Point Of Know Return by Kansas

Album: Point Of Know Return (1977)

Charted: 28

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Written by Kansas drummer Phil Ehart, violinist Robby Steinhardt, and frontman Steve Walsh, this was the first track from the band's fifth album, Point Of Know Return, released in October 1977. It was included in the album at the last moment, but became one of their most popular songs, still getting airplay on Classic Rock radio. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Edna - Madrid, Spain
The lyric is about a seafaring journey, with our hero joining a crew and heading into the ocean. He wonders when the ship will reach the point of no return, when there will be no going back.
Kansas set themselves apart on this song by arranging it like an orchestra, with interplay between violin, guitar and synthesizer. Layering vocals on top, it gave them a signature sound.
Kansas is indeed from the very landlocked state of Kansas, but they have a thing for nautical imagery as heard in this song. Guitarist Rich Williams has said that they think of themselves on a boat together, pulling in the same direction.
Note the title is "Point Of Know Return," which makes the song much more profound. There had been popular songs called "Point Of No Return" (one by Gene McDaniels, another by Adam Wade), but this was the first with the Kansas spelling.

Comments: 11

Antonio from CaliforniaYou are all wrong. It is a metaphor. The ship and crew are the band. The ship is the music journey and the choices they made to pursue this dream, and take a chance and know return means that they are all in for the long hall. And either they make it or they fall.
Janet from Fl"Point of know return" is when YOU actually know you are at the exact point from which there is no turning back. Until then, you believe you can always go back. JMHO
No Know No from U.s.@Angela from Indiana

Ironic response. "since" vs. "sense"
Angela from IndianaWhy is the spelling KNOW used it makes no since
Isn't it suppose to be The point of no return
Pat D. from St. Paul, MnJosh from Tennessee had the correct explanation for the use of the word "know" in the title. It's obvious if you look at the album cover. Though Kerry Livgren was religious and left Kansas to form his own Christian band A.D., this song had nothing to do with religion. Followed by the Nu Shooz 80s hit "Point Of No Return." Only the titles are similar.
Mark Robertson from VirginiaI believe the reason that the band (and of course Livgren who wrote most of the music AND lyrics) is punning on the word "no" changing it to KNOW because he is referring to when will we (christian believers) will KNOW that CHRIST is returning as prophesied in the bible. Livgren uses christian themes and adds to the mystery by framing the song as if WE are on a journey on earth comparing it to sailing on ship and "HOW LONG" will it be before we KNOW that Christ will again walk the earth and save his flock (Christians). Otherwise, why make the name of the album and song "Point of KNOW Return."
Diego from New MexicoDistinction - other songs, etc., already titled "Point of No Return". Might also allude to the "known" point of no return.
Josh from Tennessee“The outer outlook meaning of this song by KANSAS is about being in the mindset of a heroic sea Voyager going on a sea journey, believing the Flat Earth Theory that when you get to the point of 'know' return is the ''known'' edge marker[imaginary line] on that certain part of the ocean when reached, either to cross the line and keep going to explore the unknown further to it's edge, or ''stop'' and go back to the Familiar.”
Barry from New York, NcThis song was more typical Kansas than "Carry on Wayward Son." A very easygoing uptempo song without any guitars.
Frank from Rochacha, Nydoes anyone know why it is point of KNOW return and not NO return? Thanks
Robert from Bronx, NyState Farm Commercial (Asian Dude) LOL !

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Somewhere Out ThereLinda Ronstadt and James Ingram

The hit duet "Somewhere Out There" was written for an animated film about a family of immigrant mice who lose one of their young.

Mercedes BoyPebbles

"Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles is about a real guy she fell in love with - they both drove Mercedes when she wrote it.

Bust A MoveYoung MC

Young MC shows up in the George Clooney movie Up In The Air performing his hit "Bust A Move."

AngieThe Rolling Stones

"Angie" was the only ballad by The Rolling Stones to hit #1 in America.

Dirty WaterThe Standells

"Dirty Water" became a Boston sports anthem in the '00s, but it was written by a guy from California after almost getting mugged on a visit to the city.

Touch MeThe Doors

At the end of the Doors song "Touch Me," Jim Morrison chants, "Stronger than dirt!" The line is from an Ajax commercial where a white knight rides around destroying dirt.