Kansas

Comments

10 years ago

Ben Ragunton

Thanks for posting this! I saw them in San Francisco during the Audio-Visions tour and I distinctly remembered Kerry and Steve switching keyboard positions on one song, but for the life of me I couldn't remember which one it was. Now I can see this video and it all comes back to me that Steve was at Kerry's piano. Awesome!!!

10 years ago

psychodelicrock12

I like this song written and sung by STEVE WALSH. I also like how STEVE & KERRY trade keyboard stations for this song. Hope they would do that for LONELY WIND and other songs by STEVE.

11 years ago

VonTrousers

I think in this case it's more of the struggle between and Walsh and Livgren for songwriting credits. Apparently they argued about getting "their own" songs on each album. "No One Together" is a good example. It was ready for inclusion on Monolith, but Walsh insisted on replacing it with one of "his" songs.

12 years ago

Matt Sf

This is an example of how Kansas' song writing got weaker after Monolith. I like Kerry's songs better.

12 years ago

vanhouten64

I have never given a damn about lyrics (as far as I'm concerned they just give the singer something to do) so as a youngster I didn't really notice the creeping christianity in Kansas's songs from about Point of Know Return onwards. Good thing since it would probably have turned me off somewhat. I find Livgren's politics completely odious but I don't really care since he was one of the best songwriters of his generation. This is a good song, no matter who wrote it.

13 years ago

renues

We'll Do Anything For You!

13 years ago

Amy Richardson

The thing I've noticed about Steve is, He put EVERYTHING into the preformance even if he didn't agree with the message. He has always respected Livgren as a writer and friend, even tho he split. There is nothing wrong with wanting to find peace.

14 years ago

Andrew Mushel

For number 3... Yeah, that's why that song disgusts me. Apparently God shows hatred towards all who aren't convinced by a book of fanciful tales (or, rather, one of many). I've always wondered what we're being saved from. Is it God (since he's the one punishing non-believers so unjustly)? What could have possibly convinced a man of such intelligence to believe so absolutely the archaic tales from long ago? And not only that, but to believe he has to save those not consumed by it.

14 years ago

ArizonaBasement

Hi Guys - some clarification. :^) 1) This song "Anything for You" was written by Steve Walsh, who is not a Christian (as far as I know). 2) Hold On was indeed written about Kerry's conversion, and was directed towards his wife, who wasn't saved at the time. 3) The Wall did proceed Kerry's conversion, as did Carry On and Dust in the Wind, but I do agree that all 3 of these particular songs have strong Christian themes in the lyrics.

14 years ago

Andrew Mushel

Please, fully read my posts before responding to them. I am well aware of the history of Kansas (them being my favorite band of all time). Note that in the post I was responding to, THE WALL was referenced, which was from their FOURTH album, Leftoverture. Hence, it was a Pre-Christian song and my point is completely valid.

14 years ago

Nikki Matsumoto

Kerry also revealed that Hold On is about Christ in his intervews. "Look in the mirror and tell just what you see/What have the years of your life taught you to be/Innocence dying in so many ways/Things that you dreamed of were lost, lost in the haze" "Hold on baby hold on." It does make sense that Steve has to sing these Kerry's words and took them personally. Been a fan of them since 1978, but I have to give both of them the same credit for the departure.

14 years ago

Nikki Matsumoto

Arglactable, This was not a pre-Christian song. Kerry came up with Seeds of Change Solo album before Audio Vision. Seeds of Change is totally Christian. So it makes sense that Steve is singing "If I changed, Tell me how". Seeds of Change brought the change, you see.

15 years ago

Six-String Steve

great post Dude, made my day to see these guys in 1980. It's a shame Walsh left, Elefante's stage act was annoying, reminded me of Bruno from Fame. got any more footage of the classic Kansas?

15 years ago

Andrew Mushel

For future reference. That's a pre-Christian song from Livgren and thus does not suit your point at all.

15 years ago

rickyon

Almost the exact same story here! I'm 50 and have been a fan since 1975 and I've got to admit that there were some tunes off of the first 8 or 9 albums(In my opinion Kansas' golden years!) that I didn't particularly like so much! But now I find myself enjoying every last song on all of those albums and I'm warming to a lot of stuff on the later albums so I've got lots of "New" old stuff to listen to!

15 years ago

hypermolicule

none. livgren found his higher power . his songs got more spiritual. but their still very spiritual and uplifting i.e. " the wall" I love this band

15 years ago

Mitchell GoldenHorn

I'm almost 50 and have been a kansas fan since 1976. I used to prefer the prog like stuff or songs that both rocked and had prog elements while despising a lot of songs like this as adolesent trash. Lately however i'm enjoying this type of song more and they are well suited to listening in the car. Used to hate it like it now..

15 years ago

cdamonlaino

yeah, i might be reaching on this one. just seems that when steve and kerry started writting seperately, steve was lashing out. yes, this song sounds like a typical boy girl break up. but i wonder if it was steve's way of showing his unhappyness in the direction the band was going in. oh but look at me now. if iv'e changed tell me how. i'd do anything for you. meaning, if kerry would chill on the religous lyrics. maybe we can still write together.

15 years ago

Jon Rowe

That's interesting. I'm a long time Kansas fan, but never thought this was what Steve was trying to get it. I'm still not convinced. It sounds like Steve is singing to a girl.

15 years ago

rickyon

I apologize! Now that you've clarified your comment I see that what you are speculating here makes perfect sense! I never really looked at it that way but it sounds more than just a little plausible! I agree with you that it probably was a combination of Walsh's ego and the overbearing Christian presence of Livgrens composing and I imagine pontificating! If you've ever checked out Livgren speaking of Christianity he comes off as too preachy and pompous!