The narrator sings about a woman who has been let down and abandoned by multiple men in her life, causing her to be wary of love and to guard her heart to avoid getting hurt again. The song emphasizes the importance of carrying on despite the pain and not letting past experiences dictate future happiness.

Meaning of "Carry On" by The Mayfield Four

The lyrics of "Carry On" reflect the theme of resilience and moving forward through pain and disappointment. The woman in the song has been hurt repeatedly by men who have promised her the world only to leave, causing her to build emotional walls and resist getting close to anyone to protect herself. The repetition of the chorus "carry on, carry on" serves as a reminder to push through the hurt and continue living despite the heartache, suggesting that closing oneself off from love completely is like being emotionally dead. The song acknowledges the reality of heartbreak and the fear of being hurt again but ultimately encourages the listener to keep going and not let past experiences define future possibilities for love and happiness.