Kansas was about to be booted from their record label because of a lack of commercial success. This album was their last chance. After recording the rest of the album, the studio execs said they needed something else to get radio play. Kerry Livgren, lead guitarist and main songwriter, went back to his hotel room and wrote this entire song in one night. ..the rest is history!
Steve Walsh was having serious writer’s block and Kerry was feeling immense pressure to produce a hit. Kerry wrote 4 of the 9 songs on Leftoverture and co-wrote the others.
The more I hear this song the more I marvel at it, and I heard it on the radio when it came out. Music was so good back then I just took it for granted. No more.
The intro is musically “chaotic” with all the changes, then it stops and to a soft piano he says “once I rose above the noise and confusion”. Brilliantly written.
The greatest thing about music in the 70s is, there wasn't "Black" or "White" music. Rock & R & B went hand in hand on the radio. Kansas, Stevie Wonder ,Led Zep, Natalie Cole, Carole King...it all seemed to mesh. Wish I could take some younger folks back to then so they could see how music unified like no other art. Loved your reaction! Rock on!
Best band ever in my opinion! Progressive rock is hard for some people to listen to because the lyrics are intelligent and the music is complicated! Every person in this band is insanely talented! Robbie Steinhardt, the guy that you see clapping and using the tambourine, is their violin player, gives Kansas their unique sound! Steve Walsh-Lead vocals,keyboards, and congos, Kerry Livgren-Guitars, keyboards, Rich Williams (guy in the tuxedo), Phil Ehart-drums, Robbie Steinhardt-Violin, lead vocals, and Dave Hope-bass! Playing great music since 1974, but there are only two original members left Phil Ehart and Rich Williams! Their latest album Absence Of Presence is phenomenal! Please react to more Kansas, the first 5 albums are phenomenal! Kansas, Song For America, Masque, Leftoverture, and Point Of Know Return are all classics!
This song came out when I was 14, and in my freshman year at high school. I'd become a Christian just a couple of months before, and though I realised this wasn't quite a Christian song, I loved the spiritual journey it describes. Years later, I learned that guitarist Kerry Livgren, who wrote the song, later also gave his life to Jesus! ❤😊 This song, and their other most famous hit Dust in the Wind, remain favourites of mine to this day.
Great reaction and thanks for sharing. This is the unofficial theme song for 'Supernatural' the tv show. The band Kansas even showed up at ComicCon to play for the cast of Supernatural. Kansas is an amazing band. Worth a deep dive. 'Dust in the Wind' 'Closet Chronicles' 'The Wall' 'Curtain of Iron' 'Point of Know Return' 'Hold On' and so many many more. Chris
Haa! You crack me up! Love your reactions cuz you remind me of all of us (60 years and over) of the first time we heard this music. There was a time between 1967 - 1975 where all the pro musicians (Motown, Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Acoustic Rock, Funk) were having a "Battle of the Bands" to see who can come up with their best. I kid you not when I say at least 2 to 4 full albums were coming out every month where every track was great or at the least listenable. I spent more time at home just listening to my sound system with friends then gamers did playing Final Fantasy.
Great reaction. It's nice to see the younger generation discovering progressive rock from the '70's. Kansas didn't just put out great songs, they put out great albums as well.
I'm old enough to remember when this came out. Got the vinyl about ten feet away. As a hard rock and progressive rock fan it was like I had heard a marriage of the two. Jethro Tull had some stuff out that may have qualified as that style, but Kansas just drove it home. Try "Miracles Out of Nowhere" as a comparable song of theirs. Peace.
Great reaction Ashley, I am 70 and have been listening to this since it was first released. We reacted to this music from Kansas the same way you did. Kansas is in my list of top ten bands of all time. You should check out "Miracles out of nowhere"!
Dollightful reaction as always. I grew up with this music and even knew a guy that knew the band and in fact he had some of their hand-me-down band Equipment Incorporated into his killer stereo system. It is indeed really fun watching you totally get it. I would be curious to know what kind of musical background you have but, at any rate, they really were perfect for that moment in time where they were definitely a progressive rock band but they really Incorporated lots of traditional stuff and it just made it really amazing when you put the really profound lyrics with it as well. They never found it in when it comes to their lyrics. They have tons of stuff I bet you would like. Portrait (He Knew), Point of No Return, I'm Only Saying, Dust in the Wind. And that's really just barely starting to dig into them. Love ya.
I have watched nearly all of your reactions, and you are such a sweet enlightened soul. I always smile how you never say one thing negative. Some of the music can even be a bit cringe, yet you find the good and everything and have an excellent sense of humor. I think you’re absolutely darling!! A light in a dark world.💞🕊️💐
Kansas is my favorite band.. I've probably seen them six times.. Twice in the front row🤗 This song has so much going on ,I never get sick of it.. They are one of the most underrated bands.. Who are amazingly still not in the rock and roll hall of fame😡 You should definitely check out more of there material.. closet chronicles, cheyenne anthem, Song for america, Of course ..dust in the wind And so many more🎶🎙🎸🎹🎻🥁🎶
Thanks sweetie for doing this . Kansas are musical geniuses beloved worldwide they filled stadiums across the world, Steve Walsh lead singer, keyboards , some writing . ❤️
I will stand by saying Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas and Hotel California are two of the most perfect songs ever... awesome reaction - too bad the vid got censured
You probably need to check out Dust In The Wind, Point Of Know Return, The Wall, Song For America, Icarus Born On Wings Of Steel, Portrait/He Knew, etc... Thank you for reacting to my favorite band!
It was a lot for me to take in (1982) Forty one years later they still make the hair on my arms and neck stand straight up! It's a lot for a new person to take in. Give yourself some Rock n Roll baby pats on the back.😎🎸🎸🎸🎸.
Hey Ashley, Just wanted to give you a positive since you said you were getting too much negativity. Your reactions are fantastic! Love the megawatt smile! It's a joy for us older dudes to see how the music of our generation can light up someone new. You seem to enjoy 70s music especially and you get a lot of views from that so keep it up. You haven't touched some of the biggest acts of that era. ABBA, Eagles, Deep Purple, Heart, Elton John, Wings, ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) plus more Van Halen, Supertramp, Steely Dan, Elvis, and you can't miss. Keep doing you and enjoy! When you're happy we're happy! At least I am.
Fun one, Ashley. Yeah, Kansas was the real deal. 🙂 If you get a chance listen to their Dust In The Wind to get a feel for their versatility. I think you'll like it too.
you're adorable, dont let the negative comments touch you..shocked you even get any..that being said, Love your reaction, you can always tell when someone who really appreciates music listens to this song for the first time, cause it is literally off the chain in the best way lol..oh and RIP supernatural just saying for any fans out there)
Kansas,"Carry on Wayward Son" over the years there has been various songs that I have considered Iconic Masterpiece's. This was one of them. There has been most of those songs that have come from super fantastic albums. Which means most of the songs on these albums ( are Fire). Hell I could give a list, of such songs but here's a couple. Elton John, doing " Madman across the water", Traffic, doing * The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys", Yes, doing, " Roundabout ". Cream, " Sunshine of your Love ".
What a joyful reaction from you, dear Ashley! ❤ I get such a kick out of watching you sample these classics. Here's a recommendation for you. Try on "Take It Easy," the first single from the legendary band, Eagles. 😊👍
This song and Dust in the Wind couldn't sound more different. Both are pic classics from Kansas. Carry on Wayward Son is one of the songs that got me to switch from listening to mostly pop music to more classic/prog rock with pop/folk/country music thrown in too.
Kansas is my all-time favorite band (original lineup). They have so many great songs off their first 4 albums. Whatever mood you want, it's there. Their live album (Two For The Show - 6th album) is also excellent.
Back in the day when this was hot for some reason Kansas NEVER played in Nebraska. I lived there so a buddy and I had to go to Red Rocks Colorado(God's Cathedral). Very well worth the trip and a nice ride on a couple of Harleys with our girls. 300 miles each way with roughly $1 a gallon for gas on bikes. Hell yeah.😎😎 I've seen them since then with the new band members in Reno (Harrah's former outdoor venue) Still killin' it. I still have this LP./Album. "Point of Know Return" and "Dust in the Wind" are two other awesome songs from that era 45 years ago. They're still played on classic rock radio. "Surely Heaven waits for you"😇😇😇😇😇😇😇
K Brewski replied: "You sure they didn't play in Omaha? Heck, in 82 they filmed an MTV concert there." In 1982 I was in the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean, so they might have played there.
Sorry, Darlyn I'm 50. Music like this I'm used to. Don't think much of it anymore to warn you. I forget we delt with artist that had one thing these so called arteest don't have and that's a big word called TALENT . We want you and the other kids to experience that TALENT have a true meaning. You set there and listen to 50's to mid 90's the days before a machine could it for you. You will fall in love.
It makes me happy to see younger people enjoy the music and react much the same as I did when I first heard it. Have you heard of Creedence Clearwater Revival or Three Dog Night?
If you like the sounds of Kansas here are four more of their best songs: 1) Dust In The Wind 2) Fight Fire With Fire 3) Hold On (Great ballad!) 4) Play The Game Tonight. Enjoy!
Those opening vocals give you no choice but to sing the lyrics because I can’t see how this wouldn’t touch anyone’s soul. I strongly recommend“ Dust In The Wind” but I suggest bringing Kleenex because you may tear up. I’m a weird person who likes to write song parodies based on current events. So when someone posted about Enrique Tarrio (leader of Proud Boys) being sentenced to 22 years in prison I got inspired. My lyrics are of course copyrighted but here’s my version of the chorus: Tarrio My Wayward Son, 22 years till you’re done! Don’t think you’ll get too much rest With Bubba’s cell next door. 😁😁😁
The age of of great rock music. No computer assists, just real artist make live true art.
Kansas was about to be booted from their record label because of a lack of commercial success. This album was their last chance. After recording the rest of the album, the studio execs said they needed something else to get radio play. Kerry Livgren, lead guitarist and main songwriter, went back to his hotel room and wrote this entire song in one night. ..the rest is history!
True story
Steve Walsh was having serious writer’s block and Kerry was feeling immense pressure to produce a hit. Kerry wrote 4 of the 9 songs on Leftoverture and co-wrote the others.
Imagine growing up with this kind of music , we were extremely fortunate
The more I hear this song the more I marvel at it, and I heard it on the radio when it came out. Music was so good back then I just took it for granted. No more.
Flashbacks!!! Music was the bomb!!! ❤❤❤ Love this song!!! It was so great back then to enjoy all genres of classic music 🎶!!! It was fire 🔥!!! 😊
I dig watching the younger generations hearing this music I grew up on and have an OMG reaction Keep you musical mind open Sweetheart
I never get tired of watching people react to this iconic song. Yours was one of my favorites. ❤
I always think it’s so cool watching people react to music I grew up on, and seeing it make an impact on you is always proof that music is timeless!
That was my Air Force song when I joined. I played it in the Barracks/Dorm constantly on my big system. No one complained.
There's a reason this is considered a legendary song.
this song grabbed my attention as a 5 or 6 year old kid, Its one of a hundred pleasant memories from the 70's
I'm glad to see you digging Kansas! One of the best rocking progressive bands of the 70s! ENJOY!👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Just proves, Ashley, that we was all funky as hell in the 70s. 😅😅. ✌❤ from Ky
This song is a masterpiece… more hooks than a hat closet.
Yes! Mind-blowing construction and performance. Great reaction, Ashley!
It is freaky that people can sing and play like this. It is a master class.
I'm in my 60s, enjoy your journey! I saw of it happen.
You will discover new music all your life!
God bless!
Pay no mind to haters I don't!
I fully supported your initial shock. What a beginning!
When Kansas made music, they made MUSIC! Terrific prog rock band! Thanks for your reaction.
Nothing like creating a Wall Of Music! real talent rules!!
The intro is musically “chaotic” with all the changes, then it stops and to a soft piano he says “once I rose above the noise and confusion”. Brilliantly written.
Your the only One who got it.
It was fun knowing what you were about to experience, then seeing you experience it. Loved it.
I was in high school when this song came out. It was my favorite song. High school in the 70s was the bomb!
The greatest thing about music in the 70s is, there wasn't "Black" or "White" music. Rock & R & B went hand in hand on the radio. Kansas, Stevie Wonder ,Led Zep, Natalie Cole, Carole King...it all seemed to mesh. Wish I could take some younger folks back to then so they could see how music unified like no other art. Loved your reaction! Rock on!
Best band ever in my opinion! Progressive rock is hard for some people to listen to because the lyrics are intelligent and the music is complicated! Every person in this band is insanely talented! Robbie Steinhardt, the guy that you see clapping and using the tambourine, is their violin player, gives Kansas their unique sound! Steve Walsh-Lead vocals,keyboards, and congos, Kerry Livgren-Guitars, keyboards, Rich Williams (guy in the tuxedo), Phil Ehart-drums, Robbie Steinhardt-Violin, lead vocals, and Dave Hope-bass! Playing great music since 1974, but there are only two original members left Phil Ehart and Rich Williams! Their latest album Absence Of Presence is phenomenal! Please react to more Kansas, the first 5 albums are phenomenal! Kansas, Song For America, Masque, Leftoverture, and Point Of Know Return are all classics!
I GOT YOU! In no way can you expect to be blown away from jump. Not to mention the entire song
This song came out when I was 14, and in my freshman year at high school. I'd become a Christian just a couple of months before, and though I realised this wasn't quite a Christian song, I loved the spiritual journey it describes. Years later, I learned that guitarist Kerry Livgren, who wrote the song, later also gave his life to Jesus! ❤😊 This song, and their other most famous hit Dust in the Wind, remain favourites of mine to this day.
Great reaction and thanks for sharing. This is the unofficial theme song for 'Supernatural' the tv show. The band Kansas even showed up at ComicCon to play for the cast of Supernatural. Kansas is an amazing band. Worth a deep dive. 'Dust in the Wind' 'Closet Chronicles' 'The Wall' 'Curtain of Iron' 'Point of Know Return' 'Hold On' and so many many more. Chris
The big red haired gentleman is Robbie Steinhardt (RIP) and the second lead singer and violin player. Chris
Remember there is no autotune on their voices and they were one of those bands that were musicians and recorded playing live. Chris
Miss Supernatural 😢
Haa! You crack me up! Love your reactions cuz you remind me of all of us (60 years and over) of the first time we heard this music. There was a time between 1967 - 1975 where all the pro musicians (Motown, Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Acoustic Rock, Funk) were having a "Battle of the Bands" to see who can come up with their best. I kid you not when I say at least 2 to 4 full albums were coming out every month where every track was great or at the least listenable. I spent more time at home just listening to my sound system with friends then gamers did playing Final Fantasy.
Great reaction. It's nice to see the younger generation discovering progressive rock from the '70's. Kansas didn't just put out great songs, they put out great albums as well.
I never get tired of this song!
I'm old enough to remember when this came out. Got the vinyl about ten feet away. As a hard rock and progressive rock fan it was like I had heard a marriage of the two. Jethro Tull had some stuff out that may have qualified as that style, but Kansas just drove it home. Try "Miracles Out of Nowhere" as a comparable song of theirs. Peace.
Point of no return!!!
ABSOLUTELY LOVED your reaction!! It’s so wonderful when a young person can jam to old music!!💜
This music caused folks to buy great audio systems. So when I listened to KANSAS so did my neighbors.
You are so right...when I see certain songs come your way, that's exactly what I think....you are about to get got! lol
Great reaction Ashley, I am 70 and have been listening to this since it was first released. We reacted to this music from Kansas the same way you did. Kansas is in my list of top ten bands of all time. You should check out "Miracles out of nowhere"!
Just came back across this and I wish I could like the like button all over again.
Dollightful reaction as always. I grew up with this music and even knew a guy that knew the band and in fact he had some of their hand-me-down band Equipment Incorporated into his killer stereo system. It is indeed really fun watching you totally get it. I would be curious to know what kind of musical background you have but, at any rate, they really were perfect for that moment in time where they were definitely a progressive rock band but they really Incorporated lots of traditional stuff and it just made it really amazing when you put the really profound lyrics with it as well. They never found it in when it comes to their lyrics. They have tons of stuff I bet you would like.
Portrait (He Knew), Point of No Return, I'm Only Saying, Dust in the Wind. And that's really just barely starting to dig into them. Love ya.
Love water..and Kansas.. enjoy your journey 😊😊😊😊😊😊
Loved your reaction Ashley. Great hearing music I grew up with. Keep em commin !!!
Same here!!!!
A vibe ...
Timeless brilliance never gets old .
I have watched nearly all of your reactions, and you are such a sweet enlightened soul. I always smile how you never say one thing negative. Some of the music can even be a bit cringe, yet you find the good and everything and have an excellent sense of humor. I think you’re absolutely darling!! A light in a dark world.💞🕊️💐
Youre reaction to every moment of this song are perfect!
This is one of those songs, my kids were 4 and 5 when I played this in the car for them and they loved it....play it again dad...play it again lol
Welcome to the world of 70's progressive rock.
A classic!! Fabulous piece of music!
Kansas is my favorite band.. I've probably seen them six times.. Twice in the front row🤗 This song has so much going on ,I never get sick of it.. They are one of the most underrated bands.. Who are amazingly still not in the rock and roll hall of fame😡 You should definitely check out more of there material.. closet chronicles, cheyenne anthem, Song for america, Of course ..dust in the wind And so many more🎶🎙🎸🎹🎻🥁🎶
These good times where music had melodies.
Great reactions!
Some people have no sense of humor. I LOVE your humor and you appreciation of good music!
Thanks sweetie for doing this . Kansas are musical geniuses beloved worldwide they filled stadiums across the world, Steve Walsh lead singer, keyboards , some writing . ❤️
Love all of your comments. You have great insights!
I will stand by saying Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas and Hotel California are two of the most perfect songs ever... awesome reaction - too bad the vid got censured
Great song, lots of history. Saw these guys in concert in 1980 on their Monolith tour, rocked the house.
Didn't you see them in the 70s ? when this came out in 1976
I also like your reactions. They're always raw and real. Bravo 👏
Great reaction to a great song. Thank you so much!!!
I LOVE that you LOVE experiencing new music! I love that you are moved! I get goose bumps for your goose bumps! Keep doin you! ✌️🎶💜
"Dust in the Wind". Should be the next song you need to react to by Kansas.
Priceless expressions!
Kansas always delivers. Groups like Kansas, ELO, Yes, Moody Blues, and Alan Parsons Project are best listened to with headphones.
You have to try Dust in The Wind by Kansas next. Never mind critical reviews, it's easy to criticize from afar.
You probably need to check out Dust In The Wind, Point Of Know Return, The Wall, Song For America, Icarus Born On Wings Of Steel, Portrait/He Knew, etc... Thank you for reacting to my favorite band!
It was a lot for me to take in (1982) Forty one years later they still make the hair on my arms and neck stand straight up! It's a lot for a new person to take in. Give yourself some Rock n Roll baby pats on the back.😎🎸🎸🎸🎸.
This came out in the mid 1970s I love the TRUTH
Great reaction 😊😊😊😊 I feel ya...ck out live Jethro tull... anything 😊😊😊😊
Hey Ashley, Just wanted to give you a positive since you said you were getting too much negativity. Your reactions are fantastic! Love the megawatt smile! It's a joy for us older dudes to see how the music of our generation can light up someone new. You seem to enjoy 70s music especially and you get a lot of views from that so keep it up. You haven't touched some of the biggest acts of that era. ABBA, Eagles, Deep Purple, Heart, Elton John, Wings, ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) plus more Van Halen, Supertramp, Steely Dan, Elvis, and you can't miss. Keep doing you and enjoy! When you're happy we're happy! At least I am.
Great reaction. We understand.
You have now just listened to the greatest rock song ever, They also do the greatest rock ballad ever dust in the wind both masterpieces!
Oh my................... real talent... what a concept.............................
Total classic! ❤
and they sound better live now than they did back then.
Fun one, Ashley. Yeah, Kansas was the real deal. 🙂 If you get a chance listen to their Dust In The Wind to get a feel for their versatility. I think you'll like it too.
Skill & Talent
you're adorable, dont let the negative comments touch you..shocked you even get any..that being said, Love your reaction, you can always tell when someone who really appreciates music listens to this song for the first time, cause it is literally off the chain in the best way lol..oh and RIP supernatural just saying for any fans out there)
Kansas,"Carry on Wayward Son" over the years there has been various songs that I have considered Iconic Masterpiece's. This was one of them. There has been most of those songs that have come from super fantastic albums. Which means most of the songs on these albums ( are Fire). Hell I could give a list, of such songs but here's a couple. Elton John, doing " Madman across the water", Traffic, doing * The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys", Yes, doing, " Roundabout ". Cream, " Sunshine of your Love ".
What a joyful reaction from you, dear Ashley! ❤ I get such a kick out of watching you sample these classics.
Here's a recommendation for you. Try on "Take It Easy," the first single from the legendary band, Eagles. 😊👍
This song and Dust in the Wind couldn't sound more different. Both are pic classics from Kansas. Carry on Wayward Son is one of the songs that got me to switch from listening to mostly pop music to more classic/prog rock with pop/folk/country music thrown in too.
Anyone reacting to 70's rock I will give a view.Keep going your reactions are good.
I love your reaction. Kansas is a band that makes you think about how music is played.
This was the song Randy played on real guitar for the kids on South Park who were playing guitar hero.
one word....TALENT
this song came out when i was in high school i loved it now im 60 lol
SUPERNATURAL ❤
Love you girl. You are awesome
Kansas is my all-time favorite band (original lineup). They have so many great songs off their first 4 albums. Whatever mood you want, it's there.
Their live album (Two For The Show - 6th album) is also excellent.
Back in the day when this was hot for some reason Kansas NEVER played in Nebraska. I lived there so a buddy and I had to go to Red Rocks Colorado(God's Cathedral). Very well worth the trip and a nice ride on a couple of Harleys with our girls. 300 miles each way with roughly $1 a gallon for gas on bikes. Hell yeah.😎😎
I've seen them since then with the new band members in Reno (Harrah's former outdoor venue) Still killin' it.
I still have this LP./Album.
"Point of Know Return" and "Dust in the Wind" are two other awesome songs from that era 45 years ago.
They're still played on classic rock radio.
"Surely Heaven waits for you"😇😇😇😇😇😇😇
K Brewski replied: "You sure they didn't play in Omaha? Heck, in 82 they filmed an MTV concert there."
In 1982 I was in the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean, so they might have played there.
I do not understand the algorithms. Other reactors haven't been blocked; why you? Still, fun to see you discover new music.
Sorry, Darlyn I'm 50. Music like this I'm used to. Don't think much of it anymore to warn you. I forget we delt with artist that had one thing these so called arteest don't have and that's a big word called TALENT . We want you and the other kids to experience that TALENT have a true meaning. You set there and listen to 50's to mid 90's the days before a machine could it for you. You will fall in love.
Kansas and Boston were both amazing at switch ups
No matter what, I will always think of the entrance of supernatural whenever I hear this song.
i do appreciate you!
Beautiful Ashley ❤
Music. 3 to five people that know instruments and vocals. Old school music rocked.
reaction of the year.
It makes me happy to see younger people enjoy the music and react much the same as I did when I first heard it. Have you heard of Creedence Clearwater Revival or Three Dog Night?
If you like the sounds of Kansas here are four more of their best songs: 1) Dust In The Wind 2) Fight Fire With Fire 3) Hold On (Great ballad!)
4) Play The Game Tonight. Enjoy!
Those opening vocals give you no choice but to sing the lyrics because I can’t see how this wouldn’t touch anyone’s soul.
I strongly recommend“ Dust In The Wind” but I suggest bringing Kleenex because you may tear up.
I’m a weird person who likes to write song parodies based on current events. So when someone posted about Enrique Tarrio (leader of Proud Boys) being sentenced to 22 years in prison I got inspired. My lyrics are of course copyrighted but here’s my version of the chorus:
Tarrio My Wayward Son,
22 years till you’re done!
Don’t think you’ll get too much rest
With Bubba’s cell next door.
😁😁😁
You're a beautiful person. I love your hoodie.
Here we go!
love your facial expressions.
I love a sister that can make a great stank face when good music comes on
I love your sweatshirt! ❤