♫ Dust In The Wind ♫ (Redux)

Posted on by under Environmental Issues, Global Issues, music, Social commentary

This has been a day of … perception and pondering for me.  I admit it … I am depressed in a way I’ve never been before and it is taking its toll on my psyche.  This song popped into my head a day or so ago, and when I looked at it tonight, one part in the lyrics stood out for me …

… nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away
And all your money won’t another minute buy

I think there are a lot of people in this world who need to hear and ponder those words.  Anyway, I’ve only played this once in my ‘blogging career’ and that was three years ago, so … not too soon for a redux, is it?

Given the current status of our world, our environment, the health of our planet, this song kept popping in and out of my head today.

According to SongFacts …

Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren wrote this after reading a book of Native American poetry. The line that caught his attention was “For All We Are Is Dust In The Wind.”

This got him thinking about the true value of material things and the meaning of success. The band was doing well and making money, but Kerry realized that in the end, he would eventually die just like everyone else. No matter our possessions or accomplishments, we all end up back in the ground.

Kansas was almost done writing and rehearsing the Point of Know Return album when their producer, Jeff Glixman, asked if they had any more songs. Livgren reluctantly played this song for his bandmates on acoustic guitar, insisting they wouldn’t like it because it was not Kansas. To his surprise, they loved the song and insisted they record it. Livgren then fought against his own song, but was overruled. “Dust In The Wind” became their biggest hit, but Livgren never did think very highly of it. “I tend to like the more bombastic things, like ‘The Wall,’ he told us.

The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of April 22, 1978, making it Kansas’s only top ten Billboard Hot 100 charting single.

Dust in the Wind
Kansas

I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment’s gone
All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind

Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do crumbles to the ground though we refuse to see
Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind
Oh, ho, ho

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
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
The wind

Songwriters: Kerry Livgren / Kerry A Livgren
Dust in the Wind lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

25 thoughts on “♫ Dust In The Wind ♫ (Redux)”

  3. I hope that feeling passes soon, though I recognise there isn’t much to be cheerful about. Same here, too! Listening to music like this will help you, I’m sure. A beautiful song, fully deserving of a redux.

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    • Thanks, Clive. No, there isn’t a lot to be cheerful about anywhere these days, I think. Both our countries have their own set of troubles and it’s frustrating when we feel largely powerless. I look ahead 10-15-20 years, and I see only darkness. But, music, my girls, the moggies, and my blogging buddies like yourself DO help!

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      • I share that view of the future, and fear for the world we ate bequeathing to future generations. But yes, there are still plenty of things to be positive about 😊

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  4. Sad to learn of your depression. It’s…depressing. But understandable in too many ways. I escape by writing fiction. It’s a temporary refuge but serviceable. Thereafter, I avoid thinking too deeply upon the current state because this too shall pass. Where it ends up is another matter. Fingers crossed that first contact is coming and they’re peaceful.

    Terrific song but, of course, wrong. “Nothing lasts forever but the Earth and sky.” No, they’re also transitory but with a longer lease. That probably didn’t cheer you up at all, did it? Hugs and cheers, M

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    • Thanks, Michael. I’ve always been a positive person … been through a lot in my lifetime and always managed to survive by my wits and positive attitude. But this … what we’re living through today … is beyond anything I’ve ever even thought could happen here. I’m trying to keep on fighting the good fight with my words, but more and more lately I feel I’m losing the battle, losing my edge. But then, I AM 71 years old and nobody can keep up the momentum forever. I’ll keep my eyes open for that first contact … perhaps if I offer them food & wine, they’ll be peaceful.

      You’re right about that, and we, the human species, are hastening the death of the Earth and sky, too. Not only do we wish to kill off our own, but all others as well. Sigh. Hugs and cheers, my friend.

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  5. Pingback: DUST IN THE WIND ( REDUX ) | Ramblings of an Occupy Liberal

    • Awwww … thank you so much, sweet Amy! Not feeling any better today, but then, why would I? Listening to the January 6th hearings, thinking about the very real possibility that the bastard Trump could somehow sit in the White House yet again … sigh. Hugs and lotsa love, dear Sis! Thanks so much for your support!

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      • You’re welcome! 🙂 I am feeling the same way. I am worried. Especially after that Senior Intelligence dude from the FBI said that charges wouldn’t stick if the AG and DOJ went after Trump. There are still so many people that believe in his lies, and that’s atrocious to me 😦 *sighs* Much love and many hugs, Sis! I am always here if you need me.

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        • I am not aware of any FBI dude saying that the charges wouldn’t stick, and frankly the FBI doesn’t really have a pony in this show as far as whether or not to prosecute. I went in search of that statement, but couldn’t find anything … do you have his name, or a source I can look at? I think it’s pretty clear at this point that Trump is guilty of sedition and I’m betting that Merrick Garland will bring charges once all the legwork is done, the “i”s dotted and “t”s crossed. Yes, many people either believe his lies, or pretend to believe them for their own reasons, and yes, it is discouraging to see ignorance ruling this nation. But, we keep fighting, Sis. We don’t give up and throw our hands up, ’cause frankly I cannot afford to move us all to Canada at this time! Much love and many hugs back at you, dear Sis!

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