The group originally formed in Detroit, Michigan in [1964. At that time, they were known as The Flaming Embers. In 1969, they signed with the newly formed Hot Wax Records[citation needed], (the label founded by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Edward Holland, Jr.), after the band recorded for a number of smaller Detroit-area labels since 1965. They recorded for Ed Wingate's Ric Tic label in 1967, but when Gordy purchased Golden World/Ric Tic from Wingate, The Flaming Embers were not offered a contract with Motown.
The band dropped the "s" from its name and scored a pop and rhythm and blues hit with "Mind, Body and Soul" in 1969 (#26 on the Billboard pop singles chart), their signature song (and heartland rock antecedent) "Westbound Number Nine" (#24 pop, #15 on the Billboard R&B singles chart), and "I'm Not My Brother's Keeper" (#34 pop, #12 R&B), all released between late 1969 and late 1970.
The group's follow-up efforts such as 1971's "Stop the World and Let Me Off" were not as successful, and after changing their name to Mind, Body and Soul they spent the rest of the 1970s playing the Detroit bar circuit.
The band was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 1999, due to Jerry Plunk, who hailed from Jackson, Tennessee, where rockabilly was supposedly born. [1]
The Flaming Embers reunited briefly in the early 2000s and are in the process of completing a CD.
Spinning Wheel
Flaming Ember 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 song "Spinning Wheel" by Flaming Ember has a simple message of the ups and downs of life. The opening lines "What goes up must come down, Spinning Wheel got to go 'round" set the tone of the song, conveying the message that life is a constant cycle of highs and lows. The lyrics then talk about the singer's troubles and how it is a "crying sin" to keep talking about them. Instead, the song encourages the listener to ride a painted pony and let the spinning wheel spin, implying that we should let go of our worries and live in the moment.
The chorus then repeats the idea that if one has no money or home, they can always find solace in the Spinning Wheel. The lyrics then ask if the listener has found their directing sign, suggesting that we each have our own path in life to follow. Finally, the song encourages listeners to drop their troubles by the riverside as the spinning wheel continues to spin.
Overall, "Spinning Wheel" is a song about the cyclical nature of life and the importance of letting go of our troubles and living in the moment. It reminds us that we all have our own paths to follow and encourages us to embrace all the colors of life.
Line by Line Meaning
What goes up must come down
The natural way of things is that they rise up and then eventually fall back down.
Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
The wheel of life keeps turning and we have no choice but to go along with it.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles
When you speak about your problems, it's a sign of distress.
It's a cryin' sin
It's a sad and discouraging thing to do.
Ride a painted pony
Take a chance on life and enjoy the ride.
Let the Spinning Wheel spin
Allow natural events to happen without trying to control them.
You got no money, you got no home
When you're in a difficult situation with no resources, it's tough to make progress.
Spinning Wheel all alone
Despite feeling alone, life goes on and we must continue.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you
Focusing on your own problems leads to a self-centered viewpoint.
You never learn
We have the tendency to repeat mistakes, even when we know better.
Did you find your directing sign
Have you discovered your purpose or calling in life?
On the straight and narrow highway
Have you remained focused and steadfast in your pursuits?
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Do you need or want a reminder of your true path in life?
Just let it shine within your mind
Allow your intuition and inner voice to guide you.
And show you the colors that are real
Teach you what is truly important in life.
Someone is waiting just for you
The universe has a plan for you and has things in store, you just need to be open and willing.
Spinning Wheel spinning true
Even amidst chaos and uncertainty, the wheel of life continues to turn.
Drop all you troubles by the river side
Leave your worries behind and enjoy the present moment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Clayton-Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind