Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
Styx · Babe: Collection [2011]
You're a troubled young man I can tell
You've got it all in the palm of your hand
But your hand's wet with sweat and your head needs a rest
And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it
How can you be such an angry young man
When your future looks quite bright to me
How can there be such a sinister plan
That could hide such a lamb, such a caring young man
You're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it
Get up, get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat and you know it
Come on, let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it
You're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're killing yourself if you don't believe it
Get up, get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat and you know it
Come on, let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it.
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
Styx's "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" stands as a defining track from their 1983 album "Kilroy Was Here," showcasing the band's signature blend of hard rock and theatrical storytelling. The song features the iconic vocal performance of Tom Kitt, who delivers a powerful, emotive rendition that became a staple of their live shows for decades. Released during a period when Styx was solidifying their status as a major force in progressive rock, the recording captures the band's ability to balance complex arrangements with anthemic choruses. While often associated with their later compilation "Babe: Collection," the original recording belongs to their mid-80s catalog, reflecting the era's shift toward more polished production values without sacrificing the raw energy that characterized their earlier work. The track remains a testament to the band's enduring legacy in rock music.