Dust in the Wind

About this song

Guitarist Kerry Livgren wrote the song, which was based on a picking exercise he was working on, and his wife suggested turning it into a song. It was the last track added to the album. It became a top 10 hit in the US and Canada in spring 1977 and remains the band's biggest hit. It stands apart from Kansas's usual hard rock sound.

What it's about

The song reflects on the inevitability of death and how small a role each person plays in the bigger picture. It was inspired by a Native American poem containing the line about all we are being dust in the wind.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 6 other songs, like “Vestido by J Balvin”.
• Covered 21 times, including “Dust in the Wind by Murray Head”.
• Written by Kerry Livgren.
• Produced by Jeff Glixman.