Song for America is the second album by American rock band Kansas, released… Read Full Bio ↴Song for America is the second album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1975 (see 1975 in music). Endless touring had given Kansas a small following of loyal fans, some of whom would follow the group from one show to another. Despite the minor success of their debut album, they were still, for the most part, a struggling bar band.
While Song for America did little to change that, it is regarded by many as their most progressive work. Like the first album, the writing duties were divided between Kerry Livgren and the former members of White Clover, most notably vocalist / keyboardist Steve Walsh.
Musically, Song for America is a complex wall of sound containing six lengthy tracks full of wailing guitars, violin and generous portions of organ and Mellotron. Lyrically, Kansas had begun to take a dark turn. Walsh’s songs reflected life on the street ("Lonely Street"), drug dealing ("Down the Road"), and a run-in with the Devil. Livgren’s world included a haunting ghost story ("Lamplight Symphony"), a Hymn to the Atman, and the album’s sweeping title track, which is regarded by violinist Robby Steinhardt as the band’s signature tune.
Track listing
"Down the Road" – 3:43
"Song for America" - 10:03
"Lamplight Symphony" – 8:17
"Lonely Street" – 5:43
"The Devil Game" – 5:04
"Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman" – 12:11
2004 CD reissue bonus tracks
"Song for America " - 3:02
"Down the Road " - 3:48
Personnel
Phil Ehart - drums
Dave Hope - bass
Kerry Livgren - guitar, keyboard
Robby Steinhardt - violin, vocals
Steve Walsh - keyboard, vocals
Rich Williams - guitar
Production
Producers: Jeff Glixman, Wally Gold
Engineer: Peter Granet
Mastering: Tom Rabstenek
Preparation: Don Meehan
Arranger: Kansas
Art direction: Ed Lee
Paintings: Peter Lloyd
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)
Year Chart Position
1975 Pop Albums 57
While Song for America did little to change that, it is regarded by many as their most progressive work. Like the first album, the writing duties were divided between Kerry Livgren and the former members of White Clover, most notably vocalist / keyboardist Steve Walsh.
Musically, Song for America is a complex wall of sound containing six lengthy tracks full of wailing guitars, violin and generous portions of organ and Mellotron. Lyrically, Kansas had begun to take a dark turn. Walsh’s songs reflected life on the street ("Lonely Street"), drug dealing ("Down the Road"), and a run-in with the Devil. Livgren’s world included a haunting ghost story ("Lamplight Symphony"), a Hymn to the Atman, and the album’s sweeping title track, which is regarded by violinist Robby Steinhardt as the band’s signature tune.
Track listing
"Down the Road" – 3:43
"Song for America" - 10:03
"Lamplight Symphony" – 8:17
"Lonely Street" – 5:43
"The Devil Game" – 5:04
"Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman" – 12:11
2004 CD reissue bonus tracks
"Song for America " - 3:02
"Down the Road " - 3:48
Personnel
Phil Ehart - drums
Dave Hope - bass
Kerry Livgren - guitar, keyboard
Robby Steinhardt - violin, vocals
Steve Walsh - keyboard, vocals
Rich Williams - guitar
Production
Producers: Jeff Glixman, Wally Gold
Engineer: Peter Granet
Mastering: Tom Rabstenek
Preparation: Don Meehan
Arranger: Kansas
Art direction: Ed Lee
Paintings: Peter Lloyd
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)
Year Chart Position
1975 Pop Albums 57
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Song for America
Kansas Lyrics
Down the Road I'm in a kind of foolish game, I try to…
Lamplight Symphony On a winter's night, stars are cold and bright in…
Lonely Street On a winter's night, stars are cold and bright in…
Song For America Virgin land of forest green, dark and stormy plains, here…
The Devil Game I've got books that say the good man's golden And more…
Sid
on Sparks of the Tempest
Interpret who or what is the king and the queen