Chained To The Wheel
DENVER JOHN Lyrics


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Know what you really need
You can't get enough
Too many mouths to feed
Ain't life enough
Call this survival
Don't pray for a sign

Know what you really want
You can't get it back
Down on the water front
Better watch out Jack
Nights on the mainline
Rust on the rail

I've seen 'em swindle this town
I've seen 'em tumble it down
I've seen red rivers, fire and steel
I've felt the thunder chained to the wheel

Know what you mean to me
Goes deeper than that
Can't fight your destiny
Don't know where it's at
Don't look for light
Or pray for a sign

I've heard the legends
I've watched the skies
I feel the power
The flame in your eyes

I've seen 'em swindle this town
I've seen 'em tumble it down




I've seen red rivers, fire and steel
I've felt the thunder chained to the wheel

Overall Meaning

In Denver John's song, "Chained to the Wheel," he talks about the struggles of life and how people continue to move forward despite their challenges. The song portrays the idea that life is a continuous cycle of ups and downs and that individuals must keep moving like a train on a track, chained to their destiny. The lyrics appear to suggest that it's crucial to understand one's needs and desires, and that they should be pursued with passion rather than solely enduring life in survival mode.


The song talks about how the singer has witnessed towns being swindled and destroyed with red rivers, fire, and steel. The theme of resilience in the face of adversity is prevalent throughout. Moreover, there's a sense of power portrayed by the singer, who's "seen" various situations filled with thunder and flames. Despite it all, the singer remains "chained to the wheel," moving forward despite these difficult circumstances.


In conclusion, "Chained to the Wheel" is a song of persistence, resilience, and the importance of holding on to your desires even in the most challenging of times. It's a song that motivates and encourages individuals to keep their eyes on their goals and pursue them relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles they may face.


Line by Line Meaning

Know what you really need
Understand what you truly require in life


You can't get enough
You have an insatiable appetite for more


Too many mouths to feed
You have a responsibility to take care of numerous individuals


Ain't life enough
Is existence by itself not adequate?


Call this survival
Consider this a fight for survival


Don't pray for a sign
Do not look for a divine indication


Know what you really want
Be certain of your desires


You can't get it back
If you lose it, you will not be able to recover it.


Down on the water front
At the dockside


Better watch out Jack
Be cautious and alert, Jack


Nights on the mainline
A lot of activity on the primary route


Rust on the rail
The rail has begun to rust


I've seen 'em swindle this town
I have witnessed individuals cheat this community


I've seen 'em tumble it down
I have seen this town crumble due to their actions


I've seen red rivers, fire and steel
I have encountered violent circumstances


I've felt the thunder chained to the wheel
I have experienced the intense physical and emotional labour of conformity


Know what you mean to me
You have a significant value to me


Goes deeper than that
It is a profound emotion that surpasses surface-level feelings


Can't fight your destiny
You cannot oppose your predetermined path


Don't know where it's at
You are unsure of your destination


Don't look for light
Do not count on finding a guiding light


Or pray for a sign
Avoid requesting a symbol from a higher power


I've heard the legends
I am aware of the stories passed down


I've watched the skies
I have observed the heavens


I feel the power
I sense a formidable energy


The flame in your eyes
The passion in your gaze


I've seen 'em swindle this town
I have witnessed individuals cheat this community


I've seen 'em tumble it down
I have seen this town crumble due to their actions


I've seen red rivers, fire and steel
I have encountered violent circumstances


I've felt the thunder chained to the wheel
I have experienced the intense physical and emotional labour of conformity




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JOSEPH VINCENT CAMILLERI, NICHOLAS ANTHONY SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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