Founded in 1971, Kansas is one of the most famous bands in progressive rock, inspiring many contemporary progressive rock/metal bands. The tracks "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry on Wayward Son" are both well known hits. Formed in Topeka in 1970, the founding members of the group -- guitarist Kerry Livgren, bassist Dave Hope, and drummer Phil Ehart -- first played together while in high school; with the 1971 addition of classically trained violinist Robbie Steinhardt, they changed their name to White Clover, reverting back to the Kansas moniker for good upon the 1972 arrivals of vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh and guitarist Richard Williams. The group spent the early part of the decade touring relentlessly and struggling for recognition; initially, their mix of boogie and prog rock baffled club patrons, but in due time they established a strong enough following to win a record deal with the Kirshner label. Kansas' self-titled debut LP appeared in 1974; while only mildly successful, the group toured behind it tirelessly, and their fan base grew to the point that their third effort, 1975's Masque, sold a quarter of a million copies.
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You're a rich man, but a poor man
With your pockets lined with gold
Always in the middle neither hot or cold
And you think you've found your freedom
But it always slips away
Nothing ever satisfies, you always have to pay
(Chorus)
(On the) Borderline, you're standing on the borderline
You're waiting for the place and time
And living in between
(On the) Borderline, you're standing on the borderline
It's gotta be your world or mine
So which way will you lean
So much indecision
Leaves you hanging in the air
You can't remain forever 'cause there's nothing there
With one foot in the ocean
And the other on the shore
You'll be goin' nowhere, 'til you step on through the door
(Chorus)
Now I know your wheels are spinning
But you never seem to move
I can see right through you
So what you tryin' to prove
And it's not coincidental
That you're always on the run
No more second chances now
The day is almost done