Carry On Wayward Son

What do you guys think about my favorite song "Carry On Wayward Son" from Kansas' 4th studio album Leftoverture? I have never understood what the song was about... Can anybody tell me?

Hi Kansasforlife.
I'm Dave from Australia. 'Carry On' chronicles Kerry Livgren's spiritual quest for truth. He uses many metaphors like 'sailing', 'blindman', 'madman' and 'soaring' to illustrate his search. He mentions in his book, 'Seeds of Change' how he tried and followed many paths that all led to dead ends, until he found Christ. In this song, he is still a pilgrim looking for the way to heaven.
Cheers Dave.

Yes, I've also noticed those metaphors in many of his songs. Even though I'm an atheist I really admire Kerry's spirituality :-)
Michael.

Hi Michael,
Good to meet you via your website. Great band and common ground for us to share.
Kerry's book is worth reading if you can track down a copy. I hear he is revising and expanding another edition. It's a fairly straight history of the band, Kerry's influences and his spiritual quest. He's probably a little too hard on Walsh in places but they are good friends today(according to an interview I read somewhere by Steve). 'Carry On' is the first song I heard by Kansas back in 76-77 in a pub I used to frequent as a young man (I turn 50 this year). The song stood out from the rest of the trash on the Juke-box. That was my introduction to this great band. Thank you Michael, for your interest and forum.
Cheers Dave.

Good to meet you too, Dave. I've looked quite long for the book but I don't think I can buy it here in Germany. But of course I'll keep looking out for it.
Hey, that's cool, 'Carry on' was also my first Kansas song! I first heard it when I watched an episode of the TV series "South Park" that included it and I immediately thought: "Wow, I have to check this band out!"
Michael.

I love the song 'Carry On'. I don't know what the song was meant to be but for me it is just about keeping on doing your best no matter what the world throws at you.

Yeah, that might really be a part of the song's deeper meaning, but I think Dave's explanation up there is pretty much bringing the basic message to the point ;D