Point Of Know Return

Album: Point Of Know Return (1977)
Charted: 28
Play Video

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

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.