About The Song
“Carry On Wayward Son” is a song by American rock band Kansas, released on their 1976 studio album, Leftoverture. The song was written by guitarist Kerry Livgren and became the band’s first Top 40 hit, reaching No. 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1977. The song has been performed live by the band on numerous occasions, including at the Canada Jam festival in 1978.
The song’s lyrics describe a man who has risen above the noise and confusion of the world to see beyond the illusion of reality. In general, the song is thought to be about the songwriter Kerry Livgren’s life and his experiences with his father. In an interview with Grunge, Livgren stated that the song is about his life, specifically about how he struggled to find his place in the world. He also stated that he believes the song is more about his personal journey than it is about any religious or biblical meaning, as some people may think.