Styx

Lyrics

[Verse: Tommy Shaw]
Haven't we been here before
Footsteps lead down to the note on the door
That says, I can't stay here anymore
And haven't we felt this same way
Sure in our hearts, but afraid just the same
To say, I can't stay one minute more

[Pre-Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
You might think that it's hopeless
Beyond our control
But that's not necessarily so
Can't you see there's a chance
For the daring young soul
Who's finally learned to say no
No, I won't be misused
Ignored or refused
And I won't just give up and let go

[Chorus: Tommy Shaw, Dennis DeYoung, & both]
So tonight, hold me close to you
And don't give up what's important to you
And as time rolls on
Nothing can stand in our way
(And I) I believe if we learn from the past
We'd say, haven't we been here before
(And I) I believe if we open our hearts
We'd find keys to unlock every door
[Post-Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
Dark would turn into light
We'd be strong
We'd be right

[Chorus: Tommy Shaw, Dennis DeYoung, & both]
So tonight, hold me close to you
And don't give up what's important to you
And as time rolls on
Nothing will stand in our way
(And I) I believe if we learn from the past
We'd say, haven't we been here before
(Oh, and I) I believe if we open our hearts
We'd find keys to unlock every door

[Post-Chorus: Tommy Shaw & Dennis DeYoung]
Hearts could change (Don't say no) overnight (Don't say no)
We'd be strong... (Don't say no) we'd be right

[Outro: Tommy Shaw]
So stay with me now
The future is ours
And we'll be the ones who go onEmbed

Haven't We Been Here Before is a song by the American rock band Styx. It was released as the fourth single from their album, Cyclorama, in 2004. The song was written by Tommy Shaw, James Young, and Glen Burtnik.

The song is a classic Styx ballad that focuses on the idea of déjà vu. The lyrics describe a situation where the narrator feels that they have been through this situation before and that they are unable to escape from it. The song is about experiencing the same thing over and over again without being able to change the outcome.

About Haven’t We Been Here Before

The song starts with a beautiful piano intro that gives way to a steady chorus and guitar riff. The guitar riff is catchy and memorable, which is what Styx is known for. Along with the guitar, there are also some excellent vocal harmonies, which are a hallmark of Styx's music.

Lyrically speaking, Haven't We Been Here Before is a song about trying to escape from a repeating pattern of events. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is stuck in a loop, unable to break free. The song asks, "Haven't we been here before? Didn't we swear never again?" This is a common feeling that many people can relate to. We often find ourselves in situations that we thought we had left behind, and it can be frustrating to feel that we are unable to change our circumstances.

The verses of the song are slow and contemplative, amplifying the feel of someone who is disillusioned and struggling to understand their situation. As the chorus comes in, the tempo increases, providing an element of hope that there is a way out of this repeating pattern.

One of the most striking things about this song is the way that Styx takes us through a rollercoaster of emotions. The song starts off slowly, drawing us in and getting us to identify with the narrator. As the song goes on, we start to feel restless and trapped, just like the narrator. But just when we start to feel overwhelmed, the chorus comes back in, giving us a sense of hope that things can change. It's a masterful piece of songwriting that keeps the listener engaged at every turn.

What I find most impressive about this song is the way that Styx has managed to capture the essence of déjà vu in a three-minute song. The feeling of being stuck in a loop, unable to break free, is something that everyone can relate to. And Styx has managed to express that feeling with such clarity and emotion.

All in all, Haven't We Been Here Before is an outstanding song that showcases Styx's talent as both songwriters and musicians. It's an emotional rollercoaster that takes the listener through ups and downs, leaving us feeling both inspired and empathetic. If you're a fan of classic rock ballads, this is definitely a song that you should check out.

• Release Date: February 22, 1983
• Artist: Styx