"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