Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas

Album: Leftoverture (1976)

Charted: 51 11

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This was written by Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren. According to Livgren, the song was not written to express anything specifically religious, though it certainly expresses spiritual searching and other ideas.

Livgren became an evangelical Christian in 1980, and has said that his songwriting to that point was all about "searching." Regarding this song, he explained: "I felt a profound urge to 'Carry On' and continue the search. I saw myself as the 'Wayward Son,' alienated from the ultimate reality, and yet striving to know it or him. The positive note at the end ('surely heaven waits for you') seemed strange and premature, but I felt impelled to include it in the lyrics. It proved to be prophetic."
This song can be seen as the continuation of the last song of Kansas' previous album Masque. As stated in the last verse of "The Pinnacle":

I stood where no man goes
Above the din I rose
Life is amusing though we are losing
Drowned in tears of awe

By definition in the Cambridge dictionary, "din" is a loud, unpleasant, confused noise which lasts for a long time. The first line of "Carry On Wayward Son" is: "Once I rose above the noise and confusion." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Rich - Trenton, NJ
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. Kerry Livgren wrote the song just two days before they started recording Leftoverture. At that point, the band was polishing the songs they had, not bringing in new ones. "I've got one more song that you might want to hear," he told the band, and when he played "Carry On," they knew it was a hit and made it the lead track on the album.
The a cappella vocals in the beginning of this song gave it a very distinctive intro. This worked well on rock radio stations where disc jockeys rarely talked over the music.
This song has appeared in several movies, including Heroes (1977), Happy Gilmore (1996) and Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded this for the 2002 compilation album When Pigs Fly: Songs You Never Thought You'd Hear. Cevin Soling, who put the compilation together, said: "The Oak Ridge Boys, I wanted them to do Nine Inch Nails' 'Closer,' and I had this wonderful arrangement worked out... this very 'Elvira' country version of Nine Inch Nails' 'Closer,' with all the doo-wops and poppa oom maus and everything. I could not wait to get them in the studio to work on that. I had alternate lyrics, you know, but they were still uncomfortable with doing that. So that kind of went back and forth and somehow 'Wayward Son' got thrown out there. I don't remember exactly who picked that one, but generally I'd give the artist a few choices and they sort of pick among them."
This song is featured in the South Park episode "Guitar Queer-O." In the episode, Stan and Kyle become obsessed with the video game Guitar Hero and often play to "Carry On Wayward Son." The song is played throughout the episode. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Matthew - Hawthorne, NJ
The album Leftoverture not only propelled Kansas to international stardom, it also saved the band for the time being. Kansas' previous record, Masque, was a commercial failure, and the progressive style of the band and their songs hindered their ability to get serious radio play. While he personally enjoyed the band, producer Don Kirshner gave Kansas one last chance: produce a hit record, or be dropped by the label. Overwhelmed and distressed with the predicament, the band returned to their hometown of Topeka, Kansas, to relax and begin writing for the next album.

Lead singer and keyboard player, Steve Walsh, began suffering from writer's block which hindered his songwriting contributions, and so it was left up to lead guitar player and lyricist, Kerry Livgren, to generate song ideas and lyrics. Sitting at his parent's home, in front of the family organ, Livgren composed the music for what would become "Carry On Wayward Son." In late 2011, Livgren stated in a short interview at his home that the lyrics were partially about himself and the struggles and pressures he was facing at the time when the band's career was on the line. The piano interlude and accompanying verse express how happy the band's success had made him, as well as how sad and fearful he was that it might possibly be over ("I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high"). However, the chorus expresses hope that everything will work out and that he must simply keep going. ("Carry on, my wayward son. There'll be peace when you are done").

In reality, the song was almost not included on the album, and thus contributes to the album's title of Leftoverture. The album title comes from the idea that many of the songs are leftover songs from the band's past. For instance, the string part at the end of the second track, "The Wall", was an old song idea that was added on to the end of the song for the record. The album, while met with mixed reviews by critics, was commercially successful, going platinum five times. "Carry On" became the bands' first Top 40 hit (peaking at #11), and is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. It gave Kansas the staying power it needed to keep producing records with Kirshner, and earned Kerry Livgren the reputation as one of the most respected musicians and lyricists in rock and roll. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Alex - Topeka, KS
This was used on The Office in the season 3 episode "Cocktails." It plays as Roy and his brother trash a bar after Roy learns of Pam and Jim's kiss.
This is considered the unofficial theme song of the CW series Supernatural, and is featured in all 15 seasons of the show as the anthem of the Winchester brothers. In 2017, the band played a surprise gig at Comic-Con San Diego and sang the tune for the 7,200 Supernatural fans in attendance.

Comments: 99

Helpfulguy2025 from La-la-lsnd, CaliforniaRE: Dan Diego from Tampa, Fl
On the song's John Brown reference:

Kansas featured John Brown on the cover of their eponymous debut album.

Also, according to Barry from Austin, Tx (posted earlier), Kerry Livgren told him that it was about John Brown.
Of course, that could have been a fib.

On your research, you are correct: Thus far, I have yet to find any credible references as to the John Brown inspiration.

Anybody out there that can clarify?
Dan Diego from Tampa, FlI first heard this song as the ending to the Henry Winkler/Sally Field/Harrison Ford Vietnam movie called Heroes. The funny thing is, I rewatched the movie decades later and as the movie ended, it did not play COWS but another song altogether.

A little research showed that Kansas refused to continue to license that song for the movie (because it had become so popular) so the producers had to come up with a different song for the movie’s ending released afterward.

Also, I’ve done quite a bit of research and the author of the song never mentioned that it was about John Brown.
Ria5000 from FloridaI just heard this song again after a long time and l8ved it again such a powerful song. I like that it's featured on supernatural series. But I want to add being Catholic it always reminded me of the story of the Prodigal Son
Helpfulguy2025 from La-la-land, CaliforniaAs pointed out, Kerry Livgren said this song was about John Brown and the 1856 Bleeding Kansas conflict, and apexing three years later with his raid at Harper's Ferry, VA (now W VA).

Also, this song was a hit when first released because it was came out two years after the end of the Vietnam war, when the Vets were still being shamed by the public. So, all the soldiers wanted to do then was to forget.
The song had some very comforting lines:
"There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest.
Don't you cry no more."

Half a century later, they still feel the pain.

Carry on, my wayward son.
Fanguy from West Palm Beach, FlIncredible song. First heard it when I was in Junior High. Due to length, it got limited airplay. My friends didn't really warm up to it, but the song called to me.

"Why?" said I.

As a gifted student who many envied, the most impactful lines back then were,
"Once I rose above the noise and confusion,
just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion..."
"Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man.
Though my mind could think, I still was a madman."
Also, the angelic acapella opening, and spiritual gothic organ sounds were subconsciously having their effect..

A year later, "the Fonz" featured it in a bomb of a movie, and the song was lost in the sands of time (...or so I thought.)

Imagine my delight when, years later, the song is featured annually on "Supernatural," and newer generations begin discovering it.

So, a bit of vindication: it seems my young friends WERE a bunch of philistines! ;D

Carry on, wayward son.
Jeff from BostonMusically this song seems to have been influenced by Bohemian Rhapsody which had been released a year earlier and which the band members would certainly have heard. Listen to the two songs back to back and you'll see what I mean.
H.g. Hallam from Michigan, UsaWas Steve Walsh's a capella vocal intro on "Carry on Wayward Son" double-tracked?
Ronsha from New JerseyNo offense, but screw Supernatural - this song has always been amazing even before the show began.
Sheila from Toronto Ontario Canada I think the song wayward son is the perfect piece for Supernatural everytime it's played on the show it sends chills down my spine, can't explain why but it does. They could not have chosen A better song for the Winchester Boys because they are WAYWARD SONS carry on.
Jazzmin Auvita Carter from Bainbridge GaI watched supernatural when I first heard this song.. the show is coming to an end but for this song is only the beginning because I will carry on this song through generations. I love supernatural.. I'm going to memorize the song and song it too my entire school one day..
Anthony from Guadalupe, AzIt's also heard on the popular CW series "Supernatural".
Anthony from Guadalupe, AzIt's used on the popular CW show "Supernatural"
Mel from Los AngelesI'm surprised at a few of the more far-reaching interpretations on here simply because, while I usually am the first to look deeper (sometimes ridiculously deep) into lyrics, I always thought this one song was very clear-cut...almost simplistic.

It's a life journey description...how difficult life can be but how a person should persevere, with a wrapup that there will be "peace" at the end - something I think pretty much everyone can agree on (either there's a heaven, or there's nothing...both equal peace).

I don't know, I really do think it's just that simple. It's every single person's mental struggle though we all think we're so unique in this - why is life so hard? Why do I so often feel I'm "different"? Why can't I just "behave" and do what I'm supposed to do? Is there a meaning to all of this? How come even when I plan, it seems like fate tosses me all around?

Though I love the song I feel that *the general idea* is so simple as to almost be childish.

By the way, I love all the songs on this album. Pretty much none of them except COWS were generally radio-playable due to their meandering nature, general spaciness, length, constant changes mid-song and so on (and obviously COWS was not only cut by bars but also sped up in several versions just for radio), but I think musically, this is a brilliant album.
Steve from UsFrom an interview I found on the internet Livgren describes this being inspired by his search for meaning and understanding. Specifically he mentions the desire to know "him or it".
This is a theme that's repeated in many places throughout history and I suspect in many if not most lives. That to me is the brilliance of the song: that it touches a common deep experience in the human consciousness.
To the person who relates the song to people wanting recognition for their spiritual search I would offer an alternative interpretation:
"If I claim to be a wise man it surely means that I don't know",
"I set my sails for winds of fortune but I hear the voices say...",
"...nothing can equal the Splendor."
There are a few out there I'm sure who understand those lines and the context.
For those who seek a higher meaning and get their answer some/many/?most? find it in contradiction to what our society teaches about success.
They also struggle with the desire to communicate that awareness and the realization that communicating it changes nothing, coupled with the constant doubt that they are anyone significant or knowledgeable enough to know or let alone be a voice for such a message.
They can also find their dreams and ambitions even relationships empty in comparison to what they experienced when they received their answer.

For a moment imagine that you knew everything was actually perfect and that the pain you saw people experience was only because they didn't understand. You would want to explain it to them, but you could not. And, given that you were the only person you knew that seemed to understand this, it would be completely practical to question if you weren't simply delusional. And yet every time you chose a direction to satisfy a "practical" objective for wealth or material accomplishment you remembered (or were reminded) that what you were setting yourself to accomplish would not come even close to equaling the true experience.

To me Ghandi is amazing because he jumped off a spiritual cliff. He followed the answer with nothing to confirm his course but his faith in the experience. I suspect this mirrors the story referenced by the poster in the Bhagavad Gita. Prince Arjuna's choice was to give up the reigns and let the voice (charioteer) drive. Essentially taking all his actions directly from what the experience dictated. Who wouldn't question his sanity? Without history to justify the outcomes who wouldn't question Ghandi's? Add to this that the choice wasn't made once and then he was committed to it. The choice was made constantly and every step the stakes grew. Ghandi blows my mind.

SOO rather than the seaker wanting recognition, I suspect what they desired most was confirmation and an end to isolation. Someone else to confirm they weren't insane and someone else they could relate with.
Bmn from Hisuan, ArgentinaI always assumed this song was about the story of Icarus. Now that I know it's about evangelism it's kind of ruined it for me.
Thegripester from Wellington, New ZealandThe transition riff is a complete copy, practically note-for-note, from Journey's pre-Steve Perry song "I'm Gonna Leave You." Greg Rolie and Neal Schon could easily have sued for plagiarism, but they let it slide, probably because right after "Carry On Wayward Son" became a hit, Journey soared to much higher record sales with "Infinity" and then "Evolution" the next year. Not that I'm a Journey fan by any means, just a Bay Area music fan.
Dane from Mobile, AlLinda, The Raid was in Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Being from West Virginia, I would assume you would know that in 1859 then Harper's Ferry was in the Commonwealth of Virginia but that when the Commonwealth seceded from the Union that several counties remained in the Union and formed the state of West Virginia. The song is about John Brown.
Linda from Parkersburg, WvHailie, John Brown's raid was Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, not Virginia.
Mae from Columbus, OhThis song is about me/you. We are the wayward sons. Didn't you ever sense for just a second you knew why? Then it was gone. I can hear but I can't listen. I can see the forest but not a tree. I keep trying but I keep making mistakes. So when I'm done heaven will be waiting for me. I'll finally be at peace. That's what the voices tell me.
Barry from Austin, TxAll the entries are good, but I actually obtained a backstage pass to a Kansas concert in Seattle in the late 70,s. I asked Kerry L. about that particular song (its one of my personal favorites)and he said that it was about John Brown the famous abolitionist...Rock on!
Steve from Torrance, CaIn at least two interviews published online, former Journey manager Herbie Herbert claims that Kansas stole the music of this song from a Journey song called "I'm Gonna Leave You". It appeared on their second album, Look Into the Future, earlier in 1976.
Barry from New York, NcThis song might give you the impression that Kansas was a hard rocking guitar band. Definitely a lot of guitar riffing going on within. However, Kansas usually tended to produce ballads featuring acoustic guitar and violin. Also a lot of reliance on keyboards such as organ and moog synthesizer for their "progressive rock" numbers.
Haile from Copperas Cove, TxLooks like only two commenters got it right. This song was written about John Brown the famous abolitionist who was a descendent from God fearing Quakers but beleived in change by violence. His famous raid @ Harper's Ferry,VA failed because of some treachery and also the Blacks for whatever reason failed to back him up. Wonderful tribute to his legacy and may he rest in peace.
Rosco from St. Clair, Mocarolyn. this is carry on my wayward son NOT icarus(born on wings of steel) if you listen to both songs, you'll find that your discription and what the song reminds you of is pretty much icarus.
Ryan from Anahola, HiAlthough the song sounds great, it was recorded in a swamp in Louisiana, where the band had to chase away armadillos during the recording.
Danny from Jefferson, IaI used to think that the song was based on the "Prodigal Son" in the Bible, but then I found out that Livgren wrote it before he became a Christian. It's still a great song.
Carolyn from Detroit, Mithis song reminds me of the greek myth aboud daedalus and icarus, where daedalus was commissioned to build a labyrinth for the minotaur because he was so smart. King Minos forced daedalus and his son icarus to stay on the island with the labyrinth, so daedalus made wings for himself and icarus so that they could escape. Icarus flew too high and his wings melted and he died :(
Vince from Duluth, MnThis song is about the person on the cover of their first album - John Brown, who was instructed by his visions and voices from God to brutally battle against slavery in Kansas, and later at Harpers Ferry. Great song!
Tyler from Muscatine, IaI would have to say that it is a song "from god to jesus"
Marcus from Houston, TxThis song was featured on the past seasons of all the season finales of the tv show "Supernatural". Great climax for a show.
Tim from Clarkdale, AzI agree with above note that in the song Carry On, Kerry is describing a personal and bonafide mystical experience. Experienced by relatively few people, describing a mystical event is in itself nearly impossible, can only be partially achieved with poetry or analogy. Kerry rises to the challenge. I have never had a mystical experience but I envy those that have.
Candice from Salisbury, NcOne of the only Kansas songs I enjoy.
Hunter from South West, MiI thought this song was about Gandhi
a)He was for civil disobedience-"wayward son."
b)He Was for the Independence of India- "There will be peace when you are done."
c)March To The Sea - "lay your weary head to rest"
d)Independence Gained - "Now your life's no longer empty"
e) Gandhi's movement Is Huge - "My charade is the event of the season."
f)Gandhi Was assassinated - "Surly heaven awaits for you"
Stu from Philly, PaKrokus covered it too, dropped it down a couple keys. made it even more kick-@$$. One of the greatest songs ever! The Wall is amazing too - to me it was about being on a long, seemingly fruitless journey searching for something that is always just out of reach. And at the end of the song, finding it at long last, and basking in the joy it brings. That instrumental outro from that song is what my bride and I walked out from during the wedding ceremony's recessional.

My band, Raised On Radio, loves covering this song.
Renee from Seattle, WaThis could easily be (though not saying that it actually is) a reference to the Bhagavad Gita, one of the Hindu holy texts. In the Gita, Prince Arjuna, in the midst of a terrible civil war, suffers a crisis when he sees how kinsmen are fighting kinsmen. He hunkers down in his chariot overwhelmed and refuses to fight. Lord Krishna, who has come to him in the form of his charioteer, reveals himself and counsels Arjuna that he must carry on on this path, that it is his destiny, and that he will find spiritual salvation in the end. (That's a *really* simplified summary, but you get the gist.)
Renee from Seattle, WaThis could easily be (though not saying that it actually is) a reference to the Bhagavad Gita, one of the Hindu holy texts. In the Gita, Prince Arjuna, in the midst of a terrible civil war, suffers a crisis when he sees how kinsmen are fighting kinsmen. He hunkers down in his chariot overwhelmed and refuses to fight. Lord Krishna, who has come to him in the form of his charioteer, reveals himself and counsels Arjuna that he must carry on on this path, that it is his destiny, and that he will find spiritual salvation in the end. (That's a *really* simplified summary, but you get the gist.)
Alex from Chicago, IlI absolutely enjoy this song. The lyrics themselves are very ambiguous. The multitude of interpretations on this website has ensured that Kansas' job has been successfully completed. The ambiguity of the lyrics is what makes it amazing. That's what I love about this song anyway.
Roy from Tunnel Hill, GaThis song is relaxing and somewhat comforting to me.
It comforting to me when I tune in KZ 106 in Chattanooga after a average day of hearing about some type deadly crimes.
Then I hear this song and release my stress knowing
there will be peace and rest someday away from the madness of the earth.
Pickerel from Cascade, IdI think it may be a song expressing the secret desire for recognition even among those that claim otherwise. Many 'spiritual' or world-changing experiences are, unfortunately, someone wanting to be able to claim that they have had an experience. Self-searchers often are only going off to gain the recognition of those who they leave. They want to be able to return and hear that their absence is recognized, and that their supposed travels and experiences are acknowledged... making them somehow special...
"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" ... perhaps the attempt to gain some inkling of enlightenment, to think of things in new ways, was fruitless, or unattainable... This is either the true story of the failure, or the story told by the returner.
"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... (CHORUS)"
This could refer to, when one goes on said search, to those which do not suceed in any life-changing experience, but still desire the recognition. They know they have gained nothing, but the desire for recognition is still there...
"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" Blatant admission of the above...
"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" Torn by this desire, the person still attempts to find some inkling, some meaning they missed, but no mater how they try to hide it, their true hidden motive is still for this recognition...
"Carry on, you will always remember
Carry on, nothing equals the splendor
Now your life's no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you"
And the recognition is gained... people glorify the idea of having some great experience. And the subject of the song is surounded by those putting them on a pedestal, saying 'you have done well, SURELY heaven waits for you'... it sounds almost sarcastic, almost trite...
Nicole from Chicago, IlThis is a great song. It was featured in "Supernatural" and fit really well. :) It has a very memorable chorus and rhythm.
Dan Seekell from Kokomo, InOnce 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.
Although my eyes could see I still was a blind man, although 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 ...

I can't help but to think that this is a reference to gaining understanding, only to be misunderstood by those the author has left behind.

Sounds like Plato's Cave Story, or the book of a similar theme, Johnathon Livingston Seagull.
Chad from Los Angeles, CaAwesome singing+Awesome guitar=awesome song
Jess from Atlanta, GaThis song was also covered by Yngwie Malmsteen on his 1996 tribute/cover album Inspiration.
Amber from San Francisco, CaGreat song from a great band!
Morten from Sydney, AustraliaLove this song. Introduced to it through Guitar Hero 2 on X-box 360. I think the message is to stop worrying and live your life!

Morten, Australia
Jake from Green Bay, WiCarry on my wayward song is awesome!
Encore! Chya! Encore!
Taco from Salem, Nh"Carry on my wayward son
For there'll be peace when you are done"

That reminds me of a soldier going to war. Thats what I think this song is about.
Brian from Springfield, VaIt really sounds to me like someone's contemplating suicide and the song goes both ways. Do and don't.
Brian from Springfield, VaGuitar Hero didn't make this song popular. South Park did. The tab became the 3rd most viewed at Ultimate-Guitar after Guitar Queer-O aired.
Leslie Ann from Port Of Spain, Trinidad And Tobagoused at the end of anchorman..the legend of ron burgundy too
Raph from London, United KingdomThis is strongly allegorical for Macbeth;

1) Wayward son - Hecate calls Macbeth a wayward son when she is reprimanding the witches.

2) There'll be peace when you are gone - Macbeth was a tyrannical king, so there would be peace when he was gone.

3) Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion - the witches show Macbeth many ilusions and convince him that they are real.

4) But I flew too high - Macbeth 'flew too high' as he took on the king.

5) Though my mind could think I still was a madman - Macbeth descends into madness as his evil increases.

6) I hear the voices when I'm dreaming - Macbeth is haunted by voices and ghosts.

There are countless oters, but I cba to do them now...
Erin from Baton Roge, LaI always associated this song with Vietnam. It came out about 2 years after Vietnam was over. Best Kansas song by far.
Kate from Wakefield, MaI'm probably the only one, but does this song remind anyone else of "Hamlet"? Everytime I hear it I can't help but think how perfectly it fits with the play.
George from Waynesburg, Kyrecently used in south park season 12 Episode 5 "Guitar Queer-O"
Lee from Brigg, Englandthis song kicks ass on g h 2
Sean from Toney, AlI beleive it might be about Jimi Hendrix as it says "I can hear the voices when i'm dreaming" and "Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion" as known, Jimi Hendrix was on medication for Hallucination. BTW, I didn't take this from Wikipedia, I was the one who added it.
Jonathan from Omagh, IrelandThis is a classic but another piece of info. It is also featured on a television show called 'Supernatural'.
Garoud from Arica, Chileto those like me who live outside US or UK, this song was actually eclipsed by "dust in the wind" as kansas most significant work, later GH brought it back and it has increased its popularity.
as a former soldier I can say that this song is , for me at least, about finding peace after long journeys of fighting (not only because of my work), but as in fighting in your life, struggling for the things that you want even though sometimes you fly too high and fall, the message is that "there will be peace" when you are done, after life struggles you can't let your weary head to rest and not cry anymore.
to all my fellow soldiers who fought alongside me in an unsung war...we will rest someday...vortex, thor, you know who you are
Karen from , MiYeah, I definitely agree about Guitar Hero making the song even more popular. I have friends that know next to nothing about this kind of music, but love this song because of Guitar Hero.
Nick from Edmonton, CanadaYou have to agree with me when I say that this great song got an even bigger mass apeal and following because of Guitar Hero II
Karen from Somewhere, MiI really love the piano part in the background of this song. I've had some difficulty finding it though. =[
Sega from Philadelphia, PaI think this song fits really well for Nick Berg (so does Miracles Out of Nowhere, especially the first verse!)...
Adam from Sparta, WiAnother song that can mean alot to a person in they put themself in it...one of my all tiem favorites
Cheryl from Raleigh, NcI was amazed that noone mentioned terminal illness. It has special meaning for me because I believe it is the caregiver giving the dying person permission to die. "Lay your weary head to rest, don't you cry no more!" "Surely heaven waits for you"
I heard this on the radio after asking my departed friend what I could do for his wife. I was blown away. Sounds weird but worked for me.
Graham from Surrey, CanadaI think this was their biggest song ever.
John from Pottstown, PaThis is a great song but "The Wall" by kansas, to me is better and more important. I think "The wall" is about the ego. Not the ego as in ego, super ego, and id but all three put together. The line - " The weight of indecision's in the air, Standing there, The symbol and the sum of all that's me, It's just a travesty" I think he is saying he is the wall, or at least the part of him that keeps him from enlightenment. There is this great quote - " The gates of enlightenment open upon the death of the ego" - J. Schmanek. We are all conected to pure conscieousness and the thing that keeps us from "seeing the light" is that we are centered on our egos and not are true selves which is pure conscieousness. A good reference would be Deepak Chopra's The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. The knowledge is actual old as time it self. But this is all just my opinion, think what thou whilst.
Richard from Anniston, AlThis song was covered by an all-girl Christian band called Rachel Rachel in the early 90's, from their (I think) first album. Livgren appeared in the video to do a guitar break.
Bill from New York, NyAs to every garage band playing it, I'd love to take my car there; it's actually a difficult song to play. :) Someone mentioned the marching band...I've heard that version...rock on! - Bill Evans (with Kerry Livgren)
Erich from Inverness, FlThe song is actually about Icarus, in which they have 2 other songs(Icarus and Icarus II). The boy and his father who plan to escape prison by crafting their own wings and flying away. Icarus in either a heroic move or stupidity tries to fly to the heavens and his wings melt and fall apart sending him to his death.
Brad from Kalamazoo, MiThis song is great but it tends to eclipse their other songs... they have some great ones
Jim from Columbus, OhTo me, the best Kansas song is "The Pinnacle" from "Masque".
Jacqueline from Detroit, MiI heard this song can also be about someone fighting in Vietnam... kind of talking about a soldier who is fighting ("carry on my wayward son), or even one about to die ("there'll be peace when you are done"). Just a thought.
Mike from Pittsburgh, PaIt does give refrence to Jesus struggle to save us and his life while trying to understand what he was doing. It can also be translated into diffrent spiritual refrences but the true meaning lies with livgren. It still gives hope to everyone who wants to really listen to it
Ben from Parkersburg, WvThis song is strikingly similar to John Brown's pre-Civil War raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry West Virginia. (it was Virginia at the time) John Brown was one of the greatest historical "rebel-rousers" and an agressive abolitionist (person against slavery). John Brown and a small group of slaves siezed a hevily guarded federal arsenal and then became surrounded by reinforcements. While he was inside the complex, but surrounded by the U.S. Army, he wrote a diary talking about how he thought he was right, but he also wondered if mabe he was going insane. This seems oddly familliar to the lines about thinking he's a mad man and seeing he's a blind man. Annother odd similarity is that John Brown lived in the state of Kansas, also being the name of the band who wrote thi song, and carried out several loval raids there after the Kansas-Nebraska act. There are a lot of other similarities between John Brown and "Wayward Sun" if you want to look him up, he's a well know historical figure.
Patrick from Humboldt, Iaaccording to my band teacher, this is the song that every garage band in history has played.
Dave from Cardiff, WalesThis was the closest that Kansas ever came to scoring a big hit in the UK - they also had another near miss with "Play The Game Tonight"
David from Mesa, AzI always thought this was from Macbeth. Act III, Scene 5, Hecate, queen of the witches, reprimands the trio of witches which interferes with Macbeth and Banquo: "And, which is worse, all you have done/Hath been but for a wayward son". Indeed, Macbeth claws for power, hears voices, and his weary head rests (albeit displaced from its body).
Phil from Niagara Falls, CanadaThis song is Kansas' best. It also appears in "Happy Gilmore". I think you hear it when Happy is driving in to his first golf tournament.
A great song in a great movie =D .
Mark from Lincoln, Ne"Miracles Out of Nowhere" is another excellent song from this album.
Patrick from Des Moines, IaThis is a Great song but I think the best Kansas song has to be Song For America
Alec from Winnipeg, CanadaAlso works good as a war song, for there'll be peace when you are done...
Travis from Phoenix, Nygreat song but i think Dust in the Wind is better
Logan from Troy, MtCarry On, Wayward Son is good, but The Wall (Not to be confused with Another Brick in the wall by Pink Floyd) is one that's so powerful to me, I just can't make out what it means. And Carry on clocks in at about 4:23.
Mike from Winnipeg, CanadaHow long does this clock at?
Gautam from Rockville, MdThe influence of Greek Mythology is there. When he says "I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high", it's an allusion to the Greek Icarus.
Ken from Elizabethtown, NyKerry Livgren did convert to Christianity later, but this song came much earlier, so I don't think it was based on the parable of the Prodigal Son. Livgren was always a spiritual, philosophical, searching person and his lyrics reflect this. He wrote an autobiography called "Seeds of Change" (the title of his first solo album) that gives an interesting insight into his career and his point of view. For example, when young he was interested in the "mind expanding" claims of psychedelia but not in drugs, so he made for himself a device he called a "head box" that he would put over his head. In addition to having two small speakers inside there were mirrors, lights, and even small paintings - he would try to create a psychedelic experience for himself this way without using drugs. He knows this was silly, but it gives an idea how inquisitive he was and how much he was seeking that higher meaning in life. His early lyrics draw from many spiritual sources - Greek mythology, native spiritualism, etc. He and I may have come to different conclusions about things, but I always admired his sincerity and the intense searching for truth that are expressed in his lyrics. That is what this song is about - not a fallen, prodigal son but a searcher who feels so close to the truth, but cannot quite grasp it.
Shana from Detroit Rock City, CanadaThis song is in "Happy Gilmore".
Joe from Ocala, Flthey also had a song called Hold on that was fandamntastic
John from Stephenville Crossing, CanadaOne of Kansas' best songs. One of my favourite songs! Relates to life so much
Rob from Sleepy Hollow, NyIt was also featured in a movie called Heros with Henry Winkler its at the end of the movie
Paul from Malibu, Ca"dust in the wind" is good too
Brian from Grand Forks, NdKerry Livgren the author of the song is very religious and the Song Carry on Wayward Son was based on the Story of the Wayward Son in the Bible... Luke 15:11-32
Mitch from Battle Creek, Mikansas kicks ass. i am in marching band and we play this song
Cody from New York City, NyThe guitar in this song is amazing.
Mike from Mountlake Terrace, WashingtonI agree, the best Kansas song -- EVER!
AnonymousI think this song is about a religious/mystical experience of Kerry Livgren. It most certainly is one of many songs that express his consuming spiritual quest.
Brock from Coalport, Pabest song i ever heard!!
Bryan from Colorado Springs, CoI would have to disagree. I think Point of Know return is better.
Bob from Levittown, PaBy far the best Kansas song...ever.

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