What's on My Mind

Explore the dynamic sound of Kansas's 1976 rock track, "What's on My Mind." Featured on their landmark album Leftoverture, this song blends progressive rock complexity with driving energy. Steve Walsh's powerful vocals soar over intricate instrumentation, creating a classic Kansas listening experience.

Appearing on the multi-platinum 1976 album Leftoverture and later released as a single, "What's on My Mind" showcased Kansas's signature style. Written by Kerry Livgren, the song combines progressive rock arrangements, including prominent keyboards and guitar interplay, with the melodic accessibility that brought them mainstream success.

This 1976 track features the hallmarks of Kansas's sound: complex musicianship, soaring vocal harmonies led by Steve Walsh, and thought-provoking lyrics. "What's on My Mind" represents the band's unique fusion of progressive rock ambition and arena-ready power during their commercial peak.

SONG MEANING: The lyrics seem to delve into feelings of doubt, miscommunication, or unspoken tension within a relationship. The singer senses unease ("What's on my mind is in your eyes") and feels caught in a recurring cycle of uncertainty ("Seems like I've played this scene before"), struggling to understand their partner's true thoughts or the relationship's direction.