wheels
Marty Stuart Lyrics


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Written by Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons

We've all got wheels to take ourselves away
We've got the telephone to say what we can't say
We all got higher and higher every day
So come on wheels and take this boy away
We're not afraid to ride
We're not afraid to die
So come on wheels, take me home today
Come on wheels, take this boy away

And when I feel my time is almost up
And destiny is in my right hand
I'll turn to him, who made my faith so strong
Come on wheels, make this boy a man

We're not afraid to ride
We're not afraid to die




So come on wheels, take me home today
Come on wheels, take this boy away

Overall Meaning

Marty Stuart's song Wheels was written by Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons, who were both members of the Byrds, an American rock band in the 60s. The song is essentially about the freedom that comes with traveling on wheels, whether it be in a car or on a motorcycle. The wheels can be seen as a metaphor for the journey of life, and how we all have the power to take control of where we want to go, and what we want to do with our lives.


The lyrics describe how we have different ways to communicate our emotions and needs, such as using the telephone to say what we can't say in person. It also highlights how we are constantly seeking new experiences and adventures, getting “higher and higher every day”. The chorus repeatedly calls for the wheels to take the boy away, which could be interpreted as a desire to escape from the mundaneness of everyday life and find new experiences on the road.


The second verse talks about the acceptance of mortality and the belief in a higher power. The singer turns to God for strength when they feel their time is running out, highlighting the importance of having faith in times of struggle. The song ends with the same chorus, emphasizing the desire for adventure and the belief in facing life’s challenges with courage.


Line by Line Meaning

We've all got wheels to take ourselves away
We all have the means to escape from our current situation, whether it's physical transportation or mental/emotional escapism.


We've got the telephone to say what we can't say
We have a communication tool that enables us to express what we're unable to verbalize in person.


We all got higher and higher every day
We're all seeking to improve our lives and reach greater heights on a daily basis, whether it's personal growth, career success, or material possessions.


So come on wheels and take this boy away
The artist is ready to leave behind his current situation and embark on a new journey of self-discovery and adventure.


We're not afraid to ride
We're unafraid of taking risks or venturing into the unknown.


We're not afraid to die
We're not afraid of death because we feel secure in our faith and spiritual beliefs.


Come on wheels, take me home today
The singer is ready to return to a place where he feels safe, comforted, and accepted.


And when I feel my time is almost up
The artist is reflecting on his mortality and the limited time he has left in life.


And destiny is in my right hand
The artist believes he has control over his fate and is responsible for shaping his own future.


I'll turn to him, who made my faith so strong
The artist will turn to God or a higher power for guidance and strength during difficult times.


Come on wheels, make this boy a man
The singer is seeking transformative experiences that will help him grow and mature as a person.




Contributed by Owen I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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