Given enough money, you wouldn't need to spend all those hours at work. You can pay someone to do lots of things for you. Money can buy you literally years of freedom to do what you want instead of having to do what you need.
@@Trezker you may be right about what you said, but think about when you're on your Deathbed and the grim reaper is about to snatch you .that lyric from this song will ring true in the end for you ,as it will for everyone once our time is up there is no bargaining .just acceptance 😔😔
My husband died of the same cancer that killed Steve Jobs, and Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch. Money and privilege couldn’t save Steve, and brilliance and connections couldn’t save Dr. Pausch. If you haven’t read Pausch’s book; “The Last Lecture”, do. I shared it with three people (pre-diagnosis) who later died of cancer. Ironic. Turns out nothing buys you another minute.
Robby Steinhardt, the big guy with all the auburn hair, was a classically trained violinist and he does the strings section, violin and viola, in this song and the harmonizing vocals. They were a truly great band with a unique sound. Thanks for sharing and commenting.
Kansas was a great band from the 70's. Their musical style is a fusion of hard rock, southern rock & progressive rock. "Carry On Wayward Son" & "Dust In The Wind" are their 2 biggest hits. But they had other good songs such as "Point Of Know Return", "Hold On", "People Of The South Wind", "Play The Game Tonight", "Fight Fire With Fire", "All I Wanted" etc. You really need to watch their official video to this song!
Those are the more commercial songs that Kansas did. Their albums were full of more interesting works, like "Miracles Out of Nowhere" or "The Wall" from "Leftoverture", "Portrait (He Knew)" or "Paradox" from "Point of Know Return", "Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel", "The Pinnacle", "Child of Innocence", or "Mysteries and Mayhem" from "Masque", and the title song from "Song for America".
@@reddoxx4754 Absolutely. Their proggier works are what marks them out from other American bands. The uninterrupted sequence of "Mysteries and Mayhem" / "Lamplight" / "The Wall", "Journey from Mariabronn" and "Closet Chronicles", all from "Two for the Show".
Kansas was a very popular band in the 70's, right up there in the top five. The singers and the groups had to be next to perfect, the industry didn't settle for less but we were blessed and spoiled with exceptional music.
The story was told in an interview that this band almost wasn’t. They had a four album deal but the first two were considered so mediocre that the label told them if this album wasn’t a commercial success they wouldn’t get to do the fourth one. Then this album came out and as they say the rest is history.
Yes calmness, but of a special kind. It's really bittersweet with a tinge of sadness and fatalism. Almost Biblical. Thank you very much for reacting to and really feeling this iconic song!
I've always understood this song as a meditation in 3 parts. Part 1: Despair. "Same old song...". Nothing matters, what's the point? Part 2: Lamentation. The violin represents weeping, someone crying at the futility of life and how death awaits us all. Part 3: Catharsis. "Don't hang on..." Yes, the same fate awaits us all, but that makes what we do NOW even more important. Be good, be kind. Don't get caught up in the trappings of life like material things. They all crumble to dust just like us. This song is so beautiful and timeless. Many have commented on how short it is but that is also part of its message. Life is short. I'm 51 and I've listened to this songs hundreds of times over the years and it still rings true and brings tears to my eyes. That is rare in this life. How ironic that a song about nothing lasting can be so enduring?
Kansas and the Eagles, among others, were known for their beautiful harmonies and great guitar work. And they often used strings to play off the guitars. Things you can't find in current pop music. Yes, I'm from the generation who enjoyed this in the 70s. Thanks for the memories.
Growing up in the 70’s, didn’t realize how lucky we were to have so much great music and so many great bands! Really makes me appreciate those days and memories. So soothing…….
I was in my freshman year of college when this song was released. And while Kansas was never a favorite band of mine, THIS song always takes me back to 1977.
Kansas is my favorite band.. I've seen them probably six times, twice in the front row. This is their second most popular song. Also one of their mellowest. They have a ton of songs you should check out. Vocal's, lyrics and musicianship among the best.🎶🎙🎸🎹🎻🥁🎶🤗
From an interview with Kerry Livgren, the guitarist and lyricist (on the left in the official video): It actually has a really interesting, almost humorous history, which is in such contrast to what the song’s about, but it actually, I was trying to improve my skills as an acoustic guitarist. I’ve always been an electric player. And I came up with this, uh, finger exercise, which was basically Dust in the Wind. I was sitting in my music room practicing and my wife kept walking by the room and she’d stick her head in the door and she’d go “You’d better do something with that”. And I said “Honey, this is just an exercise. This is not going anywhere. You know, this is just something to improve my skill.” And she kept bugging me and finally she said “Put some words to that, sing a melody, because I’m telling you, you really got something there.” So I happened to be reading a book of Native American poetry, and I don’t remember which one it was, but it, there was a particular poem I was reading that was alluding to the fact that, you know, our life here, our physical life, is just this brief thing, and also the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, it says all is vanity, and uh, for some reason that just seemed to go with that melodic line. So I threw it together, literally threw it together, and again came in the last day of rehearsal, and the guys were all there. And you know Kansas is this big, progressive, heavy, rocking band, and I walk in with this acoustic guitar and say “OK, Vicky says, you know my wife says I need to play this for you guys.” And so I sit down and I played the song for them on the acoustic guitar, and I sang it, which if anything was going to kill the song, that would do it, and I looked up when I was done and the guys were all, just kind of had this blank look on their faces and they said “Where has that been?” I said, “What do you mean? You liked that thing?” And they said “Absolutely - we gotta do this.” And I literally wrote the string arrangement in a motel room down the road from the studio, ‘cause I was trying to figure a way to include the violin in the song, and we were doing a session that afternoon, and I just wrote the string lines in a motel room in Nashville. Interview here: ua-cam.com/video/Zjr5hkv9LF4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=DaveLawrence
I'm a Jayhawker, born and raised...we used to see these guys play when I was in high school... before they were big. What rock band included a violin player...one who rocked?! There was Robbie...he's a big guy! Wearing overalls with a huge beard, and just wailing on that violin. Even then, you knew you were witnessing something special. They're home grown Kansas boys, and we're Very proud of them here! Thanks for listening!
Kansas had tons of great songs, but the two definitive Kansas songs are this one and "Carry On Wayward Son". If you haven't listened to those two songs, you haven't really listened to Kansas.
Talent. Pure, unadulterated talent came from this era of music. I was lucky enough to grow up listening and enjoying these wonderful artists. No auto tune, no ‘doctoring’ the vocals in post production. So happy that you are helping to bring these classics to another generation!
My favorite band growing up, the majority of their songs are uptempo rock songs but DITW is simply magical. Came about from a finger picking excercise of lead guitarist Kerry Livgreen. Kansas was basically known for two things, the amazing Robby Steinhardt on violin and that amazing voice of Steve Walsh.
You should probably watch a live version of a Kansas song. If "Dust in the Wind" is your first Kansas, then maybe the performance of "Point of Know Return" or "Carry On Wayward Son." You'll want to cover all three songs. Rock often has inputs from other genres, like country or jazz or gospel, etc. IMO, some of the best songs have an input of some sort from the medieval era. The theme of "Dust in the Wind" was a common medieval theme. "Carry On Wayward Son" is based on the prodigal son, which was again prominent in the medieval era. BTW, if you have to choose between the two remaining songs, definitely pick "Carry On Wayward Son" ... because it's epic rock.
Welcome to Kansas! High School in the 70's would not be the same without them. They do Rock hard at times and the rest is amazing. Carry on Wayward Son must be next. It will be a rabbit hole for you I think. You appreciate the detail.
Kansas has so much Classic Materials. They are an incredible band. And several of them are from about 25 minutes from where I live. In fact in my freshman year of college, I had an older roommate from Topeka and he knew those guys and he actually had some of their older amp and quipment rolled into his massive stereo system, laugh. The title track of this album is incredible, only the title of the song is called point of no return. Carry On Wayward Son will absolutely blow you away. But I haven't heard it in years and just in the last few days I've had their song Miracles out of nowhere running endlessly through my head. They just have so many amazing songs. And they were so talented and so tight. I saw them live a number of times back in the day and it was always amazing.
I remember when this came out. Back in those days we had to wait for our favorite songs to be played again on the radio. I waited long times waiting to hear "Dust in the Wind."
Give yourself a real treat and watch the official video-so much more impactful. You get to see the band members play those instruments and when they sing--wow! Loved your reaction! Aren't the lyrics amazing? Don't waste your life!
Definitely check out Kansas's big hit "Carry On Wayward Son," which is a rocker full of transitions, as well as the title track "Point of Know Return."
Nice reaction! Haven't heard this tune in decades! Indeed about the strong male voices back in the 70s/80s. I/we took that for granted in those days. I appreciate it more as an older adult.
My favourite so g by them. We really had amazing musician’s in the 70’s and 80’s. All were so very multitalented and put in a lot of work to make it in the business. No music today compares to our generation of music. What I’d give to have a time machine and go back to that time and enjoy every moment of it again. You are the closest to a time machine we have. Your reactions remind me of my first time listening to great music. Thanks for sharing.
Written by Kerry Livgren, one of the greatest living songwriters and yes Steve Walsh is one of the greatest vocalists to lift a microphone. "Carry on wayward son" has to be your next one.
You are the first that I know have pulled up this tremendous classic treasure. All these years it still holds as one of the BEST.. Appreciate. Don't stop with them.
KANSAS was a tremendous group between the years of 1974 and 1977 which was their best period --- *_Dust in the Wind_* is a great tune and I've always wondered how such a beautiful song could contain such potentially depressing lyrics, but it has always had the opposite effect on me, a truly thought-provoking and a tremendous piece of art. This along with their monster hit *_Carry on Wayward Son_* (give that one a listen as well) were _mainstream_ hits that nevertheless did not skimp on poetic lyrics and creative instrumentation. However, those songs are not the only great pieces of music they have created --- there are many awesome songs that are practically unknown to anyone who is not an actual fan or does not own the albums --- songs that you must give a listen to one day, listed here in order of release, are *_Belexes, Child of Innocence, Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steel, The Wall, Miracles out of Nowhere, Closet Chronicles, Sparks of the Tempest, Nobody's Home, Hopelessly Human_* and finally *_The Spider / Portrait (He Knew)_* which should both be listened to back to back without interruption to get the best effect. There are many other great ones, but these are absolutely epic. Enjoy your Kansas journey and thank you for your honest and thoughtful reaction to *_Dust in the Wind_* --- it is truly and greatly appreciated.
I was about 20 or 21 when this song came out. Knew instantly, along with Hotel California, that these songs were going to be classics that people would listen to when I was in my 60's.
Kansas ~ Such a haunting song that captures the nature of all Earth's life, humans included. We are all just on this world of existence for such a short time. This song has always captured that fact for me so vididly. As I am in my early 70s now, it is even more poignant for my life and how fast life moves along. Then to to our ultimate destiny, and ending. " Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the Earth and Sky, it slips away, and all you money won't another minute buy". ~ Sadness with welcome surrender hearing this again. I appreciate so much your younger person's inciteful reaction, thank you ~ Peace.
The 1st time I heard it was during a very emotional time. I cried whenever I heard it. Now, it's just a beautiful song that reminds me of someone and the good times.
Just can't help but to play air-violin. Some of the deepest lyrics in all of music. Their cover art is inspired by artwork in the state capital building of Kansas.
Not even their best song, nor is it representative of their actual style(and neither is their other big radio hit " Carry On Wayward Son "). They are a progressive(prog) rock band that can go heavy(yet melodic too) on guitars, or go heavy on keyboards/synths, plus violin riffs/solos/melodies sprinkled in. A top ten(or a bit more) song list from a longtime Kansas fan The Wall On The Other Side Hopelessly Human Journey From Mariabronn(the live version from the album Two For The Show) Cheyenne Anthem Song For America Curtain Of Iron Mysteries And Mayhem/The Pinnacle(two songs meant to be one) Apercu/Death Of Mother Nature Suite(two songs meant to be one) Icarus-Borne On Wings Of Steel Angels Have Fallen Lightning's Hand RIP Robby Steinhardt 🎻
The band released a DVD some years ago chronicling how the band got together and some of the tricks that they employed to get people to attend one of their concerts in the middle of nowhere when they had a big time record producer scheduled to attend the same show. Did I mention that the venue was miles away from any major town? (Of course, we're talking about the state of Kansas filled with miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles!). It is really very interesting!
Dust in the Wind is a perfect song to be introspective with. The music, especially the violin and guitar, is calm but fascinating at the same time, and the lyrics are so soul-deep true that you can't help but contemplate your life and your place in the world. It's true, we all are dust in the wind in an eternal perspective, and the song very much reminds me of the quote - If nothing in the world matters, then all that matters is what we do in this world.
Vocals before were pure talent when auto-tune was not yet made. That's why I love old songs because you really appreciate how very good singers they are, even those in rock bands.
What an incredible time to be young. Amazing thing is that songs and albums like this masterpiece would come out every week, usually every few days. Starting on a Monday and ending on Friday we would get new albums from Journey, Van Halen, Kiss, Billy Squire, and Foreigner. Every week without fail month after month, year after year. Then around 1995 it just stopped. We're almost thirty years into this black hole of nothingness with no end in sight. What happened?
When I was kid in the 70s, I thought it was scary-deep. Made me think. Then I spent much of the rest of my life kind of sneering at this song. "Wow. Deep thoughts. College kid rips a bong and thinks for 5 minutes." But as Autumn rapidly approaches Winter and one trembles before the Void, the simple truth that outside our individual heads, life is utterly without meaning hits different.
When this was released, we all just lost our minds. Then, we all ran out to buy the album at Tower Records and played it until we knew it by heart. Then, we would break into song together singing this. If we had guitars, we learned it mighty quick.
Such a beautiful song, was a HUGE radio hit. I would also suggest Todd Rundgren's Dust in the Wind. It's an entirely different song, but just as beautiful. Great reaction!
I went to a Mott the Hopple concert and this unknown band Kansas was opening for them. I was lost and a forever fan. When I saw the electric violin I lost it.
Kansas is great. I was so lucky to see them and others in Oakland, Day on the Green back in '81. REO Speedwagon headlined, with Kansas, UFO, Gamma (Ronnie Montrose) and 38 Special. What a show! And we were about 40 feet from the stage. I was so mesmerized with Kansas - their live performance was exceptional. Keep diving into them. Will not disappoint.
Another classic, Dust in the wind for me is a top ten of songs in history of music, I love Kansas love the combination of rock sound, southern rock, love the mix of the violin in their songs
Kansas had a really special sound and affect on listeners. Some groups make you feel the need to dance, others will lead you into a psychological trance, others may elicit other emotions or attitudes. I was a teenager in the 70's. Kansas always spoke to my soul. I agree, it seemed so comforting and soothing even though the message is about how no one will get out of here alive. Life is transient. We are all just dust in the wind but it makes me feel peaceful and serene, thoughtful and reflective. Some other songs are a harder driving like "Point of Know Return" but they still have the same affect on me. IMO this is why they had so much success. They had a very unique sound. I LOVE Kansas; it's been a long time! Stumbling across your reaction has motivated me to revisit Kansas. I hope you will too! Do you react to southern rock? if so, try Molly Hatchet and start with "Flirtin with Disaster", they were not as well-known but really awesome. Lynyrd Skynyrd is another awesome southern rock band that you have to react to. Try "Free Bird". It is legendary. The 60's and 70's had the very best music! For something more recent, I would recommend Home Free if you want to give acappella music a chance. Many people don't think vocals without instrumental accompaniment is a worthy genre, but these guys change a lot of minds. They can do anything, any style! Once they do a cover of a song, it becomes 'their' song.
Very big hit back in the days of my youth. I've seen Kansas in concert a few times, most recently a few years ago and they were as good as ever. So many Kansas songs you should check out if you liked this one.
Always masterful musicianship, great vocals, and thoughtful lyrics from this band. I recommend "Song for America", "The Wall", "Icarus (Borne on Wings of Steel)", "Child of Innocence", and "Miracles Out of Nowhere".
I hear Kansas fairly regularly, since it is pretty much my husband’s favorite band!!❤❤ He is a 70’s guy and I am an 80’s gal and I have really learned to appreciate the 70’s music! These guys are exceptional, the one’s I was most familiar with before meeting him were this one and ‘Carry On Wayward Son’, but the others mentioned here are totally awesome too!❤️🔥🔥. I am glad you loved it and hope you will react to more of Kansas!!👏👏👏
Salvo! I know it's hard to keep up. But KANSAS. Seriously, compadre. This is not an example of their ROCK, but it is a MASTERPIECE. Dig deep into their albums.
It's because you really had to be talented to make it back in the day, if you didn't have the vocals you couldn't auto tune them until you got them! Either you had it or you didn't! Same thing with the instruments! That's why there are so many guitar heroes and drummers. If you didn't have talent you didn't make the cut! Kansas always made me feel calm!
I was a teen in the 70s and this was one of my favorite songs. My freshman year of college, I was on the meal plan at school, meaning it was part of my financial aid package, so I went to every meal and gained 10 pounds as a result. Of course, the college, was also on a budget and would often serve noodle casseroles and other starchy meals. Anyway ... one evening I was sitting in one of the college cafeterias, shoveling the latest noodle dish into my mouth and wafting through the speakers of the cafeteria was Dust In the Wind. So, I was blissfully enjoying my evening, swaying to the music, when before my eyes a naked guy runs through the cafeteria. (Not only was Dust In the Wind popular at that time, but streaking was too.) So, from that point on, I can't listen to Dust In the Wind without thinking of this skinny, naked college guy running before my eyes as I'm chomping on noodles.
Oh man are you going to love Kansas. Seen them several times including in a bar, great. Another great prog. rock band and American to boot. Keep in mind everybody was doing "album rock" in the early to mid 70's.
The cover art is about one of our most famous pioneers in Kansas, John Brown, who was an American abolitionist leader. First reaching national prominence for his radical abolitionism and fighting in Bleeding Kansas, he was eventually captured and executed for a failed incitement of a slave rebellion at Harpers Ferry preceding the American Civil War. Brown first gained national attention when he led anti-slavery volunteers and his own sons during the Bleeding Kansas crisis of the late 1850s, a state-level civil war over whether Kansas would enter the Union as a slave state or a free state. He was dissatisfied with abolitionist pacifism, saying of pacifists, "These men are all talk. What we need is action - action!". In May 1856, Brown and his sons killed five supporters of slavery in the Pottawatomie massacre, a response to the sacking of Lawrence by pro-slavery forces. Brown then commanded anti-slavery forces at the Battle of Black Jack and the Battle of Osawatomie. The band members were from different towns in Kansas and founded in our state capitol in Topeka. Got to see them in the early 70s in concert in college. According to Phil Ehart, drummer for the band, in an interview with Goldmine Magazine in 2014. He sat with writer Jeb Wright and discussed the myriad of Kansas cover art concepts: “The first album cover is from the Topeka State Capitol and is the mural that is painted inside on the wall by John Stuart Curry of John Brown. I remember seeing that when I was 15 or 16 years old, when I went to the Capitol, and thinking, ‘If I ever get a chance to make a record, then that is going to be the album cover.’ Little did I know that seven years later, CBS would be contacting the Topeka Capital Building to license the image for our album cover. It was a heck of a cover. The band was named Kansas, and that kind of said it all. We started with a good cover, and, for the most part, our covers have always been good. We didn’t have our logo yet. If you look at the first album, it just has little cutout letters and it is the worst artwork known to man, other than the John Brown painting. We had no input other than the cover of the John Brown painting; at least we got that!”
"All your money won't another minute buy"
🐐
Given enough money, you wouldn't need to spend all those hours at work. You can pay someone to do lots of things for you. Money can buy you literally years of freedom to do what you want instead of having to do what you need.
@@Trezker you may be right about what you said, but think about when you're on your Deathbed and the grim reaper is about to snatch you .that lyric from this song will ring true in the end for you ,as it will for everyone once our time is up there is no bargaining .just acceptance 😔😔
My husband died of the same cancer that killed Steve Jobs, and Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch. Money and privilege couldn’t save Steve, and brilliance and connections couldn’t save Dr. Pausch. If you haven’t read Pausch’s book; “The Last Lecture”, do. I shared it with three people (pre-diagnosis) who later died of cancer. Ironic. Turns out nothing buys you another minute.
Most truthful lyric ever written.
Because there was no auto tune back then. You had to have raw talent.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Robby Steinhardt, the big guy with all the auburn hair, was a classically trained violinist and he does the strings section, violin and viola, in this song and the harmonizing vocals.
They were a truly great band with a unique sound.
Thanks for sharing and commenting.
The official music video for this is the best! I love watching the violinist perform this song! They're one of a kind and really great!
Love the violin guy too. Sadly he passed away within the last year or two.
Kansas was a great band from the 70's. Their musical style is a fusion of hard rock, southern rock & progressive rock. "Carry On Wayward Son" & "Dust In The Wind" are their 2 biggest hits. But they had other good songs such as "Point Of Know Return", "Hold On", "People Of The South Wind", "Play The Game Tonight", "Fight Fire With Fire", "All I Wanted" etc. You really need to watch their official video to this song!
Those are the more commercial songs that Kansas did. Their albums were full of more interesting works, like "Miracles Out of Nowhere" or "The Wall" from "Leftoverture", "Portrait (He Knew)" or "Paradox" from "Point of Know Return", "Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel", "The Pinnacle", "Child of Innocence", or "Mysteries and Mayhem" from "Masque", and the title song from "Song for America".
@@reddoxx4754 Absolutely. Their proggier works are what marks them out from other American bands. The uninterrupted sequence of "Mysteries and Mayhem" / "Lamplight" / "The Wall", "Journey from Mariabronn" and "Closet Chronicles", all from "Two for the Show".
Hey, Dagmar!! The meaningful lyrics are what grab my attention. "All your money, won't another minute buy." Poetically deep messaging.
If it's request hour, I'll plump for "Portrait (He Knew)"
Kansas and Rush (more the musicians/compositions than lyrics/singers) got me though some dark times once upon a time.
Kansas was a very popular band in the 70's, right up there in the top five. The singers and the groups had to be next to perfect, the industry didn't settle for less but we were blessed and spoiled with exceptional music.
The story was told in an interview that this band almost wasn’t. They had a four album deal but the first two were considered so mediocre that the label told them if this album wasn’t a commercial success they wouldn’t get to do the fourth one. Then this album came out and as they say the rest is history.
So true!
Yes calmness, but of a special kind. It's really bittersweet with a tinge of sadness and fatalism. Almost Biblical. Thank you very much for reacting to and really feeling this iconic song!
I think I am appreciating this now more since I am older than when it came out.
The music of the 70s was magical. Kansas had several hit songs during that period.
Exactly, when lyrics had deeper meaning and still expressed poetically.
This and Styx Grand illusion album
How appropriate for Kansas to do a song called 'DUST in the wind'? Yes, sublime vocals.
I've always understood this song as a meditation in 3 parts.
Part 1: Despair. "Same old song...". Nothing matters, what's the point?
Part 2: Lamentation. The violin represents weeping, someone crying at the futility of life and how death awaits us all.
Part 3: Catharsis. "Don't hang on..." Yes, the same fate awaits us all, but that makes what we do NOW even more important. Be good, be kind. Don't get caught up in the trappings of life like material things. They all crumble to dust just like us.
This song is so beautiful and timeless. Many have commented on how short it is but that is also part of its message. Life is short.
I'm 51 and I've listened to this songs hundreds of times over the years and it still rings true and brings tears to my eyes. That is rare in this life. How ironic that a song about nothing lasting can be so enduring?
CARRY ON MY WAYWARD SON..is a MUST❤❤
Kansas and the Eagles, among others, were known for their beautiful harmonies and great guitar work. And they often used strings to play off the guitars. Things you can't find in current pop music. Yes, I'm from the generation who enjoyed this in the 70s. Thanks for the memories.
One of the best acoustic and vocal songs in the history of rock/ pop music! Not typical of Kansas!
Growing up in the 70’s, didn’t realize how lucky we were to have so much great music and so many great bands! Really makes me appreciate those days and memories. So soothing…….
I was in my freshman year of college when this song was released. And while Kansas was never a favorite band of mine, THIS song always takes me back to 1977.
Kansas is my favorite band.. I've seen them probably six times, twice in the front row. This is their second most popular song. Also one of their mellowest. They have a ton of songs you should check out. Vocal's, lyrics and musicianship among the best.🎶🎙🎸🎹🎻🥁🎶🤗
From an interview with Kerry Livgren, the guitarist and lyricist (on the left in the official video):
It actually has a really interesting, almost humorous history, which is in such contrast to what the song’s about, but it actually, I was trying to improve my skills as an acoustic guitarist. I’ve always been an electric player. And I came up with this, uh, finger exercise, which was basically Dust in the Wind. I was sitting in my music room practicing and my wife kept walking by the room and she’d stick her head in the door and she’d go “You’d better do something with that”. And I said “Honey, this is just an exercise. This is not going anywhere. You know, this is just something to improve my skill.” And she kept bugging me and finally she said “Put some words to that, sing a melody, because I’m telling you, you really got something there.” So I happened to be reading a book of Native American poetry, and I don’t remember which one it was, but it, there was a particular poem I was reading that was alluding to the fact that, you know, our life here, our physical life, is just this brief thing, and also the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, it says all is vanity, and uh, for some reason that just seemed to go with that melodic line. So I threw it together, literally threw it together, and again came in the last day of rehearsal, and the guys were all there. And you know Kansas is this big, progressive, heavy, rocking band, and I walk in with this acoustic guitar and say “OK, Vicky says, you know my wife says I need to play this for you guys.” And so I sit down and I played the song for them on the acoustic guitar, and I sang it, which if anything was going to kill the song, that would do it, and I looked up when I was done and the guys were all, just kind of had this blank look on their faces and they said “Where has that been?” I said, “What do you mean? You liked that thing?” And they said “Absolutely - we gotta do this.” And I literally wrote the string arrangement in a motel room down the road from the studio, ‘cause I was trying to figure a way to include the violin in the song, and we were doing a session that afternoon, and I just wrote the string lines in a motel room in Nashville.
Interview here:
ua-cam.com/video/Zjr5hkv9LF4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=DaveLawrence
Thanks! Great story.
Unfortunately Robbie the one playing the violin passed away a couple years ago. He was incredibly talented, and a beautiful voice.
I'm a Jayhawker, born and raised...we used to see these guys play when I was in high school... before they were big.
What rock band included a violin player...one who rocked?! There was Robbie...he's a big guy! Wearing overalls with a huge beard, and just wailing on that violin.
Even then, you knew you were witnessing something special.
They're home grown Kansas boys, and we're Very proud of them here!
Thanks for listening!
Kansas had tons of great songs, but the two definitive Kansas songs are this one and "Carry On Wayward Son". If you haven't listened to those two songs, you haven't really listened to Kansas.
Not true Kansas was great before those sons
If you're listening to 60s, 70s and 80s...exceptional vocals are common...no autotune.
Talent. Pure, unadulterated talent came from this era of music. I was lucky enough to grow up listening and enjoying these wonderful artists. No auto tune, no ‘doctoring’ the vocals in post production. So happy that you are helping to bring these classics to another generation!
Exactly what I was thinking as I listen to the reaction. I knew someone else would have made the point by now.
My favorite band growing up, the majority of their songs are uptempo rock songs but DITW is simply magical. Came about from a finger picking excercise of lead guitarist Kerry Livgreen. Kansas was basically known for two things, the amazing Robby Steinhardt on violin and that amazing voice of Steve Walsh.
You should probably watch a live version of a Kansas song. If "Dust in the Wind" is your first Kansas, then maybe the performance of "Point of Know Return" or "Carry On Wayward Son." You'll want to cover all three songs. Rock often has inputs from other genres, like country or jazz or gospel, etc. IMO, some of the best songs have an input of some sort from the medieval era. The theme of "Dust in the Wind" was a common medieval theme. "Carry On Wayward Son" is based on the prodigal son, which was again prominent in the medieval era. BTW, if you have to choose between the two remaining songs, definitely pick "Carry On Wayward Son" ... because it's epic rock.
Welcome to Kansas! High School in the 70's would not be the same without them. They do Rock hard at times and the rest is amazing. Carry on Wayward Son must be next. It will be a rabbit hole for you I think. You appreciate the detail.
Kansas has so much Classic Materials. They are an incredible band. And several of them are from about 25 minutes from where I live. In fact in my freshman year of college, I had an older roommate from Topeka and he knew those guys and he actually had some of their older amp and quipment rolled into his massive stereo system, laugh.
The title track of this album is incredible, only the title of the song is called point of no return. Carry On Wayward Son will absolutely blow you away. But I haven't heard it in years and just in the last few days I've had their song Miracles out of nowhere running endlessly through my head. They just have so many amazing songs. And they were so talented and so tight. I saw them live a number of times back in the day and it was always amazing.
Steve, was that guy you knew named Brumm?
I remember when this came out. Back in those days we had to wait for our favorite songs to be played again on the radio. I waited long times waiting to hear "Dust in the Wind."
Give yourself a real treat and watch the official video-so much more impactful. You get to see the band members play those instruments and when they sing--wow! Loved your reaction! Aren't the lyrics amazing? Don't waste your life!
Definitely check out Kansas's big hit "Carry On Wayward Son," which is a rocker full of transitions, as well as the title track "Point of Know Return."
You have entered another rabbit hole man. Miracles out of Nowhere ... Lightning's Hand ... Hold On ... Lots of great Kansas music ...
We're all temporary, and yet we're all eternal. We pass like dust, but go on forever. That the message. ❤
Nice reaction! Haven't heard this tune in decades! Indeed about the strong male voices back in the 70s/80s. I/we took that for granted in those days. I appreciate it more as an older adult.
One of favorite songs, I could listen and slow dance to it all day and all night.
I've loved Kansas since the 70's and yes this song always has given me a calming effect. Thanks for the reaction.
My favourite so g by them. We really had amazing musician’s in the 70’s and 80’s. All were so very multitalented and put in a lot of work to make it in the business. No music today compares to our generation of music. What I’d give to have a time machine and go back to that time and enjoy every moment of it again. You are the closest to a time machine we have. Your reactions remind me of my first time listening to great music. Thanks for sharing.
Written by Kerry Livgren, one of the greatest living songwriters and yes Steve Walsh is one of the greatest vocalists to lift a microphone. "Carry on wayward son" has to be your next one.
I agree with you about the calmness. For me the calmness and beauty of the song add power to the subtle depth of the message in the lyrics.
When you wake up in the morning, put on "Carry on Wayward Son". It will set you up to hit the day running!
Kansas is worth the album review treatment - so essential and good. Try the other end of their spectrum - "He Knew" is rocking!!
GREATEST song EVER written!
American hero John Brown on the cover. He's a legend here in Kansas. There's a mural of him in the Kansas state capitol building
Do their live version of Carry on Wayward Sun . I guarantee you will love it .
Yes the official Carry On My Wayward Son Video. (There are a few official ones but the Video really shows off their talents) Not the modern one!
The one from Canada Jam is 🔥🔥🔥
You are the first that I know have pulled up this tremendous classic treasure. All these years it still holds as one of the BEST.. Appreciate. Don't stop with them.
the violins keep finding you! Keep on brother! You have quite the journey ahead of you, you have barely scratched the surface, is sooooo worth it
KANSAS was a tremendous group between the years of 1974 and 1977 which was their best period --- *_Dust in the Wind_* is a great tune and I've always wondered how such a beautiful song could contain such potentially depressing lyrics, but it has always had the opposite effect on me, a truly thought-provoking and a tremendous piece of art. This along with their monster hit *_Carry on Wayward Son_* (give that one a listen as well) were _mainstream_ hits that nevertheless did not skimp on poetic lyrics and creative instrumentation. However, those songs are not the only great pieces of music they have created --- there are many awesome songs that are practically unknown to anyone who is not an actual fan or does not own the albums --- songs that you must give a listen to one day, listed here in order of release, are *_Belexes, Child of Innocence, Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steel, The Wall, Miracles out of Nowhere, Closet Chronicles, Sparks of the Tempest, Nobody's Home, Hopelessly Human_* and finally *_The Spider / Portrait (He Knew)_* which should both be listened to back to back without interruption to get the best effect. There are many other great ones, but these are absolutely epic. Enjoy your Kansas journey and thank you for your honest and thoughtful reaction to *_Dust in the Wind_* --- it is truly and greatly appreciated.
A lovely, haunting song. Always happy to hear it.
You finally found the 70's trilogy of Boston, Styx and Kansas
Kansas is one of my favorite classic rock bands, along with Styx. Please react to more of both. Thanks
at the top of the list-orchestral/acoustic rock never fails to grab (my) soul.
do listen to Kansas’ Carry on Wayward Son
Keep listening to the BEST OF KANSAS. It's all you need to know.
I was about 20 or 21 when this song came out. Knew instantly, along with Hotel California, that these songs were going to be classics that people would listen to when I was in my 60's.
One of my favorite progressive bands from the 70s and 80s!
Point of No Return and Lefoverture albums are masterpieces.
Kansas ~ Such a haunting song that captures the nature of all Earth's life, humans included. We are all just on this world of existence for such a short time. This song has always captured that fact for me so vididly. As I am in my early 70s now, it is even more poignant for my life and how fast life moves along. Then to to our ultimate destiny, and ending. " Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the Earth and Sky, it slips away, and all you money won't another minute buy". ~ Sadness with welcome surrender hearing this again. I appreciate so much your younger person's inciteful reaction, thank you ~ Peace.
Kansas is an awesome band! Ya gotta listen to Carry On Wayward Son. It’s a banger! Hope you feel better soon.
I think its pretty hilarious that he reacted to 'Dust in the wind' while having allergic attack. Comedy!
great song! 1st time I heard it was at middle school talent show. My girlcrush played this with just an acoustic guitar
The 1st time I heard it was during a very emotional time. I cried whenever I heard it. Now, it's just a beautiful song that reminds me of someone and the good times.
Just can't help but to play air-violin. Some of the deepest lyrics in all of music. Their cover art is inspired by artwork in the state capital building of Kansas.
This song.. this recording on this album is a masterpiece. Thanks for your reaction.
You’re right, I listen to new music and some of it is cool, but I just don’t see the talent level like you did in the 60s 70s
Not even their best song, nor is it representative of their actual style(and neither is their other big radio hit " Carry On Wayward Son "). They are a progressive(prog) rock band that can go heavy(yet melodic too) on guitars, or go heavy on keyboards/synths, plus violin riffs/solos/melodies sprinkled in.
A top ten(or a bit more) song list from a longtime Kansas fan
The Wall
On The Other Side
Hopelessly Human
Journey From Mariabronn(the live version from the album Two For The Show)
Cheyenne Anthem
Song For America
Curtain Of Iron
Mysteries And Mayhem/The Pinnacle(two songs meant to be one)
Apercu/Death Of Mother Nature Suite(two songs meant to be one)
Icarus-Borne On Wings Of Steel
Angels Have Fallen
Lightning's Hand
RIP Robby Steinhardt
🎻
The band released a DVD some years ago chronicling how the band got together and some of the tricks that they employed to get people to attend one of their concerts in the middle of nowhere when they had a big time record producer scheduled to attend the same show. Did I mention that the venue was miles away from any major town? (Of course, we're talking about the state of Kansas filled with miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles!). It is really very interesting!
‘Dust. Wind. Dude.’ 😆
Dust in the Wind is a perfect song to be introspective with. The music, especially the violin and guitar, is calm but fascinating at the same time, and the lyrics are so soul-deep true that you can't help but contemplate your life and your place in the world. It's true, we all are dust in the wind in an eternal perspective, and the song very much reminds me of the quote - If nothing in the world matters, then all that matters is what we do in this world.
Songs like this remind us of the incredible talent the 70's produced
Vocals before were pure talent when auto-tune was not yet made. That's why I love old songs because you really appreciate how very good singers they are, even those in rock bands.
What an incredible time to be young. Amazing thing is that songs and albums like this masterpiece would come out every week, usually every few days. Starting on a Monday and ending on Friday we would get new albums from Journey, Van Halen, Kiss, Billy Squire, and Foreigner. Every week without fail month after month, year after year. Then around 1995 it just stopped. We're almost thirty years into this black hole of nothingness with no end in sight. What happened?
Salvo, so eloquently said. This song is just hauntingly beautiful.
I had this album. Its so good. Kansas is a great band. Thank you. I love your reactions. I can see you truly appreciate good music.
Congratulations on your 50K subscribers!! Well deserved without a doubt!!🥳🥳 Yes, Kansas is exceptional!!!🎵🎼🎶🎤🥁🎙🎸🎹🔥🤘💕 Sweet Dreams!!
When I was kid in the 70s, I thought it was scary-deep. Made me think. Then I spent much of the rest of my life kind of sneering at this song. "Wow. Deep thoughts. College kid rips a bong and thinks for 5 minutes." But as Autumn rapidly approaches Winter and one trembles before the Void, the simple truth that outside our individual heads, life is utterly without meaning hits different.
When this was released, we all just lost our minds. Then, we all ran out to buy the album at Tower Records and played it until we knew it by heart. Then, we would break into song together singing this. If we had guitars, we learned it mighty quick.
'Now, don't hang on
Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away
And all your money won't another minute buy.'
Such a beautiful song, was a HUGE radio hit. I would also suggest Todd Rundgren's Dust in the Wind. It's an entirely different song, but just as beautiful. Great reaction!
I went to a Mott the Hopple concert and this unknown band Kansas was opening for them. I was lost and a forever fan. When I saw the electric violin I lost it.
Yep. One of the best of the all-time classics imo. Deep and poetic.
That exceptional violin performance, touches the soul! 💟
You owe yourself a deep dive into more of this band’s music.
Kansas is great. I was so lucky to see them and others in Oakland, Day on the Green back in '81. REO Speedwagon headlined, with Kansas, UFO, Gamma (Ronnie Montrose) and 38 Special. What a show! And we were about 40 feet from the stage. I was so mesmerized with Kansas - their live performance was exceptional. Keep diving into them. Will not disappoint.
Another classic, Dust in the wind for me is a top ten of songs in history of music, I love Kansas love the combination of rock sound, southern rock, love the mix of the violin in their songs
Love Kansas. Found a cd a few years back, I think their greatest hits. Anyhow the cd just flows so easily. Such a unique style.
One of the best concerts I ever saw in 1977
Kansas had a really special sound and affect on listeners. Some groups make you feel the need to dance, others will lead you into a psychological trance, others may elicit other emotions or attitudes. I was a teenager in the 70's. Kansas always spoke to my soul. I agree, it seemed so comforting and soothing even though the message is about how no one will get out of here alive. Life is transient. We are all just dust in the wind but it makes me feel peaceful and serene, thoughtful and reflective. Some other songs are a harder driving like "Point of Know Return" but they still have the same affect on me. IMO this is why they had so much success. They had a very unique sound. I LOVE Kansas; it's been a long time! Stumbling across your reaction has motivated me to revisit Kansas. I hope you will too! Do you react to southern rock? if so, try Molly Hatchet and start with "Flirtin with Disaster", they were not as well-known but really awesome. Lynyrd Skynyrd is another awesome southern rock band that you have to react to. Try "Free Bird". It is legendary. The 60's and 70's had the very best music! For something more recent, I would recommend Home Free if you want to give acappella music a chance. Many people don't think vocals without instrumental accompaniment is a worthy genre, but these guys change a lot of minds. They can do anything, any style! Once they do a cover of a song, it becomes 'their' song.
From a time when auto tune and computer corrected music didn't exist. Just lots of hard work, talent and creativity.
Very big hit back in the days of my youth. I've seen Kansas in concert a few times, most recently a few years ago and they were as good as ever. So many Kansas songs you should check out if you liked this one.
Always masterful musicianship, great vocals, and thoughtful lyrics from this band. I recommend "Song for America", "The Wall", "Icarus (Borne on Wings of Steel)", "Child of Innocence", and "Miracles Out of Nowhere".
I hear Kansas fairly regularly, since it is pretty much my husband’s favorite band!!❤❤ He is a 70’s guy and I am an 80’s gal and I have really learned to appreciate the 70’s music! These guys are exceptional, the one’s I was most familiar with before meeting him were this one and ‘Carry On Wayward Son’, but the others mentioned here are totally awesome too!❤️🔥🔥. I am glad you loved it and hope you will react to more of Kansas!!👏👏👏
Salvo! I know it's hard to keep up. But KANSAS. Seriously, compadre. This is not an example of their ROCK, but it is a MASTERPIECE. Dig deep into their albums.
Great song, Kansas had some great songs, nice to listen to them again, the 70’s had great singers and talent
I love this song. It's the perfect funeral song.
It's because you really had to be talented to make it back in the day, if you didn't have the vocals you couldn't auto tune them until you got them! Either you had it or you didn't! Same thing with the instruments! That's why there are so many guitar heroes and drummers. If you didn't have talent you didn't make the cut! Kansas always made me feel calm!
I was a teen in the 70s and this was one of my favorite songs. My freshman year of college, I was on the meal plan at school, meaning it was part of my financial aid package, so I went to every meal and gained 10 pounds as a result. Of course, the college, was also on a budget and would often serve noodle casseroles and other starchy meals. Anyway ... one evening I was sitting in one of the college cafeterias, shoveling the latest noodle dish into my mouth and wafting through the speakers of the cafeteria was Dust In the Wind. So, I was blissfully enjoying my evening, swaying to the music, when before my eyes a naked guy runs through the cafeteria. (Not only was Dust In the Wind popular at that time, but streaking was too.) So, from that point on, I can't listen to Dust In the Wind without thinking of this skinny, naked college guy running before my eyes as I'm chomping on noodles.
Oh man are you going to love Kansas. Seen them several times including in a bar, great. Another great prog. rock band and American to boot. Keep in mind everybody was doing "album rock" in the early to mid 70's.
is true, we all are just dust in the wind, yet, for a very small point in time, it was Our dust...
Carry on Wayward Son is a must…it’s a banger. We sand Dust in the Wind at my high school graduation!
Carry On My Wayward Son and Point of No Return will blow you away
The cover art is about one of our most famous pioneers in Kansas, John Brown, who was an American abolitionist leader. First reaching national prominence for his radical abolitionism and fighting in Bleeding Kansas, he was eventually captured and executed for a failed incitement of a slave rebellion at Harpers Ferry preceding the American Civil War. Brown first gained national attention when he led anti-slavery volunteers and his own sons during the Bleeding Kansas crisis of the late 1850s, a state-level civil war over whether Kansas would enter the Union as a slave state or a free state. He was dissatisfied with abolitionist pacifism, saying of pacifists, "These men are all talk. What we need is action - action!". In May 1856, Brown and his sons killed five supporters of slavery in the Pottawatomie massacre, a response to the sacking of Lawrence by pro-slavery forces. Brown then commanded anti-slavery forces at the Battle of Black Jack and the Battle of Osawatomie. The band members were from different towns in Kansas and founded in our state capitol in Topeka. Got to see them in the early 70s in concert in college.
According to Phil Ehart, drummer for the band, in an interview with Goldmine Magazine in 2014. He sat with writer Jeb Wright and discussed the myriad of Kansas cover art concepts:
“The first album cover is from the Topeka State Capitol and is the mural that is painted inside on the wall by John Stuart Curry of John Brown. I remember seeing that when I was 15 or 16 years old, when I went to the Capitol, and thinking, ‘If I ever get a chance to make a record, then that is going to be the album cover.’ Little did I know that seven years later, CBS would be contacting the Topeka Capital Building to license the image for our album cover. It was a heck of a cover. The band was named Kansas, and that kind of said it all. We started with a good cover, and, for the most part, our covers have always been good. We didn’t have our logo yet. If you look at the first album, it just has little cutout letters and it is the worst artwork known to man, other than the John Brown painting. We had no input other than the cover of the John Brown painting; at least we got that!”
Best time for music was the 70s. Best singers then. They didn't need auto tune.
You've just witnessed the magic of Steve Walsh,,,,,on vocals....