For, it ends in the blink of an eye. Carpe Diem (Seize the day)!

[In_The_Wind]

Written originally by Kerry Livgren who founded the group Kansas. The latter was among the most popular bands of the late 1970s. This song, which became a massive hit, appeared in their 1977 album, "Point of Know Return".

It is a reminder that we are mortal. Livgren, the writer of the song, said that he wrote it in his "occultic" (mysterious, secret, supernatural) phase. How Livgren used this word is mysterious itself. The lyrics have often been misinterpreted as having the intent to convey Christian meaning. Livgren himself is quoted as saying that this song was written while he was in his most occultic phase of life. Interestingly, he went from being an occultist to an evangelical Christian at a later time.

The melody is hauntingly beautiful with lyrics that have often been considered depressing. I have tried to interpret in two ways: the darker side of life with its impermanence and futility contrasted with the importance of living this life to the fullest thus looking forward with confidence and back without regrets. For, it ends in the blink of an eye. Carpe Diem (Seize the day)!



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

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

Dance like no one was watching. Party until you see the new dawn. Smell the roses. Be amazed at the beauty of a simple raindrop on a flower petal. Live life to its fullest.

[Aristus]

1. One of my favorites.

Love it...

Thank you...

[malthaussen]

2. And here I thought "carpe diem" meant "a fish a day."

Oh, well, sic transit gloria mundi... and Tuesday's no better.

-- Mal

[CanSocDem]

3. Great song.

I really didn't like it as much when it was new, as I do this morning. Funny how that works.

Interesting how the author became an evangelical Christian. When the song came out there wasn't such a sharp delineation between soft rock and Christian rock.



.

[PassingFair]

4. Enjoy every sandwich.

- Warren Zevon (on the Letterman show)