STYX & Lawrence Gowan: "A Criminal Mind" (1985)

Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chicago band is known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and elements of American musical theater.

The band is best known for the hit songs "Lady" (#6, 1975), "Come Sail Away" (#8, 1977), "Babe" (#1, 1979), "The Best of Times" (#3, 1981), "Too Much Time On My Hands" (#9, 1981), and "Mr. Roboto" (#3, 1983). Other hits by the band include "Show Me the Way" (#3, 1990), "Don't Let It End" (#6, 1983) and "Renegade" (#16, 1978). The band has four consecutive albums certified multi-platinum by the RIAA.


- Lyrics:

You've seen my hands are steady
You've seen my face before
Soon you can take your last look
And they'll close the door
I stand accused before you
I have no tears to cry
And you will never break me
Until the day I die

A criminal mind was all I
All I've ever known
They've tried to reform me
Cause I'm made of cold stone

My criminal mind is all I
All I've ever had
Ask one who's known me
If I'm really so bad...
I am

I've spent my life behind these steel bars
I've paid my debt in time
But being brought to justice
That was my only crime
I don't regret action
I'd do the same again
These prison walls secure me
And I'm numb to pain

A criminal mind was all I
All I've ever known
They've tried to reform me
But I'm made of cold stone

My criminal mind is all I
All I've ever had
Ask one who's known me
If I'm really so bad...
I am

Before you hand me over
Before you read my sentence
I'd like to say a few words
Here in my own defense
Some people struggle daily
They struggle with their conscience 'til the end
I have no guilt to haunt me
I feel no wrong intent

A criminal mind is all I
All I've ever known
Don't try to reform me
Cause I'm made of cold stone

My criminal mind is all I
All I've ever had
Ask one who's known me
If I'm really so bad...
I am

Oh I am
Oh I am
I'm made of cold stone
Made of cold stone
I'm just like these prison walls
A criminal mind