Nate Ruess has described the lyrics as having a therapeutic, "self-help" element, serving as a way to convince himself that everything will be okay.

Explore the official visuals and live renditions that define the anthem: Fun.: Carry On [OFFICIAL VIDEO] YouTube · Fueled By Ramen Fun.: Carry On (ACOUSTIC) YouTube · Fueled By Ramen Fun. - Carry On YouTube · PromoWest TV Fun.: Carry On (Beyond The Video) YouTube · Fueled By Ramen Critical Success & Impact

A key section features the narrator at a bar with friends, contemplating the mortality of their parents and neighbors.

The video intersperses these candid moments with clips from the band's sell-out tour, emphasizing the community and fans that help them "carry on".

One of the most notable scenes features the band dancing and playing in an empty Grand Central Station. The band actually managed to get onto the roof of the station for certain shots.

The band intended for the video to be an honest look at their lives during their rise to fame, featuring them hanging out in bars, eating dinner, and roaming the city streets.