Styx

Lyrics

[Intro: James Young]
Mirror, mirror on the wall
The face you've shown me scares me so
Thought that I could call your bluff
But now the lines are clear enough
Life's not pretty, even though
I tried so hard to make it so
Mornings are such cold distress
How did I ever get into this mess

[Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
Now I'm snowblind
Can't live without you
'Cause you're so fine, I just can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind

[Verse: Tommy Shaw]
Harmless and innocent, you devil in white
You stole my will without a fight
You filled me with confidence, but you blinded my eyes
You tricked me with visions of paradise

[Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
Now I realize I'm snowblind
Can't live without you
'Cause you're so fine, I can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind
[Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
Well, baby, I'm snowblind
Can't live without you
'Cause you're so fine, I just can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind

[Bridge: James Young]
Mirror, mirror, I confess
I can't escape this emptiness
No more reasons to pretend
Here comes that same old feeling again

[Outro: Tommy Shaw]
Yes, I'm snowblind
Can't live without you
'Cause you're so fine, I just can't get away
Won't you throw me a lifeline
I'm going down for the third time
'Cause I'm snowblind, and I can't get away
Yes, I'm snowblind, snowblind, snowblind

Styx's "Snowblind" is a song that delves into the struggles of a cocaine addict who knows the devastating effects of the drug on his life but cannot seem to stop using it. The song is part of Styx's Paradise Theatre album and is a direct reference to the drug epidemic that plagued the United States in the 1970s and 80s.

"Snowblind" opens with a haunting melody that sets the tone of the song and immediately draws the listener in. The lyrics highlight the desperation of the protagonist as he tries to overcome his addiction and the guilt he feels for the pain he has caused to himself and those around him.

About Snowblind

The song's title, "Snowblind," is a reference to the state of being high on cocaine, often referred to as 'snow.' The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's struggle with his addiction, and the chorus is particularly powerful in expressing his feelings:

"Oh, mirror in the sky what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?"

These lines express the inner turmoil that the protagonist feels and his yearning to break free from his addiction. Styx's lyrics are raw and emotional, capturing the essence of what it feels like to be addicted to a drug.

The song's message is particularly poignant given the time it was released. In the 1970s and 80s, the United States faced a massive drug epidemic, with cocaine being one of the most significant problems. Many people struggled with addiction to this drug, and the impact on their lives and the lives of those around them was devastating.

"Snowblind" is just one of the many songs of the time that tackled this issue head-on. The Paradise Theatre album as a whole was meant to be a metaphor for the problems facing the United States during that period. Styx was one of the few bands of the time that dared to address these contentious issues in their music, and "Snowblind" is a perfect example of their willingness to do so.

Musically, "Snowblind" is a masterpiece. The haunting melody sets the tone for the song and draws the listener in, and the use of guitar, piano, and synthesizers adds depth and texture to the music. The band's incredible musicianship is evident in every note, and their harmonies are particularly beautiful and moving.

In closing, "Snowblind" is a song that tackles a difficult and sensitive issue with grace and compassion. It's a testament to Styx's willingness to confront challenging issues head-on and their incredible musicianship. The song's message is just as relevant today as it was when it was released, making it a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.

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