Whenever I listen to this song I think about Vietnam Vets and the surreal existence they entered into, both on the field and at home. From a theological perspective the lyrics parallel the prodigal and the patience of his father, discussed by Jesus in the New Testament.
I am unsure as to whether or not the Vietnam Veterans experience underpin the lyrics. However, I do not think that it is a stretch to suggest such a connection, primarily because the war officially ended in 1975 and ‘Carry on Wayward Son’ was released in 1976.
37 years on Kansas can still play – ‘thumbs up for dignified rock’… lest we forget.