Spinning Wheel
New Jersey Kings Lyrics


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What goes up must come down
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
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you
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

Overall Meaning

"Spinning Wheel" by Blood, Sweat & Tears is a song that explores the cyclical nature of life. The chorus, "What goes up, must come down; Spinning wheel, got to go 'round" reiterates that life happens in cycles, with ups and downs, and that change is constant. It suggests that if you are experiencing a difficult time or burdened with troubles, they will pass and the wheel will keep spinning.


The verses focus on the personal struggles of an individual, who has no money, no home, and continues to speak about their troubles. The chorus urges the listener to "ride a painted pony" and allow the Spinning Wheel to turn, meaning to find enjoyment and solace in the little things in life, and to find beauty in the cyclical nature of life.


The bridge of the song poses a question, "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." This portrays the importance of introspection and reflecting on one's path in life. It encourages the listener to look within themselves and find their true authentic self, to find the sign that will direct them on their journey. The bridge also suggests that there is someone waiting for the listener, someone who will spin with them, suggesting a sense of companionship and that no one is alone in this journey called life.


Line by Line Meaning

What goes up must come down
Things that go up must eventually come back down


Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
The Spinning Wheel must continue turning


Talkin' 'bout your troubles
Discussing your problems


It's a cryin' sin
It is unfortunate to be upset all the time


Ride a painted pony
Immerse yourself in the joys and pleasures of life


Let the Spinning Wheel spin
Let life run its course without trying to control everything


You got no money, you got no home
You are struggling financially and have nowhere to live


Spinning Wheel all alone
Facing life's challenges by yourself


Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you
Complaining about your problems and yourself


You never learn
You never seem to improve or grow from your experiences


Ride a painted pony
Enjoy the pleasures in life


Let the Spinning Wheel turn
Let life unfold as it may


Did you find your directing sign
Did you find your calling or purpose in life?


On the straight and narrow highway
On the path of righteousness


Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Would you like a sign that reflects what is true in your life?


Just let it shine within your mind
Allow the sign to brighten up your thoughts


And show you the colors that are real
And reveal the true opportunities in your life


Someone is waiting just for you
There is someone out there who is waiting to connect with you


Spinning Wheel spinning true
Life's journey will continue regardless of your current state of being


Drop all you troubles by the river side
Forget your problems for a while and enjoy the simpler things in life




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Clayton-Thomas

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Kre Porter

This one GREAT jam! Phunky, and Tyte! What more do you WANT?!? David Clayton Thomas WAS a bit melodramatic, no?

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