Meaning of Dust in the Wind by Kansas & Song Story

Reflections on the frailty of being are as old as the world. It is enough to remember the Bible: “In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground from which you were taken, for dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Thousands of volumes have been written on this subject, but no philosopher has been able to express himself more clearly.

The ephemeral nature of human existence is often touched upon by musicians as well. One of the most striking such compositions was Dust in the Wind (“Ashes in the wind”) by the American rock band Kansas.

History and meaning of the song Dust in the Wind – Kansas

It was composed entirely by Kerry Livgren, founder and guitarist of Kansas. First came the music. He wrote it as an exercise to develop guitar technique. Livgren was persuaded to make a song out of it by his wife, who really liked the melody.

What is the song Dust in the Wind about? The text originated from a collection of American Indian poetry in which Kerry came across the line “because we are but dust in the wind.” This phrase became the key to the song.

Dust in the Wind is performed to the accompaniment of two guitars. It became the first acoustic composition of Kansas and was significantly different from what the group had released before. For this reason, Livgren at first did not want to show the new song to his colleagues, and then was against its inclusion in the Point of Know Return album, but the comrades considered it a future hit and convinced Kerry.

As it turned out, not in vain. Dust in the Wind was very warmly received by Kansas fans and climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100, and the single was certified gold. Her success was facilitated by the fact that she was accepted by radio stations of various formats: rock, country, “contemporary music for adults” and others.

Clip Dust in the Wind – Kansas

Let’s watch online the official music video for Dust in the Wind by Kansas.

Cover versions of Dust in the Wind

The composition was performed by many famous bands, including the Scorpions.

The song can be heard in many feature films, TV series, computer games, commercials and cartoons.

Interesting Facts

A live version of the song is also included on Two for the Show, and a symphonic version can be heard on Always Never the Same.
The guitars to which Dust in the Wind is sung to the accompaniment are tuned differently: one is in the classical tuning, the other is in the so-called Nashville.