WHOA 🎵 Styx - Blue Collar Man REACTION

[@roccaclassico9028]

Lex, this song is absolutely literal. The U.S. economy in the '70s was a dumpster fire; with high unemployment, high inflation, massive layoffs, and rationed gas. The Jimmy Carter years. These lyrics gave voice to the frustrations of the working people, especially Midwestern factory workers. But also the optimistic American spirit came through, that if he is given the opportunity, he knows that he'll make a better future.

[@ronhale9868]

Excellent comment. Spot on!

[@markmurphy558]

We had to pay for the clusterfuck that was The Vietnam War. Spending money on bombs with borrowed money and the check came due.

[@douglasbuck8986]

AND HERE WE ARE AGAIN......................................................

[@SilentBob731]

@@douglasbuck8986 Inflation is up globally, is that Biden's fault too?

[@SilentBob731]

And then Reagan came along, privatized everything, declared war on unions & the working class, and popularized "trickle down economics". This was the beginning of the end of the American Middle Class.

[@Vaelsung1]

When hearing a great song like this, you can easily understand why Styx was the first band in history to achieve 4 triple platinum albums in a row. Not the Beatles, not the Stones. Styx. I'd also recommend Queen of Spades, Miss America, Castle Walls, Rockin' the Paradise, Snowblind, Suite Madame Blue, Midnight Ride, Light Up, Lorelei. Great reaction!

[@jimo7593]

Hate to burst your bubble, but you might wanna check Pink Floyd's albums, from Dark Side thru The Wall. 4 albums in a row and Animals was the lowest at 4X Plat. Mainly due to the songs being too long for air play. Dark Side is like 19x, WYWH is 11x, Animals at 4x, and The Wall at 27x Platinum.

[@Vaelsung1]

@@jimo7593 Big Pink Floyd fan too. But still, Styx was the first to do it. Research it or just go to the "Styxworld" website and you'll see it for yourself.

[@anpweed]

It's hard to believe they're not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. What a shame!

[@scottbenda7795]

@@anpweed the Rock and Roll hall of fame is a fucking joke.

[@deandee8082]

Mirror Mirror .. :-) ahh the 80's .. where has all of Pablo's stash gone?

[@ShaunHensley]

Styx is seriously underrated

[@donkeech1081]

Grievously underrated! Didn't they have something like 3 pretty-good lead singers in a 4 piece band?! Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, & Lawrence Gowan?! All pretty great vocalists, as well as incredible players! I even forgive them for "Killroy Was Here"...Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto! ;)

[@eschdaddy]

@@smittygee003: You’re joking, right? How come they love Tommy Shaw songs? Don’t get me wrong, I love Dennis too, but to say Dennis DeYoung was what made Styx is just plain wrong.

[@eschdaddy]

@@smittygee003: No, I get it. He was one of the original 3 and was the writer/singer for their biggest hit. Still, since 3 of the 5 original play in the current Styx, (and it would be 4 if John was still alive), I still see Shaw/Young/Panozzo as the actual Styx. Lastly, I just thought it was kinda creepy how Dennis had look alikes in his band. I understand why, since he’s trying to recreate Styx for the audience’s sake, but it just comes off weird to me. Dennis is incredible and no one can replace him or his sound. As Dennis put it in an interview, Lawrence Gowan does a great Lawrence Gowan… but nobody can do a Dennis DeYoung. It’s true.

[@davidpeck9834]

It's literal. He wants the dignity that comes from hard work, the life of a blue collar man.

[@metalmark1214]

Glad you got around to this Styx song. One of their best. Also check out Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, Miss America, Queen of Spades, Fooling Yourself and Suite Madam Blue.

[@RoadLessTraveledMedia]

great recs, metal mark. I agree this is on the list of niche, but best, Styx tracks!

[@72KingDavid]

Agreed!

[@McShaganpronouncedShaegen]

lol Made this exact rec months ago. I have to listen to Queen of Spades now. Swap out Castle walls for Pieces of Eight.

[@bobsacamano2948]

suite madam blue

[@PG-vw6gn]

Absolutely, Queen of Spades & Suite Madam Blue would love to Lex react to those two songs.

[@surlechapeau]

"Too Much Time On My Hands" would be a good 5th song to check out from them.

[@ursanator]

here is link to lyric version kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYPQYYGtmcd1aKc

[@yelnek4548]

My favorite Styx song

[@sodone1843]

Oh Yes

[@TonyM1961]

There are SO many songs... truly excellent songs to work their way through that this rabbit hole is going to take a long time to explore

[@leekrick6051]

Oh definitely, one of the best rocker songs

[@tinahairston6383]

"This song tells the story of a man who is sick of being mocked for being jobless. He tries to get a job and when he is denied, he tries to persuade people into hiring him." Tommy Shaw often wrote/writes songs that are relatable so you get a great song but the lyrics are purposeful. Many of us can relate to being on unemployment and wanting that one person who finally hires you because you'd work even if it's manual labor sometimes than be considered a lazy person who would rather collect unemployment. There was an organ. Dennis De Young would switch between organ and piano. You should check out Too much Time on My Hands, The Best of Times, Babe and Lady.

[@andrewburch1671]

They were actually living in Detroit where unemployment had hit the auto industry.

[@JDOzzy37]

You also have to remember this song was recorded in the midst of high inflation and high unemployment during the Jimmy Carter years. Not starting a political discourse, just stating the truth.

[@Knightveil]

Brad is correct, this is literally the singer (Tommy Shaw) expressing his desire to not be unemployed and seen as a loser by his family and friends and do whatever it takes to achieve the "good life". This is Styx at the height of their popularity and creativity. The addition of Tommy Shaw gave the band not only a solid tenor and a different guitar voice (that's Shaw playing the solo), but a new songwriting voice as well. Shaw tended to write songs that were *about* something, while Dennis DeYoung (keyboards and vocals) and James Young (guitar and vocals) tended to writer love songs or more metaphorical pieces. Not that any of those during this period were bad, but Shaw's fresh presence drove the band to new heights of success.

[@rickvalentine7900]

Tommy Shaw doesn't sing lead vocal on this song.

[@stevemariman8769]

Styx is on fire when they really get going! "The Best of Times" "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" "Babe" "The Grand Illusion" "Come Sail Away" "Light Up" "Mr. Roboto" "Renegade" "Lady" "Love in the Midnight" "Why Me?" "Too Much Time On My Hands" "Show Me the Way" "Rockin' the Paradise"

[@brettkenschaft4239]

Hats off to Brad for catching the guitar mimicking the vocals thing! I'm honestly impressed! While Dennis DeYoung definitely has a great voice, no argument there, I always liked the Tommy Shaw lead songs like this one best!

[@dannycasson1551]

This band is what they called an “arena band.” They had a big show and a big sound to match it. They sold out huge arenas and stadiums in their heyday. They’re still touring! Definitely one of my favorite groups. “Lady”…”Too Much Time On My Hands”…”Miss America.”

[@MegaAlan54321]

Yep just saw them a couple of days ago.

[@davidruland5519]

Love Lex's expression when she knows its going to rock

[@detomaso_6235]

Just a great, great, GREAT rock song! This is pretty much a PERFECT rock single. Styx's 70s guitar driven stuff was SO good.

[@deboragill4756]

Love Styx. In my prime. Partying. Pieces of Eight & Crystal Ball are good ,too. Babe. Loads of feel good songs to vibe to. I'm 64 & remember my "go to" bands from long ago. Still resonates in my ❤ & soul forever!

[@elisacardenas3535]

Great band Tommy Shaw was my first crush 🥰 Man in the Wilderness is a great emotional song

[@fishfood8719]

Literally just repurchased this album "Pieces of Eight" on cd and mp3 a few days ago! Was jamming to it in my truck yesterday! Originally had it on vinyl decades ago.

[@sammyholloway334]

Strong strong album,, My friend had it in 8 track,, we just let it run for days.

[@trishyt62]

Still have my vinyl album

[@CB-gr1uk]

Next to Grand Illusion, I think Pieces of Eight is their 2nd best album.

[@danielstorm8931]

This was the "anthem" for us kids that didn't go to collage. Styx puts "rock" right in your face.. Love it!!

[@peteseegiii3201]

I can tell.

[@sentinelmortgagecorp4291]

@@peteseegiii3201 lol, I was wondering how to make a tasteful joke there but I’ll just laugh at yours.

[@If6turnsouttobe9]

@@peteseegiii3201 so crual

[@victorvisser403]

I would like to see one of you Poindexters that know how to spell college fix your car when it breaks down. Last laugh to the blue collar man.

[@jongiometti6595]

My brother got this album, PIECES OF EIGHT, on 8-track tape when it came out in 1978 and I totally stole it from him! Could not stop listening, and used all of my lawmmowing money to gradually buy their entire catalog, and I've seen almost every tour of theirs ever since. Great band. I still listen to them now, 43 years on! Thanks for the reaction.

[@EddieReischl]

The great thing about Styx is having Tommy Shaw as a singer as well as Dennis DeYoung. They had a wide variety of songs. And yeah, the economy in the 1970s was crap, didn't start getting better till about 1983, the song is literal.

[@CaptWalker]

Now it's just the opposite but really the same, with Now Hiring signs everywhere promising high wages, but seems like nobody is really that eager to hire, at least not me. Wouldn't even surprise me if the Govt was really behind all this making it look a lot better than it really is, maybe even paying off some companies to post available jobs that don't exist? Nothing really surprises me anymore and seems like everyone is full of shit ever since Covid came on the scene.

[@ZFlyingVLover]

I love watching lexy's face when she hear a cool guitar riff. She get this naughty smile that so cute. lol

[@craigbillingsley9466]

Real Rock n' Roll... More Styx!! More Styx!!

[@Jessica_Roth]

What's interesting about the different styles within Styx is that even though Tommy Shaw's songs, such as this, are all rocking and fun-sounding, they deal with depressing subject matter. Unemployment, trouble with the law, drug addiction, lack of direction, wanting to run away from the world, the futility of activism, and so on. Whereas although many of Dennis DeYoung's songs sound wistful, they're almost all eventually about finding a positive outcome. Even "Mr. Roboto" is about rebelling against authority. Of course, Dennis's organ chords are all over this one. As for the divergent guitars, remember that Tommy was a replacement here; James Young was the lead guitarist, where Tommy had been the lead for Harvest (his previous group). So sometimes they did different things. (I would guess Tommy's keeping to the melody line here, while JY is improvising, but that's only a guess.) BTW, JY writes songs and sings lead, too, but I'll wait until you do one ("The Great White Hope", perhaps) until I comment further. Fun note: at one point, Tommy went through a breakup and so in live performances, he changed the lyric "my mother, my father, my wife and my friends, I see them laughing at me" to "my mother, my father, my DOG and my friends, etc." Man, when even your DOG is laughing at you…bad doggie! Shush!

[@jamielandis4308]

Fooling Yourself, my favorite Styx song. Lady is so wonderful. So many great tunes!

[@mr.knowitall6440]

This has always been one of my favorite Styx songs... 👍🤘😎

[@75yellowraven]

One of the top three most influential bands for my life!! First rock band I got into when this came out in 78’!!!

[@galenstone9097]

Tommy Shaw has owned of the best voices in Rock Music.

[@castlew4162]

Styx had a wide variety of music - not only from each writer but that there were 3 songwriters. Now that you've heard "Come Sail Away", "Renegade", and "Blue Collar Man" check out these: "Prelude 12/Suite: Madame Blue", "Castle Walls", "Man In The Wilderness", "Fooling Yourself", "Queen Of Spades", "Lorelei", "Crystal Ball", "Snowblind", "The Serpent Is Rising", and "Lady". There's lots and lots more - album rock.

[@retiredfirelt586]

The great Tommy Shaw... such a bad ass.

[@chriswildhaber35]

Great song and great band love everything Styx has put out.

[@Frostrazor]

I think Brad would love Crystal Ball and Man in the Wilderness. And Lex will go bananas of the energy and guitars in Man In Wilderness (My #1 Fav song by Styx by far!) Both sung by same singer (tommy shaw), and both are about a man trying to find his way in life and figure out who he is and what is his purpose. It's very deep and profoundly nostalgic as i know most guys dwell on this as they're growing up.

[@jkbezo1]

Stxy was a great prog rock band. They have tons of good songs and have been on many movies too

[@aulduronsmith5577]

This is one where Brad is right: it's literal. Unemployment was horrible back then. The riff came from the sound of a boat motor that wouldn't start. In the '80s, rock was changing. Everyone was trying to come up with a new sound. Mr Roboto was Styx's attempt at that. Most people hated it. That's why I call it "the song that killed Styx".

[@TheRealMirCat]

1978, 1 year into Jimmy Carter and 3 to go...

[@MrNoclutch]

Stood in those lines that went out the building and around the corner. Kids graduating from schools while the economy was shrinking and environmentalism driving out industry, Fathers and sons unemployed. Was a dark time for many. Cities still look empty in spots like wounds that never healed. It still happens in the North East as production is replaced with service jobs. That song I would play in my car on the way to interviews.

[@tombaldwin1700]

Loved the 2 lead vocals ( each brought a different feel!), then also when they combined voices and played w/ harmonies…great, great band!

[@Moonshinedave1]

I have always liked this song, not only the sound, but what they are saying, it's like don't give me anything, I've got two powerful hands, and a strong back, by golly, I'll earn my way in life. I wish more people in this country had that attitude.

[@klaptongroovemaster]

"Unison" is what it is called when multiple voices / instruments are playing exactly the same notes. "Octaves" is more accurate in this case, because the guitar is an octave lower.

[@pdbordelon]

What a great song...to me its a song about wanting more in life and not being afraid to work hard for it. Its about believing in yourself. Simple. Ripping guitars and synth! Please review "The Grand Illusion" as your next Styx song.

[@famijher]

This is still my favorite song by Styx. That keyboard intro hits me every time.

[@peimainepc]

I think this song is about kicking ass, getting yours. If you struggle, you OWN everything you have achieved. And you deserve it. Not just material, but spiritual wealth.

[@catherineferguson7646]

It is literal. His Father was a blue collar man. It like an ode to people who work hard. He has respect to them and he would do it and be a respectable man.

[@sammyholloway334]

Styx rocked. The late 70s,,they were the house music for every keg party the quadsters threw.

[@tims7077]

I'd recommend "Half-Penny, Two-Penny" as your next Styx song. It features James Young on vocals, whom you haven't heard yet, and it's never been reacted to before either.

[@jamessmith-rd3sf]

Styx .. Another group i grew up with listening to them on my school buses 8 track player... Those were the good ole days..

[@sirrobin4394]

One of my fav Styx songs. Tommy Shaw really carries it for me in this band and is the main reason I followed them for years. Thanks for reacting.

[@deadmeat_0152]

back in the 70s, when a blue collar job could allow you to raise a family, have a house, & respectability as Styx sings

[@larzakalazerath6655]

Blue collar jobs still allow all that. we may not drive the newest greatest cars and my house only has 1500 sq. ft. but it sits on a 1 and 3/4 lot and I have my shop out back my wife has her green house and in 2 more years we will have raised 5 kids all with at least a high school diploma and we can still catch a show in down town Atlanta or go up to the mountains for a week end ride and I have never made a three figure salary in my life. It's all about what you spend your money on and what is actually important to YOU.

[@razorfett147]

You can still make it blue collar. I have a house, 2 cars, and raised 2 kids on a factory job. Actually, as more n more kids steer towards white collar work...blue collar jobs are starting to pay more to try and convince ppl to do these jobs

[@riverlove6820]

Suite Madame Blue is one of their finest. IMHO love n peace

[@floorticket]

"The Best of Times" (1981), was pretty much the anthem of my 9th grade experience. That "Mr. Roboto" (1983) song was where Styx jumped the shark for me.

[@ShaunHensley]

Turns out mr roboto was ahead of it's time. revisit it

[@agatehuntress499]

I feel really lucky to have seen these dudes three times in concert.

[@Yotraj]

and they've just great stage presence too. Such a great Band.

[@tommythompson9565]

Finally : Blue Collar Man -- the studio version. Great reaction, guys. As is usual . "Heck yeah!!" My reaction exactly -- in 1978 , and in 2023 .

[@wen-nz3sk]

Mentioned in your Mr Roboto reaction I commented but didn't hit like or dislike button. Dennis went in a direction others didn't want to venture, tried and bombed. Now you are into Styx b4 it and so happy you arrived. 🥳❤ Brad, you hear the high pitch barely there, synth/electronic keyboards and the "crazy" all over guitar is both JY and Tommy ripping together and separately. I knew she'd love Styx!! Made my day Lex!! 👊🏽❤🥳

[@Deborahtunes]

This song was about unemployment. In 1978 during "Pieces Of Eight's" release, unemployment was high, between 8%-10%. Tommy Shaw, the writer and vocalist said he had a close friend who was a "blue collar" worker, that couldn't find a job around this time. The beginning keyboard part, was inspired from the noise Tommy's boat motor made. It intrigued him, so he asked Dennis DeYoung (their keyboard player at the time) to try and "mimic" that sound. "Mr. Roboto" wasn't their typical track. Styx had tried the new wave genra, which was popular at the time. This here, and "Renegade" were more to what they were/are...

[@michaelbeasley5783]

My fav Styx song. Sooo good. I've seen it live. Awesome.

[@thomassherman61]

You're right on , Brad . It's literal .

[@fishfood8719]

Yes, I think Tommy Shaw wrote it about his friend who had gotten laid off his job.

[@bradsouthers7476]

You can put any meaning to it that you feel. To me it's always been literal: "I have more pride and self worth than to collect unemployment when there are jobs available; I would rather be employed at a hard job than to take charity while holding out for a cushy one. I can make a better life for myself, I don't expect it to be handed to me".

[@jimtaylor6905]

This was written in the 80's when they started breaking the unions and the fear of "The Blue Collar Man"

[@Ritaholden1]

Love Styx. Renegade, madam blue, miss America. Love their early music.

[@squidkid2]

Styx had so many talented musicians. My sister saw them live many times and she said they put on a great show. Great vocals too. They were so unique.

[@Lonewolfmike]

Mr. Roboto was a concept album that Styx did. I would recommend Suite Madam Blue to listen to.

[@hog7203]

I had a friend in high school that only listened to this band. Almost drove me crazy 😆 But they do have great songs and are superb musicians.

[@astonsfan]

Styx gotta lot of great tunes with great lyrics........Thanks you two,you do a great thing here on the you tubes......

[@RyneMurray23]

I saw them live about 5 years ago. They were really great. 🙌🏼🔥

[@ugaais]

This is a great example of late 70’s early 80’s arena rock..think Foreigner, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Night Ranger…this sound slotted between Classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s and Hair Bands of the 80’s starting with Motley Crue in 1983…born in 1970 loved it all great time to be alive…and yes this is what the girls was listening too also..

[@clare1061]

this is one of their songs that you must watch live to appreciate it

[@Williamswartz]

Seen them live a couple years ago and they sound better than studio! Even at older ages!!!

[@kel5423]

Their progressive rock years is their best music.

[@kentnottingham9635]

You belong in the seventies! Another great reaction! Thanks for ROCKIN IT!!!

[@kdm71291]

No…it’s literal. Styx is a great band! This is from their album Pieces Of Eight…you should also listen to my favorite Styx song Come Sail Away, which is from their previous album to this called The Grand Illusion…..but NOT the video version, it’s edited, but the full album version. Those are the first two albums I ever bought!

[@eppro2177]

They did a "Come Sail Away" reaction back in December.

[@puppetmaster8551]

Styx made some fantastic music, this is a great song. “Too much time on my hands”is a must react from them.

[@yikesvikes]

Having heard this songs literally thousands of times, I have always taken it literally; it is as he says. He's working to try and get ahead, trying for a better life, and it's a struggle.... Bear in mind, he never mentions love, never mentions a woman. Just the struggle.

[@stephenbuster5061]

Released in 1978. It's literal. Recession in full swing, very hard to find a decent job. That's why it's so relatable...

[@chadwilson2176]

Favorite Styx song is "Babe". Really nice chill song.

[@normbittner3762]

My wife mentioned this morning that Styx played at her sister's prom in Mount Prospect, IL in the 70's- 😂

[@mikeg.4211]

All us Chicago kids love Styx!

[@mikekroft86]

saw styx with their entire lineup, except the drummer who died, in their return to the paradise theatre tour , best concert i ever attended

[@deanepley3591]

The frist band I got to see live in 1976. If you can go and see this band. They are still going as Good now as ever, after over 50 years of great music.

[@redeemed6955]

You two are great together, I would say a match made in Heaven, but you Lex, you could very well go down in history as Miss. Music Reaction Video Rocker of all time. Keep that woman happy Brad.

[@troyv8302]

Great song. You can feel the pride of being self sufficient in this song; total American badass song.

[@datkat1263]

So much more excellent Styx to dive into. The Equinox LP, Suite Madame Blue, Renegade, etc. The boys from the south 'burbs of Chicago (my original home turf) never fail to disappoint.

[@chris882211]

My life.. And my husband sure did.. We made it.. Love this song starting from nothing and own two houses and live the life. Makes me cry every time I hear this song.. And yes.. proud to be a blue collar girl

[@williameller7002]

Thanks for this song ,needed to hear this today.

[@TonyM1961]

I would love to see how you two react to Styx - The Grand Illusion and pay special attention to the lyrics because this song is DEEP!

[@neilgoldsmith5482]

I saw Styx 7 times in the 70s they were great Lady, Crystal Ball, Suite Mademe Blue, Snowblind Renegade, Come sail Away.

[@kenperk9854]

And their best song, suite madammous!el

[@thebigrider1]

When I am down I crank this up and groove a bit and it cleans my attitude.

[@babylonsister118]

Tommy Shaw and Contemporary Youth Orchestra version of this is stupendous, as well!

[@jamesfetcho6315]

Agreed 👍

[@Insgirl5785]

I love you guys going over Styx songs. There is a huge history between Paradise Theater ( which this song is from) and the Kilroy was Here album which has Mr. Roboto.

[@thebigrider1]

James Young and Tommy Shaw are music writing wizards. They are hook masters to the bone!

[@markwebb8013]

Brad you spot on in your assessment 👏 IMHO. Lex keep rocking out.

[@lanspalmer1582]

Lex, I love how you turned this into a metaphor for working hard at finding and keeping a meaningful relationship. It's a brand new song to me now. When I was a kid it encourage me to work. Now it will encourage me in my marriage. Thanks!

[@riveralph3687]

Ahhh, my favorite Styx song. It rocks!

[@jimfussell5455]

Don't overthink it, Lex. Brad is right this time. It IS literal. And great comment by Brad about the guitar following the singer. Great observation.

[@michaelbenjamin2159]

It’s from the depression in the 70’s. Slow economy factories in the rust belt closing ,work going overseas.

[@castlew4162]

I just revisited some of your reactions to my favorite band, Styx. An interesting note about this song is that there is a galloping part at lyrics "Only a heartbeat away, Paradise can it be all I heard it was" that seems to be taken by Survivor for "Eye Of The Tiger" which is another "blue collar" inspirational song. I think I heard Tommy Shaw say he heard this repeating galloping beat while on the road crossing a bridge with a metal grate surface. Are you guys going to get back to some music reactions sometime soon? 3270 songs is only the tip of the iceberg. If not, then you have to listen on your own to the whole "Grand Illusion" album start to finish - including 2 of the best songs of theirs, "Man In The Wilderness" and "CASTLE WALLS"(check out my handle here). Neither was a "hit", but are fan favorites and great songs.

[@jdbuscemi8181]

You guys have come a long Way!!! Proud of both of you!!!

[@whathahk]

About life in general and all the ups and downs of trying to make a living and the chances/spin of surviving! Our desire to rise above yet at time get knocked down and the struggle of having to get back up! LIFE in America!

[@4yules]

it is very literal about what it takes and means to be blue collar....its tough ...whatever it takes...whats great about the song is the implied feeling of what life is and your more than a label...we can all aspire to hard work and getting ahead

[@rjwalker1973]

Great song by a great band. I am a huge Tommy Shaw fan. His guitar playing and vocals are top notch.

[@robr6787]

It was written about a friend of Tommy Shaw the singer...his buddy had gotten laid off and it was about falling down and getting back up...I can relate...

[@rockertom7]

This was literal msg and totally described the time

[@d.a.9937]

A fine analysis of an excellent, inspirational rock tune. Hear hear!

[@evilclown7170]

Definitely my favorite Styx song.

[@leefreed2060]

Rocking the paradise is their best song. Also Miss America.