| Kansas – Hold On Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| WYWH probably has something on that. I believe this song was written shortly after Livgren became a believer in Jesus. I think he always tried to write songs from the heart rather than trying to write what people wanted to hear. | |
| Kansas – Dust In The Wind Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| Hey, Azzathoth, those links are certainly interesting reads. I'm a theist, so obviously I don't agree to some of the beliefs there, but I do like to listen and try to understand what someone else believes. When I try to put myself in the mindset of the song writer, I find it nostalgic and (like you) somewhat depressing--though I've loved the song from the time I first heard it. | |
| Kansas – Dust In The Wind Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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I think it's significant to keep in mind that the writer, Kerry Livgren, was in a "searching" mode of life at the time he wrote the words to the song, but perhaps even more significant is that he was playing finger exercises on his guitar (as in just practicing or playing for fun) when his wife commented that what he was playing was really nice and that he should make a song of it. Livgren's autobiography talks about this. It was never initially intended to even go into the mix. Ironic that it is to the credit of the lead electric guitarist of the band (rather than the acoustic guitarist) that this song belongs. As to the words and music fitting perfectly together, another tribute to a musician/songwriter who strove for quality at every level of every song he writes. I think the song genuinely reflects Livgren's philosophical viewpoint at that stage of his life--and which I respect as such. It doesn't reflect my understanding and convictions, nor do I think he would say that it still reflects what he believes. But a song well done and worthy of going "platinum" however many times over. |
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