The Penguin: Lyric Interpretations: Dust

Dust

Written by Danny Kirwan.

Contributors to this interpretation included: Lesley, Chris Frohring, Marty and Lis, K.E. Gil, Ariel, and Giselle.

This song, composed by Danny Kirwan with lyrics taken from a Rupert Brooke poem, is known by many as one of his best. The words reflect how Kirwan felt toward his existence in 1972, as he was experiencing problems with his wife Claire as well as several members of Fleetwood Mac. The words may also be related to his resentment toward his father, who left him when he was a young boy (although clearer evidence of this anger may be heard in his song "Child of Mine".) The song, with its haunting chorus and slow tempo, is ironically beautiful for being so clearly about death. In this requiem, Kirwan is telling the world, "I exist, but I'm going to die. We're all going to stiffen in the darkness, alone." One can only imagine how Danny felt at this point, but this composition is a good indication- he was extremely depressed and introspective. His open sensitivity and macabre words may have been a request for help and support from the very people who were effectively casting him out of their circle and into his depression. His moodiness and drinking, however, might have made it hard for the group to remain close to him. This ballad is the core of Kirwan, his deepest thoughts on life manifested through the words of Rupert Brooke, who himself was deceased by the age of 28. Lulling and calming, but thought-provoking at the same time, Danny Kirwan's "Dust" is an exceptional canticle loved by many Fleetwood Mac fans.

Transcribed to HTML by Marty Adelson.