In basically any social movement, there is a divide between the optimists, who think that reform is inevitable with a little work, and the pessimists, who are angry and want to destroy the system. With “Fooling Yourself,” Styx is firmly establishing itself in the optimist camp.
[Intro: Dennis DeYoung]
Relax, take it easy
[Verse 1: Tommy Shaw]
You see the world through your cynical eyes
You're a troubled young man I can tell
You got it all in the palm of your hand
But your hand's wet with sweat, and your head needs a rest
[Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it
[Verse 2: Tommy Shaw]
Why must you be such an angry young man
When your future looks quite bright to me?
And how can there be such a sinister plan
That could hide such a lamb, such a caring young man?
[Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're killing yourself if you don't believe it
Get up, (Get up!) get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat, and you know it
Yeah, come on, (Come on!) let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it
Whoa whoa whoa whoa
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
[Chorus: Tommy Shaw]
And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're killing yourself if you don't believe it
Get up, (Get up!) get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat, and you know it
Oh, come on, (Come on!) let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it
Whoa whoa whoa whoa
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) was written by Tommy Shaw.
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) was produced by James Young & John Panozzo & Chuck Panozzo & Dennis DeYoung & Tommy Shaw.