Music and Poetry-Song Analysis

Music and Poetry-Song Analysis Activity

By Edward Lawrence

​Directions: Using the TPCASTTS model and the questions below analyze the lyrics to the song “Carry on my Wayward Son.” You will also listen to the song to compare the musical value to the meaning of the lyrics in the questions below. “Carry on Wayward Son” is a classic rock song written and performed by the band Kansas. It was recorded in 1976, and the band has said the song is meant to be “autobiographical” by relating to singer’s spiritual journey and how that connected with their musical career. The song was meant to be self-encouraging.

​“Carry on my Wayward Son” Kansas (1976)
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
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
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 my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more no!

​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
Don't you cry no more
No more!

Open Ended

  Using connotation, what words stick out as motivational or inspiring? Provide at least two examples and explain.

Open Ended

When listening to the song, what images come into your mind? Explain.

Open Ended

  How does the music in the song relate to the lyrics? Is the music more uplifting and positive in nature? If so, explain how.

Open Ended

  Think of the other poem “If-” that we read earlier in this unit. How does the “Wayward son” relate to the theme of that poem?

Open Ended

How can music like poetry be inspirational? Which one do you think can reach a larger audience and why?