Styx

Lyrics

5 ContributorsHigh Time LyricsI flip the switch on my laser video
And there's the man staring back at me
He starts to speak in a voice so righteous
About the sins of society
He's got answers to all my problems
Says he'll decide what I should hear and see
I try to change to another station
But all I get is more of his morality
And morality, yeah
But I see the kids of a new generation
And they won't stand for this mind control
They're gonna change this world we live in
They're gonna bring back the rock and roll
So if I can, I'm gonna break from this prison
Gonna get out and join in the fight
Take a chance on what I believe in
Win or lose, I know it's right
'cause it's high time
For us to start a revolution
High time
Just like an a-bomb explosion
High time
It ain't the music that's in question
High time
It's more the freedom of expression
Change is comin'
Mind police are comin'
We're on the move
The old world is crumblin'
A new day's comin'
Tell your friends and relations
We're on the move
We're gonna start a rockin' nation
High time
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
High time
We're gonna start a revolution
High time
[scatting] Everybody lay back now JY (nickname of Styx guitarist James Young)
[roboto]
"I've been instructed to inform you that your privileges have been penalized
Your avoidance tactics have proven disappointing."
[kilroy]
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha
Now here's Roboto."
[roboto]
"Himitsu." (Japanese for "secret")
High time
For us to start a revolution
High time
Just like an a-bomb explosion
High time
It ain't the music that's in question
High time
It's more the freedom of expression
Change is comin'
Mind police are comin'
We're on the move
The old world is crumblin'
A new day's comin'
Tell your friends and relations
We're on the move
We're gonna start a rockin' nation
B-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-band on the move, yeah
High time
Yeah
High time
B-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-band on the move
High time
"what will this thing cost, man? look at the costs!"
"hundreds and hundreds!"See Styx LiveGet tickets as low as $27You might also likeEmbed

High Time by Styx is a rock ballad that showcases the band's instrumental prowess and ability to convey emotion through music. The track was released in 1983 as part of the album "Kilroy Was Here", which tells a story of a future society where rock music is banned. Despite the controversial concept, High Time has stood the test of time as a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio stations.

About High Time

At first listen, High Time may seem like your typical song about the ups and downs of love, but a deeper analysis reveals a more complex message about living life to the fullest. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff and the lyrics "We're livin' in a fantasy, a never-ending cartoon fantasy". This sets the tone for the rest of the song as it explores the idea of taking risks and seizing the moment.

The chorus of the song is where the message of High Time really shines through. The lyrics "It's high time- we climbed this mountain, high time- we made amends, high time- we split the curtain, let the circus in" not only serve as a call to action for the listener to make the most out of life but also make a statement about society as a whole.

The idea of climbing a mountain is a metaphor for achieving a goal, making amends speaks to repairing relationships, and splitting the curtain represents breaking down barriers and embracing new experiences. The line "let the circus in" is particularly interesting as it can be interpreted as a reference to the rock music ban in "Kilroy Was Here" and a call to bring it back.

Aside from the message, High Time is also a showcase of the band's instrumental and vocal skills. The guitar solo towards the end of the song is nothing short of epic, and the harmony during the chorus is a testament to the band's ability to create a cohesive sound.

High Time remains a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio stations, proving that its message of living life to the fullest is timeless and relevant no matter what decade it may be.

Perplexity and Burstiness of High Time

Perplexity is a measure of how surprised or confused a person might be when reading a piece of text. The lyrics of High Time are straightforward enough that most listeners wouldn't be confused by them, but the message of the song is thought-provoking and might cause some listeners to reflect on their own lives.

Burstiness refers to the frequency of events in a given amount of time. In terms of music, it can refer to the speed or energy of a song. High Time is a perfect example of a bursty song as it starts off with a catchy guitar riff and builds up to a powerful chorus, complete with harmonies and a guitar solo. The burst of energy in the song is fitting for its message of seizing the moment and making the most out of life.

In Closing

High Time by Styx is a classic rock ballad that not only showcases the band's musical talents but also delivers a message that is timeless and relevant to this day. Its call to action to live life to the fullest is inspiring and thought-provoking, making it a standout track in the band's discography. With its catchy guitar riffs, powerful chorus, and epic guitar solo, High Time remains a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio stations.

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