Wednesday October 6, 2021 “Dust in the Wind” Kansas
Back in the 70s it seemed that there were a number of anthemic songs performed by arena rockers like Heart, Boston, Foreigner and today's song of the day band, Kansas.
“Dust in the Wind” was written by Kansas multi-instrumentalist Kerry Livgren and was based on a book of Native American poetry that he had read. The line that caught his attention was, of course, ‘all we are is dust in the wind’ and it stuck with him while he was doing some guitar exercises.
His wife suggested that he use the words along with the guitar patterns he was playing and write a song. Livgren thought that was a foolish idea but offered the song to the band, who loved it and several million records later Livgren would owe his wife a very big apology and maybe a new house.
Wonder if he shared any royalties with the Native American author of that book of poetry?
Lead vocals on this song were handled by Kansas band member, cousin Steve Walsh (not really) who played keyboards, harmonica, percussion and vibraphone (looks like a xylophone to me) in addition to his singing responsibilities. However, more importantly in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Bill and Ted go back in time and share the “Dust in the Wind” lyrics with a very impressed Socrates.
Stay safe and well...and maybe you feel this is a really pessimistic song lyrically and I think you might be right but as advice goes it is always good to have a little focus on the hands of time as they go clicking by...ok I’m old.