In 1968, this version by Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity became a hit in the UK, peaking at #5 on the UK Singles Chart. With its use of distortion, phasing, the evocative imagery of the song's title and the group's flamboyant dress, this version is closely associated with the psychedelic era in British music. Driscoll recorded the song again in the early 1990s with Adrian Edmondson as the theme to the BBC comedy series Absolutely Fabulous, whose main characters are throwbacks to that era.
This Wheel's On Fire
Julie Driscoll Brian Auger & The Trinity Lyrics
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We were goin' to meet again and wait
So I′m goin' to unpack all my things
And sit before it gets too late
No man alive will come to you
With another tale to tell
But you know that we shall meet again
If your mem'ry serves you well
Rolling down the road
Best notify my next of kin
This wheel shall explode!
If your mem′ry serves you well
I was goin' to confiscate your lace
And wrap it up in a sailor′s knot
And hide it in your case
If I knew for sure that it was yours . . .
But it was oh so hard to tell
But you knew that we would meet again
If your mem'ry serves you well
This wheel′s on fire
Rolling down the road
Best notify my next of kin
This wheel shall explode!
If your mem'ry serves you well
You′ll remember you're the one
That called on me to call on them
To get you your favors done
And after ev'ry plan had failed
And there was nothing more to tell
You knew that we would meet again
If your mem′ry served you well
This wheel′s on fire
Rolling down the road
Best notify my next of kin
This wheel shall explode!
The song "This Wheel's On Fire" by Julie Driscoll Brian Auger & The Trinity is a unique song that is full of metaphors and symbolism. The lyrics convey the idea of a relationship that has ended and the central character knows that they will meet again as they have unfinished business. The line "If your mem'ry serves you well" implies that events may not have ended well, but the singer is convinced that they will meet again.
The singer decides to "unpack all my things and sit" before it becomes too late indicating a desire to have a conversation before it is too late. No man could bring the singer another tale to tell as they are determined their ex will remember them if their "memory serves them well." The singer also warns that "this wheel's on fire" and is "rolling down the road," and the best thing would be to "notify my next of kin" as the "wheel shall explode" proposing that the situation and emotions are volatile.
The song is beautifully written, and its lyrics are full of metaphors and symbolism. Although it is not clear what the wheel represents, it may be interpreted as life or relationships, and the fire may signify passion or volatility. The song's mood is melancholic but not entirely pessimistic. The singer is convinced that they will meet again, indicating a sense of hope even if things have not ended very well.
Line by Line Meaning
If your mem′ry serves you well
If you can recall our past interactions accurately
We were goin' to meet again and wait
We had planned to reunite and spend time together
So I′m goin' to unpack all my things
I am settling in for a while
And sit before it gets too late
Take a rest before it gets dark
No man alive will come to you
No one will approach you
With another tale to tell
With a new story or excuse
But you know that we shall meet again
But we will definitely see each other again
This wheel′s on fire
This situation is rapidly and dangerously deteriorating
Rolling down the road
Progressing relentlessly towards a catastrophic end
Best notify my next of kin
Family should be informed of the perilous situation
This wheel shall explode!
The situation will reach a devastating climax
I was goin' to confiscate your lace
I was planning on taking away your belongings
And wrap it up in a sailor′s knot
And package it up in a particular way
And hide it in your case
And return it to your luggage
If I knew for sure that it was yours . . .
If only I could confirm that I was taking the right things
But it was oh so hard to tell
But it was incredibly difficult to distinguish your belongings from others
You knew that we would meet again
You were certain that we would see each other again
You′ll remember you're the one
You should recall that you were the instigator
That called on me to call on them
You asked me to ask for assistance from others
To get you your favors done
To help you accomplish your goals
And after ev'ry plan had failed
After all our strategies fell through
And there was nothing more to tell
When there was no other option or explanation
Writer(s): Bob Dylan, Dylan Bob
Contributed by Audrey R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@childrenofminervaofficial4316
The ULTIMATE version of this song. It has an ethereal sensuality that no other version has.
@joemartines3545
No one does Bob Dylan like Bob Dylan...
@MikeBlitzMag
TRUTH!! The ultimate version indeed.
@grayjclifford3793
This rendition by Julie Driscoll has nothing on Bob Dylan's recording of his 'This Wheel's on Fire '
@stevekirk5009
I wouldn't say that, it completely misses Brian Auger letting rip at the end.
@asboukcomfortable1670
Love this kooky classic, gorgeous on a long motorway drive! Uk 🇬🇧
@geofflloyd6761
Im 75 and this still passes the test of time
@JRBNinetynine-mf6gy
But do you?
@santiagosanchezblanco9430
Oh Yeah!Geoff.It's one piece for every time.
@suebradford5758
I got Tingles ✝️ when I read your Comment 😁❤👍