The Old Spinning Wheel
Bob Crosby & His Orchestra Lyrics
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Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
Talkin' 'bout your troubles
It's a cryin' sin
Ride a painted pony
Let the Spinning Wheel spin
You got no money, you got no home
Spinning Wheel all alone
You never learn
Ride a painted pony
Let the Spinning Wheel turn
Did you find your directing sign
On the straight and narrow highway
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the colors that are real
Someone is waiting just for you
Spinning Wheel spinning true
Drop all you troubles by the river side
The Old Spinning Wheel is a classic song that speaks of the inevitable cycle of life. The first verse reminds listeners that everything that goes up must come down, and that the spinning wheel of life will continue to turn. The second verse speaks to those who have fallen on hard times, telling them that they are not alone and that they can find solace in the ride. This verse also reminds listeners that talking about their troubles is a natural and healthy thing to do.
The third verse urges listeners to look for their "directing sign" on the "straight and narrow highway," a metaphorical representation of life's journey. The song advises listeners to be mindful of the lessons they learn on this journey and to let the "reflecting sign" within their minds guide them toward the "colors that are real."
The chorus repeats the advice to "ride a painted pony" and to "let the Spinning Wheel spin," implying that life should be enjoyed and not fought against. Finally, the song concludes with the message to "drop all your troubles by the river side," thus bringing full circle the idea of life's cyclical nature and the inevitability of both ups and downs.
Line by Line Meaning
What goes up must come down
Everything that rises must also fall
Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
The cycle of life is ever-constant and must continue
Talkin' 'bout your troubles
Voicing your problems can be an outlet for emotive release
It's a cryin' sin
Suffering is an unfortunate aspect of human nature
Ride a painted pony
Mount the horse of life and let fate take the reins
Let the Spinning Wheel spin
Embrace the journey, whatever its outcome may be
You got no money, you got no home
Material possessions do not define one's worth
Spinning Wheel all alone
The experience of life can sometimes be a solitary one
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you
Addressing personal struggles can bring about self-awareness
You never learn
Ignorance can lead to repeated mistakes
Did you find your directing sign
Have you discovered the path you wish to take in life?
On the straight and narrow highway
On the moral and ethical route in life
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Would you accept a sign that leads to self-reflection?
Just let it shine within your mind
Let the light of self-awareness guide you
And show you the colors that are real
Reveal the truth that lies within oneself
Someone is waiting just for you
There is always someone out there who sees your worth
Spinning Wheel spinning true
The cycle of life continues faithfully
Drop all you troubles by the river side
Leave behind your emotional baggage and start anew
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Clayton-Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Magic_dawn
Bob Crosby seemed like a jack of all trades. Man was he talented.