Name: ______________________________

Block: _____ Date: _________________

Carry On Wayward Son

LYRICS BY KERRY LIVGREN

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
Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this 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 dreaming
I can hear them say
Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man, well
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, 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
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry, dont you cry no more no more

Name: ______________________________
Block: _____ Date: _________________
According to songwriter Livgren, the song was not written to express anything specifically
religious, though it certainly expresses spiritual searching and other ideas.
Livgren became an evangelical Christian in 1980, and has said that his songwriting to that
point was all about "searching." Regarding this song, he explained: "I felt a profound urge
to 'Carry On' and continue the search. I saw myself as the 'Wayward Son,' alienated from
the ultimate reality, and yet striving to know it or Him. The positive note at the end
('Surely heaven waits for you') seemed strange and premature, but I felt impelled to
include it in the lyrics. It proved to be prophetic."

Assignment: In a multi-paragraph response, reflect on the theme

presented in this piece and how it relates to the events that took place
in the series, Supernatural. Explain what significance this title has?
What message can be inferred about the human experience?
This response will be a formal essay in standard MLA format. Present
a clear introduction, detail-supported analysis and explanations
followed by a concise conclusion.
Please refer to the writers checklist as you are writing your response to the prompt.
Writers Checklist

My paper has an effective beginning, middle, and end.

My paper includes effective use of paragraphing.
My paper stays on topic.
My paper flows smoothly from one idea to another.
My paper contains a strong controlling idea.
My paper includes specific and relevant details, reasons, and examples.
My paper used precise and vivid language.
My paper contains sentences that are clear and varied in structure.
My paper includes correct grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization,
and spelling.