Also, music and sounds from the motion picture Anchorman, starring Will Ferrell.
Carry On Wayward Son
Anchorman Lyrics
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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
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
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
The opening verse of Carry On Wayward Son speaks to the listener, directing them to persevere through the struggles of life. The phrase “my wayward son” implies a sense of directionlessness and possibly even rebellion, but the message assures the listener that despite whatever they may be going through, in the end, there will be peace. The second verse refers to a past experience where the singer soared above “the noise and confusion” to see beyond an “illusion.” This experience allowed them to see a bigger picture, but also led to their downfall as they flew too high and became a “blind man.” Despite this, they still acknowledge that they are a “mad man” and continue to hear voices in their dreams.
The third verse paints a picture of someone who is “masquerading as a man with a reason.” This person is putting up a front, pretending to have it all figured out, but in reality, they do not. They are “tossed about like a ship on the ocean” and constantly being bombarded by their own emotions. Despite this, they set a course for the winds of fortune, knowing that their journey will not be an easy one. For the choruses, the lyrics repeat the opening verse, serving as an uplifting reminder to the listener that they should keep pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Carry on my wayward son
Keep moving forward, even when you feel lost and unsure of your path
There'll be peace when you are done
Eventually, you will reach your goal and find rest and contentment
Lay your weary head to rest
Take a break and allow yourself to relax and recover from the stresses of life
Don't you cry no more
Don't let your emotions overwhelm you; stay strong and persevere
Once I rose above
I overcame my difficulties and obstacles
The noise and confusion
The chaos and distractions of the world around me
Just to get a glimpse
To catch a fleeting glimpse of something better or more meaningful
Beyond this illusion
Beyond the false or misleading perceptions of reality
I was soaring ever higher
I was achieving greater heights and accomplishments
But I flew too high
I became overconfident and lost touch with reality
Though my eyes could see
Even though I could perceive what was happening around me
I still was a blind man
I was still ignorant or unaware of certain important truths
Though my mind could think
Even though I was intellectually capable of understanding things
I still was a mad man
I was still prone to irrational or illogical thinking
I hear the voices when I'm dreaming
I am haunted by memories or thoughts that I can't shake off
I can hear them say
I am reminded of my past and my mistakes
Masquerading as a man with a reason
Pretending to be someone who has a clear purpose or intention
My charade is the event of the season
My act or façade is popular and well-known
And if I claim to be a wise man
Even if I profess to have knowledge or insight
It surely means that I don't know
It's likely that I am actually ignorant or misguided
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Navigating through strong and unpredictable feelings and experiences
Tossed about, I'm like a ship on the ocean
Feeling lost and out of control, like a boat in rough waters
I set a course for winds of fortune
I aimed for success and good luck
But I hear the voices say
But I am reminded of my past and my struggles
Carry on, you will always remember
Keep going, and you will never forget the experiences that shaped you
Carry on, nothing equals the splendor
Continuing is worth it, because there is nothing as beautiful or meaningful as life itself
Now, your life's no longer empty
You have found meaning and joy in your life
Surely heaven waits for you
You will have peace and happiness, whether in this life or the next
Don't you cry, don't you cry no more
Stay strong and keep going, no matter what hardships you face
Contributed by Abigail F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paul Bucher
This isn't from the album, there's always a funny bit from will Ferrell to start it off. :(
João Melo
I’ve searching it for a while, since it was removed from Spotify. Honestly, the little speech before the music plays was one of my favorite part.
aslan pedersen
What scene did they play this song in I wonder?
Freddie Foster
End credits
Samantha Preston
Hey