Robby Steinhardt, violinist and vocalist for the rock band Kansas, died recently.  Not only did that news make me feel a bit old, but I was reminded of their classic songs: “Carry on My Wayward Son” and of course “Dust in the Wind.”

After a conversation with some friends this morning discussing memorial services we have led, lives we have celebrated, I thought again of the lines from “Dust in the Wind” … a kind of secular hymn reminding us of our mortality while celebrating life as a brief gift.

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
Nothin’ 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
Everything is dust in the wind

Some of these lines have been stuck in my brain for weeks.

I wouldn’t mind having this song played at my own memorial.