Styx

Lyrics

[Intro: Apartment Resident]
Hey , hey out there knock it off will ya?
Hey give it a rest will ya? 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 theatre down

[Verse 1]
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
And as I watched I was that hero
In dreamlands lost and found

[Verse 2]
Oh my god, well we both are empty
Paradise and me
Do you believe I'm still chasing rainbows
When everywhere I see

[Hook]
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
[Outro]
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 (repeat and fade...)Embed

If you're a fan of classic rock music, then the name Styx would definitely be familiar to you. One of their most popular songs, Lonely People, talks about the protagonist's attachment to a dying place and how it closely resembles his life. This song is one of the tracks in their Paradise Theater album which was released in 1981. Styx fans loved the album, and it became a huge commercial success that topped the charts.

About Lonely People

Lonely People is not just any other song; it's a masterpiece created by the talented members of Styx. The song was written by Dennis DeYoung, who also sings the lead vocals. DeYoung's passionate extension of vocal range compliments the slow, melancholic tempo. The heartful and thoughtful lyrics take you on an emotional journey with the protagonist as he deals with the reality of losing a significant place in his life.

As DeYoung's rich and poignant voice starts singing the opening lyrics, the audience is hooked up to the melody. You soon understand that he is saying goodbye to a legendary place, The Paradise Theatre, which will be demolished in a week. This Theatre held an enormous place in his heart, and he spent most of his life there, making memories. The protagonist loves this place so much that he's almost fearful of facing life without it.

The lyrics, "Lonely people, in a crowded room, the world is such a lonely place, want to make a connection," is a metaphor for the protagonist's life. He worries that once The Paradise Theatre is gone, he will be like the lonely people he sees every day. The song hits different for each audience member because of its relatability factor. It touches upon the feeling of losing something dear to you and the desperation that comes with it.

The instrumentation used in the song is spot on. The slow guitar strums in the opening, followed by the soft drum beats, blend perfectly with DeYoung's powerful voice. The background humming of other members of the band, which come in at intervals of the song, create an intricate tone that brings everything together. The song's crescendo builds towards the end, sending shivers down the listener's spine and keeping them engrossed the whole way through.

Lonely People is a bittersweet song about loss, memories, and life's uncertainty. It explores themes like nostalgia, fear, and hopelessness in a way that resonates with its audience. It leaves us with a message, to cherish the things we have now because we never know when we'll lose them. It's a timeless piece of music that never loses its value and continues to be loved by generations of Styx fans.

If you've never heard of Styx's Paradise Theater album before, then Lonely People is a perfect starting point. The song's perfect layering of vocals, drums, and guitars create a sound that's instantly recognizable and unforgettable.

Although Paradise Theater was released in the early '80s, it hasn't aged a bit. The album's emotional depth and lyrical richness are what make it stand out among the other classic rock albums from that era. Lonely People is a song that reminds us of the incredible power of music to evoke human emotions.

Listening to Lonely People is like being wrapped in a warm blanket of emotions and reflective thoughts. It gives you a sense of perspective on life and what's important. It reminds you to hold on to the things that matter and to keep them close to your heart because life can be unpredictable.

• Release Date: January 19, 1981
• Artist: Styx