Alpha, their second album, also had a couple of hits ("Don't Cry" and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes") but its follow-up, Astra, was a flop. The group disbanded in 1985, only to reunite in 1990 without John Wetton; John Payne took his place. After churning out a couple of new songs for a greatest-hits collection, the band hit the road, including two sold-out dates in front of 20,000 fans in Moscow. Thereafter, they toured sporadically and released Aqua (1992), Aria (1994), Arena (1996), Aura (2001), and Silent Nation (2004). The band's lineup reverted to its original form featuring Wetton, Palmer, Howe, and Downes for Phoenix (2008) and Omega (2010). In 2012, the original Asia lineup returned with the studio album XXX, featuring the single "Face on the Bridge." The following year, Howe announced his amicable departure from the group to pursue other projects, and in 2014 Asia released the album Gravitas, featuring new guitarist Sam Coulson. In January 2017, a month and a half before the scheduled beginning of an extensive U.S. tour by the band, John Wetton died from colon cancer at the age of 67.
Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
There is another band with the same name:
2) Asia was an excellent hard rock band with a drive for epic, pomp-filled rock tunes. The band was from Rapid City, South Dakota and should not be confused with the famous U.K. one, which sadly outshone them and ended up rendering the U.S. group highly obscure despite the U.S. one's critical support. Going for a loose instrumental energy similar to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, their eventual line-up was made up of Michael English (vocals, bass, percussion), Larry Galbraith (vocals, guitars, mandolin), Mike Coates (guitars, mandolin, mellotron, piano, harpsichord, vocals), and Doug Johnson (percussion). They released two albums: 'Asia' (1979) and 'Armed to the Teeth' (1980).
Dusty Road
Asia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A second chance, one slip and it's gone
Though the bird has flown, the sands of time stand still
Scars that never heal, wounds you always feel
Keep on walking that dusty road, blinded by the flame
Keep on walking that dusty road, never giving in
A single light, you hold your breath
Maybe the tide has turned, one goal you know is near
And wish of a thousand nights, voices you always hear
So keep on walking that dusty road, blinded by the flame
Keep on walking that dusty road, never giving in
The lyrics of Asia's song "Dusty Road" speak about perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. The singer starts by talking about walking the line and looking straight ahead, indicating that they are focused on their goal and not getting sidetracked. However, they also acknowledge that one misstep could cost them everything. The bird has flown, indicating that something important has passed them by, but the sands of time stand still, meaning that they still have the opportunity to achieve what they're after. The scars that never heal and wounds that always show suggest that the journey has been difficult and that there have been setbacks, but the singer still continues on.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more uplifting. The singer encourages themselves (and the listener) to keep walking the dusty road, even when they're blinded by the flame or can't see what's ahead. They refuse to give in, bravely facing whatever challenges come their way. They talk about a single light, which could represent hope or inspiration, and the way that it makes their heart beat faster and their skin burn. Finally, they suggest that maybe the tide has turned and that their goal is finally within reach. They've wished for it for thousands of nights and they always hear the voices encouraging them to keep going.
Overall, "Dusty Road" is a song that encourages perseverance and belief in oneself. The singer acknowledges that the journey has been difficult, but still urges themselves to keep going, even when things seem impossible. The song suggests that with enough determination, anything is possible.
Line by Line Meaning
I walk the line, look straight ahead
I am focused and determined, not letting myself get distracted by anything else.
A second chance, one slip and it's gone
Opportunities are fleeting, one misstep could mean losing everything you've been working towards.
Though the bird has flown, the sands of time stand still
Even though things around you may change or feel uncertain, time keeps moving forward regardless.
Scars that never heal, wounds you always feel
Emotional pain can linger long after the physical wounds have healed.
Keep on walking that dusty road, blinded by the flame
Persist through hardships and challenges, even when it feels like you can't see the way forward.
Keep on walking that dusty road, never giving in
Continue forward with tenacity and resilience, refusing to give up or give in to adversity.
A single light, you hold your breath
The faintest glimmer of hope can make all the difference in dark and uncertain times.
Your heart beats fast, a skin that burns
The intensity of passion and emotion can manifest physically in the body.
Maybe the tide has turned, one goal you know is near
After a long and difficult journey, there may be signs that success is finally within reach.
And wish of a thousand nights, voices you always hear
Dreams and desires can persist through time and adversity, even when it seems unlikely they will ever come true.
So keep on walking that dusty road, blinded by the flame
Persevere towards your goals, even when faced with uncertainty and obstacles.
Keep on walking that dusty road, never giving in
Stay strong and determined, refusing to be defeated by the challenges of the journey.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GEOFF DOWNES, MAX BACON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
neoasura
I don't care what anyone says, even without certain key players, I really dug this era of Asia.
David Lazarus
Once you get used to John Payne's vocals, that era of Asia is actually quite good for the most part. And, yes, there are some real gems on the Archiva set. That said, the band honestly should not have been called Asia. Just as Icon wasn't called Asia, nor should the band featuring John Payne been called such. Yes, I say that as much as I enjoy the music from that era. Why? Simple. I will always consider John Wetton the voice of Asia. With relatively few exceptions, once the vocalist leaves or is ousted from a band, it's really no longer that band. Like I said, there are exceptions. King Crimson and Genesis come time to mind. However, it can cause severe legal problems (think Yes) when you give a founding member a pink slip and go on playing as said band.
Raymond Hartmeijer
Was Geoff Downes planning a solo/duo album with Max Bacon in 1988 ? this tune, along with "Tears" and a couple of others seem based on demo's from that year. Any info ?
Raymond Hartmeijer
@Rob DeAbreu Yes, I recently discoverd this proposed "Rain" group/album. Bacon, Downes, John Payne, Michael Sturgis were all involved. Would have been really nice, but they never found a recordlabel
Cedrick Newsom
Raymond Hartmeijer I just came back to this video and realized I didn't answer your question. No Geoff and Max weren't doing a solo max came and was doing some recordings with Asia but they were shelved for whatever reason and Max left.
Cedrick Newsom
This song and several others on Archiva are recordings of demos with downes and bacon yes. Not even really based on this was an album assembled from out takes and demos and the rest studio edited in so most of the original recordings are there with a little extra on top.
dorugu
no clue there the tapes containing these demos where found during clean up after they'd returned after winter holidays finding 1 pipe had burst atleast so th booklet to the special edition said(which ive managed 2 missplace)
Corrine Cummings
I speak from experience. I bought this garbage. Dreadful.
GunstarGizmo
@Stefan Ossenkop No Downes, no Asia. Every song was basically built around his music writing.
Stefan Ossenkop
no Wetton no Asia....