Styx

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You were the apple of the public's eye
As you cut the ribbon at the local mall
A mirage for both you and us
How can this be real?

[Verse 2]
We love your body in that photograph
Your home state sure must be proud
The queen of the United States
Have you lost your crown?

[Chorus]
Well, aren't you (Miss America?)
Don't you (Miss America?)
Won't you (Miss America, our love?)

[Verse 3]
Well, are you really who we think you are?
Or does your smile seem to wear you down?
Is the girl who you once were
Screaming to jump out?

[Verse 4]
In the dream that you must live
A disease for which there is no cure
This rollercoaster ride you're on
Won't stop to let you off
[Chorus]
Well, aren't you (Miss America?)
Don't you (Miss America?)
Won't you (Miss America, our love?)

Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America

Well, aren't you (Miss America?)
Don't you (Miss America?)
Won't you (Miss America, our love?)

[Verse 5]
Well, it's true just take a look
The cover sometimes makes the book
And the judges, did they ever ask
To read between your lines?

[Verse 6]
In your cage at the human zoo
They all stop to look at you
Next year, what will you do
When you have been forgotten?
[Chorus]
Aren't you (Miss America?)
Don't you (Miss America?)
Won't you (Miss America, our love?)

Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss America
Miss AmericaEmbed

Styx, one of the most recognizable progressive rock bands in the US released “Miss America” in 1977. The song was written by James Young and appeared on their breakthrough album, The Grand Illusion. It’s a hard-rocking piece that showcases the band’s style and lyrics that explore the fleeting nature of fame.

About Miss America

The lyrics to “Miss America” are a commentary on the American Dream and its inevitable fallout. The song describes the story of a woman who is initially a winner and enjoys all the trappings of success, only to be left with nothing when her reign ends. The song makes use of the prevalent imagery of beauty pageants during that era and how they represented the epitome of ideal femininity.

The well-respected musician and guitarist, Tommy Shaw, describes “Miss America” as a song about the fleeting nature of fame. The lyrics depict the mercilessly transitory nature of beauty pageants and the associated glory and success. As with any media-made figure, the public quickly moves on to the next one, leaving behind the previous winners and their hard-earned success. The song comments on this cycle of success and decline and urges us to question our societal values that bestow the highest honor on the basis of appearances rather than merit.

The song is relatively short, with a runtime of just over four minutes, but that length is packed with massive guitar solos and a powerful vocal performance by James Young. The aggressive tone and the lyrics’ critical message make “Miss America” one of the most iconic tracks of Styx’s career.

Performers

The song features James Young on lead vocals and guitar, Tommy Shaw on guitar and backup vocals, Dennis DeYoung on piano, synthesizer, and backup vocals, Chuck Panozzo on bass guitar, and John Panozzo on drums. Tommy Shaw doubled up as a guitarist as well as backing vocalist, giving the song a unique edge that the audience could appreciate.

The guitar work by James Young on “Miss America” is awe-inspiring. The versatile guitar solo is a testament to Young’s abilities and brought him much attention from the fans and critics alike. The aggressive riff giving a strong backbone to the song resonated with many rock fans in the late 1970s and still does today.

Legacy

“Miss America” was a commercially successful track, which charted well in the United States and became one of Styx’s most iconic songs. It has since become a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite of Styx’s fans.

The song is a testament to the band’s longevity and consistent track record over the years. “Miss America” is an excellent example of the band's ability to deliver a strong message combined with a musically captivating performance. It is a song that touches upon pertinent themes and is a perfect portrayal of what Styx stands for and has come to be known for over the years.

Even today, the song resonates with people, who still scroll through social media images of celebrities and wonder how long it will take for them to lose their fame and fortune. “Miss America” stands as a wake-up call to society, to have better aspirations for ourselves and paint a more vivid picture of what life should look like, beyond the surface-level details that the public eye likes to focus on.

Wrapping Up

In essence, “Miss America” is a formidable track that brings out the best in Styx and its members. Its biting commentary on the fickleness of success and the drama of our society's beauty standards make it a strongly relevant song today. Its success ensured that it became a favorite among Styx's fans and a fitting addition to any classic rock playlist. The song and its message continue to resonate and inspire, inviting us to evaluate our priorities and values and redefine what success truly means.

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