About The Song

“Carry On Wayward Son” is a song by American rock band Kansas, released on their 1976 studio album, Leftoverture. The song was written by guitarist Kerry Livgren and became the band’s first Top 40 hit, reaching No. 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1977. The song has been performed live by the band on numerous occasions, including at the Canada Jam festival in 1978.

The song’s lyrics describe a man who has risen above the noise and confusion of the world to see beyond the illusion of reality. In general, the song is thought to be about the songwriter Kerry Livgren’s life and his experiences with his father. In an interview with Grunge, Livgren stated that the song is about his life, specifically about how he struggled to find his place in the world. He also stated that he believes the song is more about his personal journey than it is about any religious or biblical meaning, as some people may think.

Video

Lyrics

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more

Ah

Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high

Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I’m dreaming
I can hear them say

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more

Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man
Well, it surely means that I don’t know

On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Tossed about, I’m like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune
But I hear the voices say

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more no!

Carry on
You will always remember
Carry on
Nothing equals the splendor
Now your life’s no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry
Don’t you cry no more

No more!