Styx

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Another year has passed me by
Still I look at myself and cry
What kind of man have I become?
All of the years I've spent in search of myself
And I'm still in the dark
'Cause I can't seem to find the light alone

[Chorus 1]
Sometimes I feel like a man in the wilderness
I'm a lonely soldier off to war
Sent away to die, never quite knowing why
Sometimes it makes no sense at all
Makes no sense at all

[Verse 2]
Ten thousand people look my way
But they can't see the way that I feel
Nobody even cares to try
I spend my life and sell my soul on the road
And I'm still in the dark
'Cause I can't seem to find the light alone

[Chorus 2]
Sometimes I feel like a man in the wilderness
I'm a lonely sailor lost at sea
Drifting with the tide, never quite knowing why
Sometimes it makes no sense at all
[Bridge]
(I'm alive)
Looking for love, I'm a man with emotion
(And my heart's on fire)
I'm dying of thirst in the middle of the ocean
(I'm alive)

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus 1]
Sometimes I feel like a man in the wilderness
I'm a lonely soldier off to war
Sent away to die, never quite knowing why
Sometimes it makes no sense
Sometimes it makes no sense
Sometimes it makes no sense at all
Makes no sense at all

[Outro]
At all
Can't find the meaning of it all
Yeah
Can't find the light alone, oh

One of the most exciting aspects of being a music expert is the ability to delve into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs in history. Man in the Wilderness by Styx is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate listeners with its powerful lyrics and haunting melody. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the fascinating story behind this incredible song.

About Man in the Wilderness

Man in the Wilderness was released in 1977 as part of Styx's seventh album, The Grand Illusion. Written by Styx’s guitarist, Tommy Shaw, the song tells the story of a man who has been left alone to face a harsh and unforgiving wilderness. The lyrics are filled with dark and brooding imagery that paints a vivid picture of the man's struggle to survive.

The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics:

I'm a man who's been forgotten
I'm a man who's been denied
Don't you think that I've been scorned?
Don't you think that I've been lied to?

The song's protagonist is struggling with feelings of anger and betrayal, and the lyrics evoke a sense of isolation, pain, and despair. The chorus is particularly powerful:

He's a man in the wilderness
He's a man on the run
He's a man whose life has gone astray
He's a man who is bleeding

The emotional intensity of the song is intensified by the soaring guitar solos and driving beat that propel the music forward. Styx's trademark harmonies provide a sense of unity and hope in the midst of the chaos, giving the listener a feeling of solidarity with the man in the wilderness.

The Inspiration for Man in the Wilderness

Tommy Shaw has spoken about the inspiration for Man in the Wilderness in interviews over the years. He has revealed that the song was written about his own struggles with isolation and loneliness during the early days of his career as a musician.

Shaw recalled feeling like an outcast in the music industry, and struggling to find his place in the world. He spent long hours alone in hotel rooms, writing songs and dreaming of success, and often felt like he was on the run from something.

These experiences inspired him to write Man in the Wilderness, a song that captures the feeling of being lost and alone in an unforgiving world.

The Legacy of Man in the Wilderness

Man in the Wilderness has become one of Styx's most beloved songs, and is often cited as a fan favorite at live concerts. Its emotional intensity and powerful message continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, and the song has inspired countless covers and tributes over the years.

The lyrics of Man in the Wilderness speak to the universal human experience of struggling to find meaning and purpose in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and its message of hope in the midst of despair continues to inspire listeners decades after it was first released.

So there you have it, the fascinating story behind Man in the Wilderness by Styx. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or hearing the song for the first time, its haunting melody and poignant lyrics are sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Release Date: July 7, 1977
• Artist: Styx