Dust

Album: No One Else Can Wear Your Crown (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The opening track of No One Else Can Wear Your Crown, "Dust" was the song that gave the album its direction and mood. Oh Wonder's Josephine Vander Gucht explained to The Sun: "This was the first song we wrote where we were like, 'Ah! This could go somewhere!' It's basically a weird stream of consciousness with super-lush backing vocals and a simple, feel good chord structure."
  • Lyrically, the song is an encouragement to those weighed down by the state of the world.

    We're all made up of each other
    From dust to dust to dust
    You and me, the same, my sister
    From dust to dust to dust


    Oh Wonder explained to Billboard: "We wanted it to be a comforting reminder that in spite of everything, all humans are fundamentally the same and made up of the same matter. We should therefore have compassion and be there for each other, and let each other get on with our own business of "wearing our crowns."
  • The album title comes from the opening lyric on this song.

    When people try to get you down
    Remember that I'm here for you
    No one else can wear your crown
    It's yours, just yours


    Vander Gucht explained: "We realized it sums up the sentiment of the record. It's your life, and therefore you are the ruler of it. No one can tell you how to live."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang Van HalenSongwriter Interviews

Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.