Kansas

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I close my eyes
Only for a moment and the moment's gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity

[Chorus]
Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind

[Verse 2]
Same old song
Just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do
Crumbles to the ground though we refuse to see

[Chorus]
Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind

[Bridge]
Ohh-oh-ah

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
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
[Chorus]
Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind (All we are is dust in the wind)
Dust in the wind (Everything is dust in the wind)
Everything is dust in the wind

[Outro]
The wind

When it comes to iconic songs that have stood the test of time, "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas is certainly one that comes to mind. Originally released in 1977, this acoustic hit has become synonymous with the band's name and remains one of their most popular tracks to this very day. What makes Dust in the Wind so special? Let's dive into the heart of the song and explore what makes it such an enduring classic and how it has resonated with audiences for over four decades.

About Dust in the Wind

Written by Kansas guitarist Kenny Livgren, Dust in the Wind is a poignant and reflective song that explores the inevitability of mortality and the insignificance of human life in the grand scheme of things. Livgren was reportedly inspired by a Native American poem that contained the lines "For all we are is dust in the wind." These words stuck with him and he decided to craft a song around them. The music that accompanies the lyrics consists of a simple finger-picking guitar pattern that Livgren had been practicing as an exercise. It was Livgren's wife who encouraged him to turn it into a song for the album.

Despite being a departure from the band's usual hard rock sound, Dust in the Wind struck a chord with listeners. The song's emotive lyrics and gentle acoustic melody captivated audiences and quickly became a fan favorite. It even earned Kansas their first and only top 10 hit in the US and Canada and cemented the band's place in music history.

One of the most compelling aspects of Dust in the Wind is the way it tackles the somber subject of mortality without feeling overly morose or bleak. Instead, the song is infused with a sense of hope and acceptance. It acknowledges that life is fleeting, and that each of us is but a small part of the vast universe, but it also offers comfort in the knowledge that we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Unsurprisingly, Dust in the Wind has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each adding their own spin to the classic tune. It has also been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture.

In addition to its critical and commercial success, Dust in the Wind holds a special place in the hearts of many fans who have found solace and comfort in its timeless message. Its longevity is a testament to the power of music to connect people across generations and cultures.

Wrapping Up

In short, Dust in the Wind by Kansas is a song that has resonated with fans for over four decades and continues to do so today. Its simple yet powerful message of acceptance and our place in the universe has made it a classic that will undoubtedly be beloved for many years to come. As Kenny Livgren himself once said, "It's all just dust in the wind, and it always will be."

• Release Date: October 11, 1977
• Artist: Kansas