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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The flower dies the camera never lies fire baptizes
The truth is light right or wrong is never black or white
We all wear disguises
If a picture could talk we would all look away
There'd be too many voices
Rain come on and wash away this hot city skin
Pictures and memories and hope once again
So many times I see you in my mind when I'm not trying to
I see a trellis gate and I run like a child who's late
Whose friends are waiting for him
We ll I never stopped to realize what was passing me by
But love has a texture
Catch a glimpse a reflection
Of what would should or could have been
Pictures and memories and hope once again
I wonder if we know the future is now
I wonder if we know the future is here