As I’m reading the general comments below, I have to smile because it seems to me that no matter whether you feel that the song is about a loved one, religious, spiritual, or as suggested below the perils of our brave Vietnam soldiers, a commentary on Icarus (who was soaring ever higher but flew too high) or even Hamlet (who hears “the voices” when he’s dreaming — perhaps even the voice of his murdered father, King Hamlet, who is encouraging him to “carry on”)…….the point is that the song has touched the hearts and minds of listeners for 36 years! That is what makes this song truly great and lasting decade after decade.
When Kerry Livgren wrote the song for Kansas’ 1976 album, we don’t really know if he had a deeper intention for the song or if the lyrics meant something to him personally — perhaps a commentary on his own spiritual journey. Many serious Kansas fans believe that the song carries over from Masque album especially evident in the line: "...I stood where no man goes, above the din I rose..." with "din" being a synonymous for "confusion" as in “once I rose above the noise and confusion…”
The bottom line is that the hero’s (in this case the wayward son) spiritual journey has been an artistic genre for centuries and is powerful because the quest to find what is real and true is at the very core of who we are. The amazing musicianship, the ripping guitar solo, and touching lyrics are what keeps “Carry On Wayward Son” in the top 100 rock songs of all time and a favorite of even my 9 year old son.
As I’m reading the general comments below, I have to smile because it seems to me that no matter whether you feel that the song is about a loved one, religious, spiritual, or as suggested below the perils of our brave Vietnam soldiers, a commentary on Icarus (who was soaring ever higher but flew too high) or even Hamlet (who hears “the voices” when he’s dreaming — perhaps even the voice of his murdered father, King Hamlet, who is encouraging him to “carry on”)…….the point is that the song has touched the hearts and minds of listeners for 36 years! That is what makes this song truly great and lasting decade after decade.
When Kerry Livgren wrote the song for Kansas’ 1976 album, we don’t really know if he had a deeper intention for the song or if the lyrics meant something to him personally — perhaps a commentary on his own spiritual journey. Many serious Kansas fans believe that the song carries over from Masque album especially evident in the line: "...I stood where no man goes, above the din I rose..." with "din" being a synonymous for "confusion" as in “once I rose above the noise and confusion…”
The bottom line is that the hero’s (in this case the wayward son) spiritual journey has been an artistic genre for centuries and is powerful because the quest to find what is real and true is at the very core of who we are. The amazing musicianship, the ripping guitar solo, and touching lyrics are what keeps “Carry On Wayward Son” in the top 100 rock songs of all time and a favorite of even my 9 year old son.