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Jen B asked in Entertainment & MusicMusic · 1 decade ago

Meaning of classic rock song by Kansas?

"Carry on my wayward son,

there'll be peace when you are done,

lay your weary head to rest

Don't you cry no more."

You know it, right?

My son has to plan a music video for this song for his music class. He was thinking of giving it a divorcing parents theme. I, for some reason, always thought it was about war. Anyone know the real thoughts behind the song? And if so, would my son's theme fit into the song anyway?

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  • 1 decade ago
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    Kerry Livgren wrote the song. It is pretty much a rallying cry to all those like himself to carry on their search for enlightenment. I think you can use any theme you choose. It sounds like a very original idea.

  • 1 decade ago

    Here's what some music critic says.......

    A band that does not get the credit it deserves is Kansas. I have yet to become intimately familiar with their work, since I just recently picked up their greatest hits. The piece everyone remembers is "Carry on Wayward Son." Although their are certain songs that are notorious for being misinterpreted, or the lyrics misunderstood, this one is by far. They're quite a few allusions to the Bible and Greek mythology in the lyrics, most noticeable "I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high", is like the Greek occurs.

    In other words he is splicing two major influences of western civilization into one piece, about a relatively simple subject matter. He takes these two extremely complex, monolithic parts of our culture, and focuses his new "outlook" upon the struggles of one particular man(probably himself, part of the success of most songs is people's ability to identify with it. Or they just enjoy the background noise, if they are the less erudite group of listeners. AC/DC fans;*cough, cough*)

    It is the sort of journey-man which most everyone can see something of themselves in. Firstly because the character is given no traits, other than being "wayward" which is purposely vague. After all, we are all on the the road of life, each and everyone of us are on the journey of some sort, at this very moment. It is a brilliant number, which has truly epic lyrics, and excellent instrumentation.

  • 1 decade ago

    You should just let your son's own imagination carry the video. Not other people's. Then it'd be more original.

    Let the song take *his* imagination with it. Where do the lyrics take *him*?

  • 1 decade ago

    Its about Jusus Christ. pay attention to the lyrics.

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  • 1 decade ago

    BOORRING Next question please.

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