“Castle Walls”, by Styx, from the album Grand Illusion, was as written by band leader Dennis DeYoung, and was the 7th song on the 7th album of the band. The album was released on the 7th day of the 7th month of ’77! The album peaked at 6 on Billboard’s U.S. Top 200 chart and went on to sell over 3 million copies. It launched Styx into superstardom.
The song’s primary allusion is to leave a castle for some mysterious and compelling reason. Something, apparently desirable, is out side the boundary created by the castle. Ultimately, a castle is device of protection, but if that protection is perceived to be too important to shed, then the castle becomes a prison. The only way to discover and experience that which is “calling”, is to abandon the safety and protection it provides.
This is not an easy thing to do. It’s scary out there! Battles rage like hell and doves loose there will to fly! The translation being that; “trying” is no guarantee for success and may make the situation worse. At least that’s the perception. Hanging out in the castle is the safe and easy thing to do.
Basically, the song is about overcoming self-imposed limitations. Clinging to the safety of the castle is a metaphor for the fear of leaving one’s comfort zones. Dennis is telling us that following our dreams may “seem” like a tough thing to do, but in reality, it’s the perception of difficulty that is the limiting factor.
“Life is never what it seems” -- of course it’s not -- it’s a Grand Illusion! And, don’t let that illusion (perception) stop you from realizing your potential. Eventually, “every man must meet his destiny” – you can’t hide in the castle forever!
I think the song (and the album) was Dennis’ way of convincing himself that choosing Rock and Roll as an occupation would eventually pay off. He had just gone through a very difficult time in his life (around the making of Crystal Ball – the album prior to Grand Illusion) and there was concern as to weather he could continue in the band or not. By that point, Styx had only enjoyed modest success and their future was as uncertain as ever. It was a defining moment in his life and he resolved to continue to follow his dream.
“Castle Walls”, by Styx, from the album Grand Illusion, was as written by band leader Dennis DeYoung, and was the 7th song on the 7th album of the band. The album was released on the 7th day of the 7th month of ’77! The album peaked at 6 on Billboard’s U.S. Top 200 chart and went on to sell over 3 million copies. It launched Styx into superstardom.
The song’s primary allusion is to leave a castle for some mysterious and compelling reason. Something, apparently desirable, is out side the boundary created by the castle. Ultimately, a castle is device of protection, but if that protection is perceived to be too important to shed, then the castle becomes a prison. The only way to discover and experience that which is “calling”, is to abandon the safety and protection it provides.
This is not an easy thing to do. It’s scary out there! Battles rage like hell and doves loose there will to fly! The translation being that; “trying” is no guarantee for success and may make the situation worse. At least that’s the perception. Hanging out in the castle is the safe and easy thing to do.
Basically, the song is about overcoming self-imposed limitations. Clinging to the safety of the castle is a metaphor for the fear of leaving one’s comfort zones. Dennis is telling us that following our dreams may “seem” like a tough thing to do, but in reality, it’s the perception of difficulty that is the limiting factor.
“Life is never what it seems” -- of course it’s not -- it’s a Grand Illusion! And, don’t let that illusion (perception) stop you from realizing your potential. Eventually, “every man must meet his destiny” – you can’t hide in the castle forever!
I think the song (and the album) was Dennis’ way of convincing himself that choosing Rock and Roll as an occupation would eventually pay off. He had just gone through a very difficult time in his life (around the making of Crystal Ball – the album prior to Grand Illusion) and there was concern as to weather he could continue in the band or not. By that point, Styx had only enjoyed modest success and their future was as uncertain as ever. It was a defining moment in his life and he resolved to continue to follow his dream.