Much like their hit "We Are Young," the track uses a triumphant melody to mask heavy subject matter, including themes of potential suicide and the fear of failure.
One of its most famous sequences features the trio dancing in an empty Grand Central Station late at night.
"Carry On" became a staple of early 2010s pop culture, further fueled by high-profile performances:
The lyrics depict a narrator taking refuge in a bar with friends, contemplating the fragility of life while resolving to keep moving forward. The "HD" Music Video Experience
The official music video for "Carry On", directed by , provides a gritty, honest look at the band's life in New York City .
"Carry On" was written during a period when lead singer was grappling with deep personal doubt and the mortality of those around him.