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Have you ever felt like a “wayward child,” stumbling your way through life’s noise and confusion? The classic song “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas captures the heart of every spiritual journey — the search for meaning, the weight of mistakes, and the hope of peace when the struggle is over. In today’s message, I’ll explore how this classic song mirrors the Christian life and together we’ll discover that even when we wander, God gently urges us to carry on.
It has been awhile since I have written a message based on a secular song. Many of you have emailed me to say you enjoy it when I do this. So, let’s see what message this well-known rock song can give us. Plus, a song with the words “Carry On” seems like a good follow up to last week’s message about tripping over the hurdles of life. Permit me to put forth these modified lyrics of this famous song:
Carry on, my wayward child
There’ll be peace when your time is done
Lay your weary head to rest on My Son
And don’t cry any more
The copyright for the lyrics of “Carry On My Wayward Son” is owned by Don Kirshner Music, Inc./Don Kirshner/Blackwood Music/EMI Blackwood Music/EMI Music Publishing. The song was written by Kerry Livgren of the band Kansas.
The opening lines of Kansas’s classic rock song, “Carry On Wayward Son,” have echoed through radios, concert halls, and hearts for nearly five decades. What some may not realize is that these lyrics are not just a catchy rock anthem — they are the honest cry of a man searching for truth. The lead singer for Kansas later revealed that this song reflected his own deep spiritual hunger.
Take a moment and listen to this familiar song. Try to listen this time with a new Christian perspective.
In many ways this song tells the story of the Christian journey. It is the story of every soul that has ever wrestled with the meaning of life, staggered under the weight of their mistakes, and longed for peace on the other side of the struggle.
As Christians, we know that we are all “wayward sons.” Scripture says, “We had all gone astray like sheep, all following our own way” (Isaiah 53:6). The human story is a story of wandering. Like the prodigal son, we often chase after our own desires, thinking we can find fulfillment apart from the Father. Yet, even in our waywardness, the Father watches and waits, eager to welcome us home.
The lyrics are raw and honest. They do not sugarcoat the struggle. “Once I rose above the noise and confusion, just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion.” How many times have we tried to rise above the noise of the world, desperate to glimpse the deeper reality we were made for? The Christian life is a journey toward clarity, toward truth, and ultimately toward God.
As Christians we know we must Carry On. The refrain is both gentle and urgent: Carry on, my wayward son. There’ll be peace when you are done. In a world where it’s so easy to be discouraged, these words remind us that the race is worth running. St. Paul wrote, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Christianity does not promise an easy life. On the contrary, Jesus told us, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Carrying on, and persevering, is the heart of discipleship. It’s about getting back up after every fall, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient even when we feel most broken.
Storms will come. The song acknowledges that the journey is not without hardship: “Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man; Though my mind could think, I still was a madman.” How many times have we thought we had everything figured out, only to realize we were still blind to the truth? As one who has personally been blind, physically and spiritually, these words touch my heart.
In our Christian walk, there are moments of confusion, moments when our strength falters, and when the temptation to give up feels overwhelming. Yet, the song reminds us to lay our weary heads to rest, not in defeat, but in hope. Christ says to each of us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
We all seek peace. Perhaps the most powerful message of “Carry On Wayward Son” is the promise of peace. True peace is not simply the absence of conflict, it is the presence of Christ. Peace comes when we surrender our waywardness and find our home in Him.
This song beckons us to a deeper spiritual transformation. We must always seek after Christ. No search for meaning is ever wasted when it leads us to the arms of God.
Maybe today, you feel like a wayward son or daughter. Maybe you’ve stumbled again, wandered off course, or simply grown weary from the climb. If so, take heart. You are not alone. Your struggles do not disqualify you. In fact, they are often the very place where grace enters.
Carry on, my friends. Press on in your spiritual journey. The road is not always easy, but the destination is glorious. There will be peace when we are done. For as Scripture promises, “He who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Don’t cry anymore. The Father is waiting. Carry on!
Heavenly Father, help me always to persevere in my faith. Never let me be parted from you. Help me to endure the trials in life that come my way. Guide me always in the way of light. Amen!
AMDG
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
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I like it when you use old songs. Was very good. It’s been a lazy day. A long nap. I just woke up to your good message. The fact that God is ready to receive us is so wonderful. Thanks for this song and message. .
Well said here! Did not know this song. Paul Simon had a lot to write about disillusionment and search for identity in his songs (back in my era) but I don’t recall that he identified the solution resting in Christ.
This message came at the perfect time as I have been struggling with many of these issues over the past few weeks. So often I just want it to be over, but there’s much to do.
Thanks for your very helpful message.
God Bless You