wheels
Emerson & Newton Lyrics
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He was still hard at work even then
He didn't notice the change in her hair
Or the candles that burned everywhere
She went off to bed all alone
He didn't notice she'd gone
And it takes all her strength to hang on
She's on the edge of a circle watching him spin around
They can't find the center, how lonely that feels
She's stuck in a heartache, he's spinning his wheels
He crawls into bed after two
With a head full of things he should do
And he makes it quite clear with his kiss
She's no longer on top of his list
There are times when she can't feel his love
So she remembers the way that it was
And she'll hold on tight till he does
She's on the edge of a circle watching him spin around
They can't reach each other until he slows down
They can't find the center, how lonely that feels
She's stuck in a heartache, he's spinning his wheels
Oh, he's on a rise to the top
She won't ask him to stop
Just please don't forget her
Oh, he's so blinded by pride
She'd be right by his side
If he would just let her
They can't find the center, how lonely that feels
She's stuck in a heartache, he's spinning his wheels
She's stuck in a heartache, he's spinning his wheels
These poignant lyrics depict a disconnection and lack of communication in a relationship, with the focus on the dynamics between a hardworking man and his neglectful partner. The man's dedication to his work is consuming, to the point where he is indifferent to the changes in his partner's appearance or the effort she puts into creating a romantic atmosphere with candles. This neglect makes her feel unseen and unappreciated, illustrating the emotional distance between them.
The woman's loneliness and longing for connection are palpable as she watches her partner go about his life, seemingly oblivious to her feelings and needs. The imagery of her being on the edge of a circle while he spins around suggests a sense of isolation and being unable to reach each other due to his constant motion and lack of awareness towards her. This emotional distance leaves her feeling stuck in a heartache, while he remains preoccupied with his own pursuits and struggles to slow down and truly see her.
Despite her attempts to hold on and cling to the memories of their past love, the woman continues to feel the ache of their disconnect. The man's late-night return home and lack of regard for her emotions further deepen the divide between them, with his actions making it clear that she has slipped lower on his list of priorities. The lyrics beautifully capture the complexity of their relationship, with the woman yearning for him to pause, acknowledge her pain, and recognize her as a significant presence in his life.
The final verses reflect the woman's silent plea for recognition and validation from her partner, as she struggles to cope with the emotional turmoil of feeling abandoned and overlooked. The repetition of "She's stuck in a heartache, he's spinning his wheels" drives home the central theme of the song - the poignant contrast between her emotional turmoil and his disengaged state. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing, frustration, and unfulfilled desire for connection in a relationship strained by neglect and emotional distance.
Line by Line Meaning
He didn't get home until ten
He was late coming home
He was still hard at work even then
He was still busy working
He didn't notice the change in her hair
He didn't pay attention to her appearance
Or the candles that burned everywhere
He didn't notice the romantic setting
She went off to bed all alone
She went to sleep by herself
He didn't notice she'd gone
He didn't realize she left
And it takes all her strength to hang on
She is struggling to hold on to the relationship
She's on the edge of a circle watching him spin around
She feels like she's on the outskirts of his life
They can't reach each other until he slows down
They can't connect until he stops being so busy
They can't find the center, how lonely that feels
They are unable to find their emotional connection
She's stuck in a heartache, he's spinning his wheels
She is heartbroken while he is stuck in unproductive behavior
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY SCOTT BURR, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind