Who's behind the notes? Discover Kansas: Pioneers of American Progressive Rock
"Carry On Wayward Son" is a famous rock song by the American band Kansas, and it's closely associated with the state of Kansas. Here are some interesting facts about Kansas and the song:
Rock Anthem: "Carry On Wayward Son" is often considered one of the greatest rock anthems of all time. It was released in 1976 as part of the album "Leftoverture" and has since become Kansas's most iconic song.
Kansas Band: Kansas, the band behind the song, was formed in Topeka, Kansas, in 1970. The group's members initially met at Topeka's Washburn University.
Lyric Inspiration: The lyrics of "Carry On Wayward Son" were written by Kerry Livgren, the band's guitarist and keyboardist. The song's lyrics are introspective and philosophical, dealing with themes of life's journey and purpose.
Chart Success: The song was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple of classic rock radio.
Supernatural: "Carry On Wayward Son" gained renewed popularity among a younger generation due to its inclusion as the unofficial theme song for the popular TV series "Supernatural." The show often used the song in its season finales.
Kansas State Song: Despite not being the official state song of Kansas, "Carry On Wayward Son" holds a special place in the hearts of many Kansans and is often considered an unofficial anthem for the state.
Kansa Native Americans: The name "Kansas" is derived from the Kansa tribe, a Native American people who inhabited the region before European settlement. "Kansas" means "People of the South Wind" in the Kansa language.
Geographic Center of the U.S.: Lebanon, Kansas, is recognized as the geographical center of the contiguous United States. It's marked by a monument known as the "Geographic Center of the United States Monument."
Dorothy and Toto: Kansas is famously known as the setting for L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The story's protagonist, Dorothy, is a young girl from Kansas who embarks on a magical journey to the Land of Oz with her dog Toto.
Tornado Alley: Kansas is part of Tornado Alley, a region in the central United States known for its frequent and powerful tornadoes. Tornadoes are a common natural occurrence in the state.
"Carry On Wayward Son" and the state of Kansas share a special connection, as the song has become an enduring symbol of both the band and the state's cultural heritage.