ROCK MOMENT – Styx ‘Lights’
Released in 1979 on the album Cornerstone, ‘Lights’ marked a softer and more reflective moment for Styx during a period when the band was becoming one of the biggest arena rock acts in America. Written and sung by keyboardist and vocalist Dennis DeYoung, the song stood apart from the harder-edged rock anthems the band was known for, instead offering a heartfelt tribute to the city of Chicago and the complicated emotions tied to leaving home.
DeYoung originally wrote ‘Lights’ after moving away from Chicago to Los Angeles while Styx’s career was exploding nationally. Like many musicians who relocated for business opportunities, he found himself homesick for the city where he grew up. The lyrics captured that feeling perfectly, especially the line about “the lights of my hometown.” DeYoung intended the song to be both personal and universal — a reflection on how people can leave home chasing dreams yet still feel emotionally connected to where they came from.
Ironically, the song almost caused controversy in Chicago because of one lyric. In the original version, DeYoung sang “the lights of my hometown” in reference to Chicago, but the record company worried listeners in other cities might not relate to it. To make the song more commercially universal, the lyric was changed to “the lights shine bright on my hometown.” Many Chicago fans still knew exactly what DeYoung meant, and over time the song became strongly associated with the city anyway.
Musically, ‘Lights’ showcased Styx’s ability to blend progressive rock influences with melodic pop songwriting. The gentle piano opening, layered harmonies, and emotional vocal performance helped make the track a standout on Cornerstone, an album that also featured the massive hit Babe. While ‘Lights” was never as commercially huge as some of Styx’s bigger singles, it became a fan favorite because of its sincerity and emotional warmth’
The song also reflected an important transition for Styx. By the end of the 1970s, the band was balancing theatrical rock epics with more radio-friendly material, and ‘Lights’ demonstrated how effectively they could create emotional ballads without losing their identity. Decades later, the song remains a touching reminder of how success and distance can deepen a person’s appreciation for home.
