Styx

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
What'cha gonna do when the sun goes down tonight
You'll hit the same old clubs, rap that same old trash
That's right
You've got them real silk shirts and them baggy pants
Dago shoes in the colors that match
But the girls are acting bored
And you're feeling like you're going to lose
You've got the g.q. blues

[Verse 2]
You get up every morning and you go to work each day
(you go to work, you go to work, you go to work)
Been doing the same damn job for ten long years this May
(you've got to work, you've got to work, you've got to work)
You've been working and saving for your Jamaican dream
Paradise is waiting across the sea
But when your plane lands Montego turns to monsoon
You've got the island blues

[Hook]
Cause, nothing ever goes as planned
It's a hell of a notion
Even pharaohs turn to sand
Like a drop in the ocean
You're so together, you act so civilized
But every time that things go wrong you're still surprised
You've done your duty, you've paid a fortune in dues
Still got them mother nature's blues
[Bridge]
I strut around the stage like a little king tonight
They'll scream for every word and every note, that's right
But when the show is over and I'm all alone
Can't reach my baby on the telephone
And everywhere I look Mr. Loneliness is in the news
I've got the big star blues

[Hook]
Boy, nothing ever goes as planned
It's a hell of a notion
Even pharaohs turn to sand
Like a drop in the ocean
I'm so together and I act so civilized
But every time that things go wrong
I'm still surprised
I've done my duty and paid a fortune in dues
Still got them mother nature's blues

Styx, the American rock band, has been appropriately named after the mythical river Styx, the border between Earth and the Underworld. They have been actively creating and performing music since 1972, accumulating a loyal fan base over the years. With multiple hit songs to their credit, one such timeless classic is “Nothing Ever Goes as Planned.” This song tells a story of a man who is disillusioned with the fame and wealth that comes with show business.

About Nothing Ever Goes as Planned

The song was released in 1983 as part of the album "Kilroy Was Here." Composed by Dennis DeYoung, the song features his signature keyboard sound with the infamous rock guitar rifts by James Young. The lyrics profoundly express the thoughts and feelings of a man who is struggling with the reality of his life and the riches brought to him by his career. The song's protagonist seems to be living an opulent life, thanks to his high-profile career. Still, at the same time, he yearns for a more meaningful existence, ultimately making him feel trapped while in the limelight.

The lyrics encapsulate the character's turmoil, his frustration, and his yearning for freedom. The protagonist is seeking a sense of purpose and meaning outside of the fame and wealth that he has acquired over his illustrious career. He is reaching out for a way to break free from the clutches of a life that he never expected, and one that he has lost control of. In a way, the song speaks to the heart of the human condition, providing a voice to the parts of us that crave authenticity and genuine experiences.

The song's message is not only prevalent in the world of show business but is applicable to any aspect of life where fame and fortune have taken over. The song teaches us that we may have all the money and success this world has to offer, but if we do not have purpose, meaning, and fulfillment, we will never be truly happy. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes things do not go as planned, but it is essential to find a way to make the most out of every moment and to strive for greater purpose.

Styx created a narrative that speaks truth to many of us, and the song's message remains relevant today. The band cleverly used their platform as musicians to shed light on something that is not often talked about in the entertainment industry - the emptiness and lack of purpose that can come with fame. This song is an ode to all those who have found themselves lost in the world of stardom and are seeking to reclaim their true selves outside of the constant limelight.

Wrapping up

Nothing Ever Goes as Planned by Styx is an exceptional piece of music that speaks to the heart of the human condition. The song captures the essence of living in a world where fame and fortune are allured but not always fulfilling. The lyrics are a poignant reminder that we must maintain a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives to be genuinely happy. Styx has left an indelible mark on the world of music with this timeless classic, which remains relevant even today.

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