"Carry On Wayward Son" was written by Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren for their 1976 album Leftoverture. According to Livgren, the song was not written to express anything specifically religious, though it certainly expresses spiritual searching and other ideas.
This was the group's first major hit, and like their next one, "Dust In The Wind," it was a last minute addition to the album.
Kansas - Carry On Wayward Son - Live from Canada Jam 1978
Lyrics
Carry on my wayward son
For 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 the 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 dreamin', I can hear them say
Carry on my wayward son
For 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
For there'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
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
For there'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
Songwriters: Kerry Livgren / Kerry A Livgren
Carry on Wayward Son lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC