These are universal themes that can be understood by people from many different backgrounds. Whatever the reason, Boat on the River has become a beloved classic rock song that continues to touch people around the world.

In the end, Boat on the River is a testament to the power of a simple, well-crafted song. It may not be as flashy or bombastic as some of Styx's other hits, but it has a timeless quality that keeps it relevant decades after its release. Whether you're a longtime Styx fan or just discovering the band's music for the first time, Boat on the River is a song worth revisiting.

• Release Date: March 16, 1980
• Artist: Styx