In late 1970 Jim Messina, formerly of Poco and Buffalo Springfield, was working as an independent contract record producer for Columbia Records. It was then that he met a little-known studio artist who had written a few songs of his own, Kenny Loggins. Loggins was working as contract songwriter for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Messina decided to produce Loggins' debut album. By the time all was said and done, Messina had contributed so much to the album, both instrumentally and vocally, that the effort was more of a Kenny Loggins album with Jim Messina sitting in. Thus an accidental duo was born. Their harmonies meshed so well that what was begun as a one-off album became an entity unto itself. So rather than simply producing Kenny Loggins as a solo act, in 1971 they both decided to form a duo, Loggins and Messina.
Over the course of the next four to five years they produced five original material albums, one album of covers of other artists' material and two live albums. One compilation album, a "best of", would be released after the duo had separated.
As is natural in most mentor type relationships, Loggins outgrew the duo over time. Within a few years he would feel the need to spread his wings and fly by his own right, and by 1976 the pair separated and pursued successful solo careers, with Loggins soon achieving the super-star status that he sought.
They reunited in 2005 for a compilation album of their greatest hits, which proved so successful that they decided to tour as a group again. The "Sittin' In Again" tour was launched in mid-2005 and played out the remainder of the year, proving that they hadn't lost the magic that made them famous in the first place.
Their backing band changed from album to album. Many albums featured backing members who were well know in their own right, such as Stephen Stills who contributed to their self-titled second album. Bryan Adams played guitar on the album Full Sail. John Townsend and Ed Sanford, later of the Sanford Townsend Band (Smoke from a Distant Fire) contributed vocals and songwriting to the Native Sons album.
Peace Of Mind
Loggins & Messina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From a friend who isn't kind
A friend in need or a friend that you need
Who can help you through the troubled times
So reach on out and take a hold of my hand
And let me know that you're ready to go
There ain't no dues and you can leave your blues behind
And have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Give me some peace, peace of mind
There comes a time when your friends go blind
And their words become diseased
They threaten your life with the blade of a knife
And set you down upon your knees
Make no mistake for your very own sake
Here's a little word for now
Take off your shoes and let your thoughts be kind
And have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind, make us feel better
Some folks you find speak a mighty good line
They charm you all the way
They take you along on a sweet, sweet song
Then they steal your heart away
But blessed be the one who can understand why
People have to act that way
'Cause if I knew I wouldn't even want to say
But have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Give me some peace, yeah, peace of mind
Everybody wants peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Everybody wants peace, peace of mind
Everybody needs peace, peace of mind
All we need is some peace
The lyrics to Loggins & Messina’s song ‘Peace Of Mind’ offer a message of hope and support to those experiencing troubled times. The first verse suggests that sometimes friends can become abusive or unkind, and it is important to seek out those who can offer help and guidance. The lyrics invite the listener to take a hold of the singer’s hand and escape their troubles. The chorus repeatedly asks for ‘peace of mind’, which can be interpreted as a state of emotional calm or mental tranquility.
The second verse describes how friends can turn on us and even threaten our lives. The lyrics suggest that it is important to be kind to ourselves and to those around us, even in difficult times. The singer warns against those who may charm us with their words but ultimately deceive us. The final verse acknowledges the complexity of human behavior, but ultimately reiterates the song’s central message that we all need a little bit of peace of mind.
Overall, ‘Peace Of Mind’ is a song about finding solace and support in times of trouble. While the lyrics offer a somewhat simplistic view of human relationships and emotional states, the song’s message is nevertheless a powerful one that has resonated with many listeners over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no use to keep taking abuse
There is no reason to continue enduring mistreatment.
From a friend who isn't kind
This is especially true when the abusive behavior is coming from a friend.
A friend in need or a friend that you need
Friends are important, but it's crucial to distinguish who is a true friend and who is not.
Who can help you through the troubled times
True friends are the ones who can provide support during difficult times.
So reach on out and take a hold of my hand
There are people who are ready to support and help. Ask for their help.
And let me know that you're ready to go
Once you're ready to face the problem, let others know that you're willing to move forward.
There ain't no dues and you can leave your blues behind
There are no obligations, and it's okay to let go of negative emotions.
And have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Finding inner peace is important for overall well-being.
Give me some peace, peace of mind
Peace of mind is something that everyone desires.
There comes a time when your friends go blind
Even good friends can be blinded and make mistakes.
And their words become diseased
These mistakes can come across as hurtful and could be harmful.
They threaten your life with the blade of a knife
Some people will be hostile and try to harm you.
And set you down upon your knees
This could cause physical and emotional harm and leave you feeling helpless.
Make no mistake for your very own sake
It's important to recognize this behavior and take action to protect oneself and their well-being.
Here's a little word for now
This is advice is helpful in the present moment.
Take off your shoes and let your thoughts be kind
In order to move forward, it's important to be kind to oneself and let go of negative thoughts.
Peace, peace of mind, make us feel better
Finding peace of mind can have a positive impact on overall well-being.
Some folks you find speak a mighty good line
Some people will say things that sound good, but their actions will tell the truth.
They charm you all the way
These people can be very charming and convincing.
They take you along on a sweet, sweet song
They can draw you in with their words and create false hope.
Then they steal your heart away
Unfortunately, these people are not always genuine, leaving you hurt and disillusioned.
But blessed be the one who can understand why
In the end, it's important to try to understand why people behave the way they do.
People have to act that way
Even if it's hard, understanding and forgiveness can help us move forward.
But have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Despite the challenges, it's important to keep striving for peace of mind.
Everybody wants peace, peace of mind
The desire for peace and inner tranquility is universal.
Peace, peace of mind
Finding peace of mind is something that can benefit anyone.
All we need is some peace
Ultimately, peace and tranquility are what we're all striving for.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, CTM Publishing
Written by: JIM MESSINA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Laforte
Ain't no use to keep taking abuse
From a friend who isn't kind
A friend in need or a friend that you need
Who can help you through the troubled times
So reach on out and take a hold of my hand
And let me know that you're ready to go
There ain't no dues and you can leave your blues behind
And have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Give me some peace, peace of mind
There comes a time when your friends go blind
And their words become diseased
They threaten your life with the blade of a knife
And set you down upon your knees
Make no mistake for your very own sake
Here's a little word for now
Take off your shoes and let your thoughts be kind
And have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind, make us feel better
Some folks you find speak a mighty good line
They charm you all the way
They take you along on a sweet, sweet song
Then they steal your heart away
But blessed be the one who can understand why
People have to act that way
'Cause if I knew I wouldn't even want to say
But have a little peace, just a little peace of mind
Give me some peace, yeah, peace of mind
Everybody wants peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Peace, peace of mind
Everybody wants peace, peace of mind
Everybody needs peace, peace of mind
All we need is some peace
Songwriters: Jim Messina
Mark Bellamy
Still a great tune. It takes me immediately back to those days. The 60's and 70's were a great time to grow up in. Now I just feel like a stranger in a strange land.
Johnny Dean
I hear you, brother! I've been feeling like that for several years now.
Carla Brownlee
Already told my children that this is the song I want at my Celebration of Life service. This song has spoken to me for 40ish years. Each phase of my life it has been a guiding 'star'.
Catherine Scarvey
These guys!!! Still love them today maybe even more than when I was a kid. Always refreshing to hear them! I would love to see them live and about to check out their tour schedule. Have fun y'all...
Bijaluna8742 Aronow
Today this song came on the car radio. When I got home I listened to it again. So many memories came rushing back to me from my college days and the tears just flowed and flowed until there were no more. It was one of those bittersweet moments when the past and present came together in one giant burst of emotion. I decided I want this played at the closing of my funeral, which weirdly doesn't seem all that far away. Life is a trip!
Barbara Renovato
Singing my life but I still am working towards having a little peace of mind . This song has never failed to comfort me!
Francis F.
great harmonies, and tight backup, particularly with piano, flute and drums. This was the best song on a tour de force album. Lovely ending.
Jerry Sullivan
Been loving this tune for almost 45 years. First heard it at my dear passed friends home on Oregon Ridge, Athens County, Ohio. God rest their souls!! We went far... great tune for the ages! Everybody does want "Peace of Mind". AHH, the stories we could tell!
observer2020
Music that stands the test of time! Thanks Loggins and Messinga!
Windsong1a
This song grows sweeter and sweeter with every listen. Probaby because it brings such peace of mind. I've always loved the ending.