Show Me the Way

Styx

About Show Me the Way

"Show Me the Way" is a song written by Dennis DeYoung and released as the second single from Edge of the Century by Styx. It peaked at No. 3 on the pop singles chart in 1991. It is, to date, Styx's 8th and last top 10 Billboard single. Lead vocalist/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, a devout Roman Catholic, originally wrote the song for his son Matthew as a pseudo-hymn about the struggle to keep the faith in a "world so filled with hatred". Released in December 1990, the song was slowly scaling the charts. In January 1991, just prior to the United States' entry into the Gulf War, Music Director Chris Taylor from WAVA-FM in Washington, D. C. and Knoxville DJ Ray Edwards from WOKI-FM each did their own customized "Desert Shield Mix" incorporating television and call-in comments from officials, soldiers and callers as well as C-SPAN's coverage of the House and Senate debates. Although released in the early 1990s, the song is very reminiscent of the classic Styx power ballad. Written in 6/8 time, the song begins quietly with the lone DeYoung on vocals and transitions into a big sounding vocal triad chorus. The bridge uses a solo DeYoung vocal praying and pleading that "if I see a light, should I believe? Tell me, how will I know?" followed by, on the album version, an acoustic guitar leading into an electric guitar solo. (On the single version, the acoustic guitar solo is eliminated.) 


Year:
2006
28 
#1

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Every night I say a prayer in the hope that there's a heaven
And every day I'm more confused as the saints turn into sinners
All the heroes and legends I knew as a child have fallen to idols of clay
And I feel this empty place inside so afraid that I've lost my faith

Show me the way, show me the way
Take me tonight to the river
And wash my illusions away
Show me the way

And as I slowly drift to sleep, for a moment dreams are sacred
I close my eyes and know there's peace in a world so filled with hatred
That I wake up each morning and turn on the news to find we've so far to go
And I keep on hoping for a sign, so afraid that I just won't know

Show me the way, Show me the way
Bring me tonight to the mountain
And take my confusion away
And show me the way

And if I see your light, should I believe
Tell me how will I know

Show me the way, show me the way
Take me tonight to the river
And wash my illusions away
Show me the way, show me the way
Give me the strength and the courage
To believe that I'll get there someday
And please show me the way

Every night I say a prayer
In the hope that there's a heaven

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Styx

The Styx (Ancient Greek: Στύξ, also meaning "hate" and "detestation") (adjectival form: Stygian, /ˈstɪdʒiən/) is a river in Greek mythology that formed the boundary between Earth and the Underworld (often called Hades which is also the name of this domain's ruler). The rivers Styx, Phlegethon, Acheron, and Cocytus all converge at the center of the underworld on a great marsh, which is also sometimes called the Styx. The important rivers of the underworld are Lethe, Eridanos, and Alpheus. more »

6 fans

Written by: DENNIS DEYOUNG

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Information
"Show Me the Way" is a track by American rock band Styx, one of the most successful progressive rock bands of the 1970s and 80s.
Making a Debut
The song was first released on November 16, 1990, as a part of the band's 12th studio album, "Edge of the Century".
Chart Performance
This power ballad achieved considerable success, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Song Writer
The song was written by Styx's lead vocalist, Dennis DeYoung.
Inspiration
"Show Me the Way" was supposedly inspired by the birth of Dennis DeYoung's son.
Patriotic Influence
During the Desert Storm operation, the song gained popularity as it was played frequently on the radio with listeners finding comfort and inspiration amid the war.
Music Video
The song's music video is particularly impressive as it is composed of several video clippings of people praying, along with scenes of various forms of strife from around the world, like wars and riots.
Popularity
Despite the band's extensive discography, "Show Me the Way" remains one of Styx's most popular and enduring songs.
Cover Versions
This song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including gospel singer Yolanda Adams.
Live Performances
It continues to be a staple during Styx's live concerts, often leaving audiences moved with its heartfelt lyrics and powerful delivery.

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    Show Me the Way

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1991

    Billboard #3


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