Styx

Lyrics

10 ContributorsHeavy Metal Poisoning LyricsMurolces odro suvon sitpeoc tiunna
What the devil's goin' on
Why don't you turn that music down
You're going deaf and that's for sure
But all you do is scream for more
Get the lead out go for broke
Pop your pills and drink and smoke
Shoot those chemicals into your vein
Anything to ease the pain
Heavy metal (heavy metal) poisoning (it's a poison)
A toxic wasteland (got a toxic wasteland) in your ear canal (in your ear canal!)
Overloaded (I'm overloaded), suffering (yeah!)
Overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs
Everything is black and white
You are wrong and we are right
First we'll spank your big behinds
Then we'll twist your little minds
I'm dr. righteous (I'm dr. righteous), and I'm here to sing (yeah!)
That heavy metal (heavy metal) is poisoning
It's a music wasteland, that destroys the young (yeah!)
They're overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
And rock and roll!
Sterces eht sdloh natas
I'm dr. righteous (I'm dr. righteous), and I'm here to sing (yeah!)
That heavy metal (heavy metal) is poisoning
It's a music wasteland, that destroys the young (yeah!)
They're overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
And rock and roll!
Heavy metal (heavy metal) poisoning (it's a poison)
A toxic wasteland (got a toxic wasteland) in your love canal love canal!)
Overloaded (I'm overloaded), suffering (yeah!)
Overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
Sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
"righteous! righteous!..."
"shut up!"
"...righteous! righteous! righteous! righteous! righteous! yeah!"
"shut up! shut up!"
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Styx, one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, released their album KILROY WAS HERE in 1983. Amongst the rock classics on the album, there was a standout track known as "Heavy Metal Poisoning", written by the band's lead guitarist and sung by all the band's members. The track received mixed reviews like most of the other tracks, especially due to its somewhat controversial lyrics.

About Heavy Metal Poisoning

The track is an integral part of the album, KILROY WAS HERE, which tells the story of a dystopian future where rock music is forbidden by the totalitarian government. In the storyline, the character of Dr. Righteous is a villainous televangelist who is portrayed as a rock-hating zealot. In the song, Dr. Righteous is an evangelist who preaches against rock and roll music, saying that rock music is poison to the youth of the nation.

Styx lead guitarist James Young wrote the song, and his performance as Dr. Righteous in the song's music video was nothing short of impressive. The song's lyrics talk about the evils of rock and roll and how it has an adverse impact on one's health. Despite the song's meaning and message, Heavy Metal Poisoning has become one of the most popular tracks on the album.

One lyrical aspect of the track that made it so controversial is the clear connection between the song's message and the real-life Tipper Gore controversy of that time. Tipper Gore, along with other ''Washington Wives,” was a founder of the Parents Music Resource Center, which labeled music with explicit lyrics. She was openly against rock music and felt it was unacceptable for the youth to have access to rock music containing explicit lyrics.

The lyrics of the track include the lyric "Heavy Metal Poisoning is what I love, who I am," and although some listeners believed the song supported rock and roll, the overall presentation made people question whether the song was in support of rock music or against it. This confusion resulted in some radio stations refusing to play the song.

Despite the controversy, "Heavy Metal Poisoning" remains a beloved track for Styx fans. On KILROY WAS HERE, the song serves as an essential part of the album's story, and James Young's acting as Dr. Righteous in the music video is nothing short of marvelous. The track showcases all members' vocal capabilities in the band's classic style and is an excellent representation of the band's musical and expressive diversity.

In terms of the song's composition, it is a perfect example of Styx's hard-rock sound blended with elements of progressive rock, synths and powerful vocal harmonies. The fusion of the rock and electronic music of the 80s gives the track a unique feel that makes it stand out from the rest of the KILROY WAS HERE album.

Heavy Metal Poisoning's chorus is catchy and instantly memorable, often being the first thing fans recall about the track. The song's riff is also perfect for headbanging, combining with the track's lyrics to create a powerful feeling that leaves a lasting impression.

In closing, Heavy Metal Poisoning by Styx has solidified its place in music history, standing the test of time by remaining a beloved track amongst Styx fans worldwide. The track's mixture of hard rock, synths, and progressive rock in the 80s created a unique feel that makes it stand out from the rest of the KILROY WAS HERE album. Despite the song's somewhat controversial lyrics, Heavy Metal Poisoning deserves a spot in every Styx lover's playlist.

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