Formed in 1973, Kansas is a rock band that rose to prominence in the 1970s with chart-hit albums and hit singles such as ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust In The Wind.’ Throughout the 1970s and 1980, the band appeared on the Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks and performed throughout North America, Europe, and Japan.
Kansas has produced three multi-platinum albums, one platinum studio album, one platinum live double album, nine gold albums, and a million-selling single ‘Dust In The Wind’ during their musical career. Their ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ was also a success, being the most-played track on US classic rock radio in 1997.
Back in 1977, Kansas released their ‘Point Of Know Return’ album. One of the band’s most successful hits, ‘Dust In The Wind,’ also appeared in this album. Interestingly, the band was inspired by a Bible reference for the title of the song. Let’s learn the details.
Kansas Used A Reference From Ecclesiastes For The Title Of ‘Dust In The Wind’
Released in 1977, ‘Dust In The Wind’ brought Kansas huge success. Written by Kerry Livgren, the song became their only single to reach the top ten in the US. Besides, the 45-rpm single was certified Gold after selling one million units as a hit single. In 2008, the digital format of the song was also certified Gold by RIAA.
While deciding the title of ‘Dust In The Wind,’ Kansas paraphrased a passage from Ecclesiastes. Moreover, they used more references from Ecclesiastes in the lyrics of the song as well. When the haunting and melancholic lyrics of ‘Dust In The Wind’ which reflect the meaninglessness of life and pleasures considered, these references become more clear.
The Bible reference in the title of the song:
“I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile — like chasing the wind! (Eccl 1:14)”
Another reference from Ecclesiastes is:
“All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. (Eccl 3:20)”
Another reference in the line ‘Now don’t hang on/Nothin’ lasts forever but the earth and sky’ might be:
“What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. (Eccl 1:3-4)”
You can listen to Kansas’ hit ‘Dust In The Wind’ below.
