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Styx - Kilroy Was Here Album Lyrics



Styx - Kilroy Was Here Lyrics






Mr. Roboto

Domo arigato misuta Robotto
Domo arigato misuta Robotto
Mata au hi made
Domo arigato misuta Robotto
Himitsu wo shiritai

You're wondering who I am (secret secret I've got a secret)
Machine or mannequin (secret secret I've got a secret)
With parts made in Japan (secret secret I've got a secret)
I am the modern man

I've got a secret I've been hiding under my skin
My heart is human, my blood is boiling, my brain I.B.M.
So if you see me acting strangely, don't be surprised
I'm just a man who needed someone, and somewhere to hide
To keep me alive, just keep me alive
Somewhere to hide to keep me alive

I'm not a robot without emotions, I'm not what you see
I've come to help you with your problems, so we can be free
I'm not a hero, I'm not a savior, forget what you know
I'm just a man whose circumstances went beyond his control
Beyond my control, we all need control
I need control, we all need control

I am the modern man (secret secret I've got a secret)
Who hides behind a mask (secret secret I've got a secret)
So no one else can see (secret secret I've got a secret)
My true identity

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo, domo
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo, domo
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto

Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For doing the jobs nobody wants to
And thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For helping me escape to where I needed to
Thank you, thank you, thank you
I want to thank you, please, thank you, oh yeah

The problem's plain to see, too much technology
Machines to save our lives, machines dehumanize

The time has come at last (secret secret I've got a secret)
To throw away this mask (secret secret I've got a secret)
Now everyone can see (secret secret I've got a secret)
My true identity
I'm Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy!
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: DENNIS DEYOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






Cold War

Written by Tommy Shaw
Lead Vocals by Tommy Shaw

I'm tired of your psychology
To bring me to my bended knees
And if I could only talk to you
I'm sure that I could make you see
'Cause time has a way
Of bringing even mountains down, down, down
Storm clouds are coming
I suggest you head for higher ground

I say you're a thing of the past
And you ain't gonna last
No matter what you say or do
It's all caught up to you

You're duty-free, you're tax-exempt
You party with the President
And you dance the dance so naturally
Why not believe you're heaven-sent
But time has a way of bringing
Even mountains down, down, down
There's a storm cloud a-comin'
I insist you head for higher ground

You talk talk and you get so intense
That you almost make sense
And that's what scares me the most
You as the host of Celebrity Lies
It's prime time, baby
Can't you see in my eyes, it's a

Cold war-runnin' in the streets
Everybody you meet knows
It's going down, don't you know
Cold war-blowing in the air
Everyone everywhere says it's time
To get ready for a cold war
Don't you look now
But the skinny boy's becoming a man

You say it's the luck of the draw
And you can't have it all
And I'll die young trying to make it
Into something that ain't gonna last
You ought to reconsider
'Cause I'm coming fast with a

Cold war-running in the streets
Everybody you meet
Know's it's going down, don't you know
Cold war-blood is in the air
Everyone everywhere says it's time
To get ready for a cold war-looking at me
From behind every tree
There's a scared man running from a
Cold war-don't you look now
But the skinny boy's a streetfighting man

[extra verses sung in concert during the Kilroy tour:]
Try as you will, you can't escape the chill
That penetrates your clothing,
Demanding that you feel
All the trouble that surrounds you,
The bad mixed with the good,
The heartless bits of data waiting to be understood
Information Central promptly processed your request,
The task we're told honestly requires you acquiesce.

Well, blind faith put you where you are now
You're a selfish old cow gettin' high on society's milk.
We pay your bills, life should be so tough.
You'd better watch your fat ass, 'cause we've had enough!
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: TOMMY R SHAW
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






High Time

Written by Dennis DeYoung
Lead Vocals by Dennis DeYoung

I flip the switch on my laser video
And there's the man staring back at me
He starts to speak in a voice so righteous
About the sins of society

He's got answers to all my problems
Says he'll decide what I should hear and see
I try to change to another station
But all I get is more of his morality
And morality, yeah

But I see the kids of a new generation
And they won't stand for this mind control
They're gonna change this world we live in
They're gonna bring back the rock and roll

So if I can, I'm gonna break from this prison
Gonna get out and join in the fight
Take a chance on what I believe in
Win or lose, I know it's right

'Cause it's high time
For us to start a revolution
High time
Just like an A-bomb explosion
High time
It ain't the music that's in question
High time
It's more the freedom of expression

Change is comin'
Mind Police are comin'
We're on the move
The Old World is crumblin'
A new day's comin'
Tell your friends and relations
We're on the move
We're gonna start a rockin' nation

High time
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
High time
We're gonna start a revolution
High time
[scatting] Everybody lay back now I tell you why...
[Roboto]
"I've been instructed to inform you that your privileges have been penalized.
Your avoidance tactics have proven disappointing."
[Kilroy]
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha
Up yours, Roboto!"
[Roboto]
"No deviance, Kilroy!"

High time
For us to start a revolution
High time
Just like an A-bomb explosion
High time
It ain't the music that's in question
High time
It's more the freedom of expression

Change is comin'
Mind Police are comin'
We're on the move
The Old World is crumblin'
A new day's comin'
Tell your friends and relations
We're on the move
We're gonna start a rockin' nation

Be -be -be -be -be -be -be -be -be -band on the move, yeah
High time
Yeah
High time
Be -be -be -be -be -be -be -be -be -band on the move
High time

"What will this thing cost, man? Look at the costs!"
"Hundreds and hundreds!"
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: DENNIS DE YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






Heavy Metal Poisoning

Written by James Young
Lead Vocals by James Young

MurolceS odrO suvoN sitpeoC tiunnA

What the devil's goin' on
Why don't your turn that music down
You're going deaf and that's for sure
But all you do is scream for more

Get the lead out go for broke
Pop your pills and drink and smoke
Shoot those chemicals into your vein
Anything to ease the pain

Heavy metal (heavy metal) poisoning (it's a poison)
A toxic wasteland (got a toxic wasteland) in your ear canal (in your ear canal!)
Overloaded (I'm overloaded), suffering (yeah!)
Overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs

Everything is black and white
You are wrong and we are right
First we'll spank your big behinds
Then we'll twist your little minds

I'm Dr. Righteous (I'm Dr. Righteous), and I'm here to sing (yeah!)
That heavy metal (heavy metal) is poisoning
It's a music wasteland, that destroys the young (yeah!)
They're overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
And rock and roll!

Sterces eht sdloh nataS

I'm Dr. Righteous (I'm Dr. Righteous), and I'm here to sing (yeah!)
That heavy metal (heavy metal) is poisoning
It's a music wasteland, that destroys the young (yeah!)
They're overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
And rock and roll!

Heavy metal (heavy metal) poisoning (it's a poison)
A toxic wasteland (got a toxic wasteland) in your love canal love canal!)
Overloaded (I'm overloaded), suffering (yeah!)
Overloaded (overloaded) on sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
Sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs, sex and drugs
"Righteous! Righteous!..."
"Shut up!"
"...Righteous! Righteous! Righteous! Righteous! Righteous! Yeah!"
"Shut up! Shut up!"
[giggles]
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: JAMES VINCENT YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






Just Get Through This Night

[Whispered]
"Help me kilroy....Tonight we'll make history"
"I hear you Jonathon...Meet me at the Paradise"

This could be the longest night in recorded history
And as for sleep, you might as well just cross it off the list of
Possibilities
(Now) I'm as brave as the next man
I won't turn and run from a fight
And I could last a million years
If I just get through this night

I could be a novelist
Tell secrets never heard
Pour my soul into each and every sentence
But I just can't find the words
Still I know that you're out there
And you can relate to it all
And I could bear the cold and stormy winter
If I just get through this fall

Don't you know there's no place on this earth
Where you can run to escape the pain of a broken heart
It's useless to spend the time it takes you try
But can't you see that I'm here
And I'm looking just the same
And I don't know why...

I could be a movie star
The king of Hollywood
Make them cry, dramatically pretending
To keep romance alive
And I would humbly thank my director
And everyone involved from the start
I could blow them all away
If I'd only find the the part
If I just get through this night
If I just get through this night
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: TOMMY SHAW, TOMMY R SHAW
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






Double Life

Written by James Young
Lead Vocals by James Young

In the dark so all alone
Slowly reach for the telephone
A message waits just for you
A secret place, another rendezvous

It's not always honesty
That is the best policy
But little lies can give you away
Though you'll deny it if they say maybe you're just

Leading a double life
Friends in the daytime, strangers at night
Leading a double life
Can it be wrong when you know that it's right?

The other side of the Berlin Wall is
Not far enough to avoid the call
Somebody knows, somebody's seen
Somebody knows right where you've been
And that you're just

Leading a double life
Friends in the daytime, strangers at night
Leading a double life
Can it be wrong when you know that it's right?

Nowhere to hide, though we both might try
I'm schizophrenic, and so am I
Double life, a double life, a masquerade
You know we all live a masquerade
I know you're out there!

Leading a double life
Friends in the daytime, strangers at night
Leading a double life
Can it be wrong when you know that it's right?
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: JAMES VINCENT YOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






Havent We Been Here Before

Haven't we been here before
Footsteps lead down to the note on the door
That says I can't stay here anymore

And haven't we felt this same way
Sure in our hearts, but afraid just the same
To say I can't stay one minute more

You might think that it's hopeless
Beyond our control
But that's not necessarily so
Can't you see there's a chance
For the daring young soul
Who's finally learned to say no

No, I won't be misused
Ignored or refused
And I won't just give up and let go

So tonight hold me close to you
And don't give up what's important to you
And as time rolls on
Nothing can stand in our way

And I believe if we learn from the past
We'd say haven't we been here before?
And I believe if we opened our hearts
We'd find keys to unlock every door
Dark would turn into light
We'd be strong
We'd be right

So tonight hold me close to you
And don't give up what's important to you
And as time rolls on
Nothing will stand in our way

And I believe if we learn from the past
We'd say haven't we been here before
Oh, and I believe if we open our hearts
We'd find keys to unlock every door
Hearts could change overnight
We'd be strong...We'd be right
So stay with me now
The future is ours
And we'll be the ones who go on
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: TOMMY R. SHAW
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






Dont Let It End

What can I do
Pictures of you still make me cry
Trying to live without your love
It's so hard to do
Some nights I'll wake up
I'll look at your pillow
Hoping that I'll see you there
But I get up each day, not much to say
I've nowhere to go
Loneliness fills me up inside
'Cause I'm missing you
So if you'll give us a chance to remember
The love we had once together
Wait and see, time is all that we really need
I'm praying you won't say no
I mean to tell you

Don't let it end
Baby we could have so much more
Don't let it end
Honey please don't walk out that door

I'm telling you baby, I made my mistakes
But I'll make you this promise to do what it takes
I'll be there to protect you and hold you tight
You got my lovin' baby every single night

Don't let it end
I'm begging you, don't let it end this way
Don't let it end
I'm begging you, don't let it end this way

Don't let it end
Baby we could have so much more
Don't let it end
Honey please don't walk out that door
Don't let it end
I'm begging you don't let it end this way
Don't let it end
I'm begging you don't let it end this way, no, no, no
No, no, no

What will I do
If you say we're through
I need you to stay, honey
Don't let it end this way
[ Correct these Lyrics ]

Writer: DENNIS DEYOUNG
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing






Back to: Styx


Kilroy Was Here is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band Styx, released on February 22, 1983. A concept album and rock opera about a world where rock music is outlawed, it is named after a famous World War II graffiti tag, "Kilroy was here." It was the last album of original material to be released by the "classic" lineup of Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, James "J.Y." Young, John Panozzo, and Chuck Panozzo.

The album spawned two hit singles, the synth-pop "Mr. Roboto" which later became one of their signature songs, and the power ballad "Don't Let It End." Both of them were major hits in 1983, peaking at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively, on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The band created the album Kilroy Was Here partly to mockingly respond to Christian groups and other anti-rock-music activists who had previously influenced the Arkansas State Senate to pass a bill requiring that all records containing backmasking be labeled as such by the manufacturer. Cited in the legislation were albums by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Electric Light Orchestra, Queen, and Styx themselves. ELO similarly responded with its own 1983 album Secret Messages.

The hard rocker "Heavy Metal Poisoning," the fifth track on the album, begins with the backmasked Latin words "annuit cœptis, novus ordo seclorum." Translated from the Latin, these words mean "[he] has favored our undertakings, a new order of the ages." These are the two mottoes from the Great Seal of the United States on the reverse side of the United States one-dollar bill.

The album's somewhat rock-operatic story tells of a future in which a fascist and theocratic government and the "MMM (the Majority for Musical Morality)" have outlawed rock music. The story's protagonist, Robert Orin Charles Kilroy (DeYoung), is a former rock star who has been imprisoned by MMM leader Dr. Everett Righteous (Young). He escapes using a disguise (according to the album's famous song "Mr. Roboto") when he becomes aware that a young musician, Jonathan Chance (Shaw), is on a mission to bring rock music back.

The album is certified platinum by the RIAA. It is the most recent studio album by the band to be certified platinum.

In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked the album #50 on their list of the 50 Greatest Concept Albums of All Time.
Performed By: Styx
Genre(s): Pop rock
Producer(s): Styx
Length: 40:41
Released: February 22nd, 1983
Year: 1983

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