This song is about none of the above. Tommy Shaw wrote this in 1979 and there are several influences behind it. The music is inspired by a trip to France; the lyrics refer to the need to get away from it all. Tranquility Base was the name of the 125 acre farm he lived on in Niles, Michigan. At that time, Styx was one of the top bands in the U.S. after a relatively quick rise to superstardom; "Boat on the River" was Tommy expressing his need to be able to get home and get away from all the pressures and craziness.
PS to the above comment: "Lights" is not a drug song, just the joys of being onstage in the glare of spotlights. "Snowblind" is an anti-drug song, written from the point of view of a user (which Tommy was at the time, pretty heavily).
This song is about none of the above. Tommy Shaw wrote this in 1979 and there are several influences behind it. The music is inspired by a trip to France; the lyrics refer to the need to get away from it all. Tranquility Base was the name of the 125 acre farm he lived on in Niles, Michigan. At that time, Styx was one of the top bands in the U.S. after a relatively quick rise to superstardom; "Boat on the River" was Tommy expressing his need to be able to get home and get away from all the pressures and craziness.
PS to the above comment: "Lights" is not a drug song, just the joys of being onstage in the glare of spotlights. "Snowblind" is an anti-drug song, written from the point of view of a user (which Tommy was at the time, pretty heavily).
I've heard someone argue that Tranquility Base is the one on the moon. This is one of the best love of water songs ever.
I've heard someone argue that Tranquility Base is the one on the moon. This is one of the best love of water songs ever.