It’s Songful Style time again, linking up with my lovely co-hosts Shelbee and Marsha, and this month my song choice is Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas. Last month, Shelbee chose the song , The Greatest Man I Never Knew by Reba McIntyre.
This is one of those songs that feels like it’s always existed. Even if you don’t think you know it, you absolutely do. That opening riff is instantly recognisable and slightly dramatic in the best possible way. Kansas released it in 1976 on their album Leftoverture, and it ended up becoming one of their biggest and most enduring hits. What I love about it is that it’s not just a catchy rock song – it’s layered, theatrical, and oddly spiritual.
The lyrics are all about searching, struggle, and finally finding some kind of peace. “Carry on, my wayward son, there’ll be peace when you are done” is basically a line that hits harder the older you get. Back when I first heard it, it just sounded epic. Now it feels comforting in a slightly world-weary, you’ll-be-alright-in-the-end kind of way.
Kansas themselves are interesting too. They were part of that 70s progressive rock wave, but they didn’t go fully weird and inaccessible. They mixed complex arrangements with proper melodies, big choruses, and lyrics that actually meant something. Also, they really leaned into denim. A lot. When you look at photos of the band, there’s jeans everywhere, and yes – at least one member rocking what can only be described as dungarees or overalls. And then there’s that glorious velvet jumpsuit moment in the video. Very of its time. Very confident.
Now… Supernatural.
This song and Supernatural are basically soulmates. Carry On Wayward Son became the unofficial (and eventually official) anthem of the show, playing at the start of the season finales as a kind of recap montage. If you’ve watched the series, that moment when the song kicks in is emotional, nostalgic, and slightly goosebump-inducing every single time.
I watched Supernatural up until around season 9 or 10, and then it all got a bit… strange. But I fully intend to go back and finish it, because Sam and Dean Winchester are just iconic. Two brothers, a big black car, classic rock, monsters, angels, demons, and a whole lot of emotional baggage. The show really leaned into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, fate, and free will – which makes the song choice even more perfect.
Carry On Wayward Son isn’t just background music in Supernatural; it’s a mission statement. Keep going. Keep fighting. Rest later. Very on brand.
So when it came to my outfit, I wanted to nod to all of this without going full cosplay. I kept coming back to the denim-heavy look of the band, especially that mix of jeans and jumpsuits, so I went with a denim jumpsuit. At first I kept calling it dungarees, then overalls, then I gave up and accepted that it’s just a jumpsuit and that’s fine.
It feels relaxed, slightly retro, and very wearable – which matters to me. I liked the idea of echoing that 70s rock vibe without looking like I was heading to a fancy-dress party.
I had intended to add a cross necklace as a subtle reference to the band member in the velvet jumpsuit, who also wears one. But I realised I sold the only cross I had (which I’d inherited), because I’m not in the least bit religious! So I just wore the two necklaces I now wear all the time. I haven’t mentioned them before because one of them I bought myself for my 50th birthday. It’s from a woman in Ireland who I found on Instagram who makes the most beautiful, and magical jewellery. The one I chose is a silver hawthorne branch. You can find her at @ruburobinboutique. And the other one was a gift from my dear friends (also for my 50th) and is a Pandora necklace with a cat paw print. But I digress…
And for shoes? Sneakers. Always sneakers. Comfort is non-negotiable, and I also love how trainers take the edge off a jumpsuit and make it feel more everyday. Plus, they just look cool. No justification needed. These are super old, from Skechers, but I love their retro vibe. I love them so much I have them in black, white and red!
I chose a black handmade made for me by my bestie, Sarah, who makes the most beautiful bags (I have so many lol). I added a black and white striped, wide, strap as a nod to the guitarist in the video who uses a strap with a similar vibe.
This was such a fun one to interpret. Nostalgic, dramatic, a little rebellious, and very me. And honestly, any excuse to revisit Carry On Wayward Son and think about 70s rock bands and monster-hunting brothers is a good excuse in my book.
Do go and check out how Shelbee and Marsha styled Carry on Wayward Son – it’s always fascinating to see how the same song can inspire such different outfits. Add your outfits to the link-up, below, and be sure to join us the same time next month when we’ll be styling Marsha’s song choice, I Love Rock n Roll by Joan Jett! That should be fun!
Carry on, wayward souls.
