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Carry on Wayward Son
Kansas Lyrics


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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

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

Overall Meaning

The song "Carry on Wayward Son" by Kansas is often described as a progressive rock anthem due to its intricate instrumentation, soaring vocals, and deep, introspective lyrics. The song has been widely interpreted as a message of perseverance and hope, urging listeners to keep moving forward in the face of adversity and find peace in the end.


The opening lines of the song, "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," set the tone for the entire piece. It speaks of a journey, and the idea of finding peace and rest after a long and difficult journey. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for life itself, with the weary traveler representing every person who has struggled and persevered in pursuit of their dreams.


The lyrics go on to describe the singer's journey, from rising above "the noise and confusion" to facing "the stormy sea of moving emotion." Despite the challenges, the singer is urged to "carry on" and find peace at the end of it all. The song concludes with the powerful words, "Now your life's no longer empty / Surely heaven waits for you," suggesting that a life well-lived leads to a peaceful afterlife.


Line by Line Meaning

Carry on, my wayward son
Keep going, my lost child


There'll be peace when you are done
You'll find peace only when your journey ends


Lay your weary head to rest
Take a break, you're tired


Don't you cry no more
Stop crying, everything will be okay


Once I rose above the noise and confusion
I once found clarity amidst chaos


Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
To see beyond what is presented on the surface


I was soaring ever higher
I felt like I was flying towards my goal


But I flew too high
I achieved too much and lost myself


Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man
Even with knowledge, I was ignorant


Though my mind could think, I still was a mad man
Even with intelligence, my thoughts were chaotic


I hear the voices when I'm dreaming
I'm haunted by my own thoughts


Masquerading as a man with a reason
Pretending to have a purpose


My charade is the event of the season
My facade is what everyone's talking about


And if I claim to be a wise man, well
Even if I say I'm wise


It surely means that I don't know
I'm actually ignorant


On a stormy sea of moving emotion
In the middle of a turbulent sea of feelings


Tossed about, I'm like a ship on the ocean
Thrown around like a boat in a storm


I set a course for winds of fortune
I aimed for success


But I hear the voices say
But my thoughts discourage me


Carry on, you will always remember
Keep going, you'll never forget


Carry on, nothing equals the splendor
Continue, nothing is as wonderful


Now your life's no longer empty
Your life is now fulfilling


Surely heaven waits for you
You'll be rewarded for your perseverance


Don't you cry, don't you cry no more
Stop crying, everything will be okay and you won't need to cry anymore




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kerry Livgren

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Voltanaut

This song opens with literally the hairiest human being I have ever seen in my life.

@alexmartinez2393

You obviously never seen the abdominal snowman

@darinhall4912

lmao

@jesseg1968

HarryIsTheGamingGeek So what geek?

@darinhall4912

More like BIG FOOT he's the man

@fonsecorona

alex martinez LMAO Are you sure you didn't mean abominable??...Cause abdominal would be for a hairy belly! 😄😊😁

499 More Replies...

@zoietinula7669

Supernatural won't be complete without this song!

@jaye-trill9374

Just went back a rewatched supernatural not too long ago and every time this song came on I got chills😭

@lunadorflinger3988

Yes,

@vivivictoria6533

Yesssss

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