Arthur Jeffes has brought together a group of musicians to create Music fro… Read Full Bio ↴Arthur Jeffes has brought together a group of musicians to create Music from the Penguin Cafe (now known simply as Penguin Cafe), playing the music of his father, Simon Jeffes and the Penguin Cafe Orchestra and combining it with his own compositions.

The ensemble that Arthur has drawn together are about the same age as the original members of the PCO when they first started playing together in the late 1970s. Music from the Penguin Cafe began touring in June 2009 and continue to perform as Penguin Cafe. The band released their first studio album, A Matter of Life... in 2011.

Musicians in the Summer 2009 line-up included Rebecca Waterworth (cello), Andy Waterworth (double bass), Arthur Jeffes (piano, cuatros), Des Murphy (ukelele), Kath Mann (ukelele) Vince Greene (viola) Neil Coding (piano, ukelele), Tom Chichester-Clark (cuatro, guitar), Cass Browne (percussion) and Darren Berry (violin).

Further information can be found at http://www.penguincafe.com/

Wheels Within Wheels
Penguin Cafe Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Why wait if you can
Have it now?
Even if they say it's not allowed.
Even though it doesn't make you proud.
Lo and behold, it
Still turns around and around and around.

Wind it up and let

It go.
The inner workings of the
Happiness show.
Inside the mind of one who almost said
No.

Who's gonna hear it? and
How will they steer it? it could
End if you fear it. it always
Ends.

Let's slip inside the wheel and
Steal another round.

Overall Meaning

In "Wheels Within Wheels" by Penguin Cafe, the lyrics express the idea of seizing the moment and not waiting for permission or approval from others. The song begins by questioning the notion of waiting when one can have what they desire now, even if it is considered forbidden or not socially acceptable. It acknowledges the potential lack of pride that may come with going against the grain, but reveals that despite this, everything continues to revolve in its own cycle.

The lyrics also delve into the concept of winding up one's inner happiness and allowing it to be set free. The reference to the "Happiness show" suggests that happiness is a personal experience, governed by individual thoughts and emotions. The singer contemplates the possibility of almost rejecting this happiness, but ultimately decides to embrace it.

The song goes on to raise questions about who will listen to this outlook and how it will be influenced or guided. It mentions that the journey might come to an end if one fears it, implying that it is important to overcome fear in order to truly experience life. The closing line invites us to enter the wheel and partake in another revolution, symbolizing the continuous cycle of seeking happiness and fulfillment.

Overall, "Wheels Within Wheels" encourages listeners to embrace their own desires and happiness, even if it means going against societal norms or expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

Why wait if you can
Why delay in pursuing what you desire if you have the opportunity?

Have it now?
Obtain it immediately, without hesitation or postponement?

Even if they say it's not allowed.
Regardless of others' disapproval or prohibition?

Even though it doesn't make you proud.
Although it may not bring a sense of satisfaction or pride?

Lo and behold, it
Surprisingly, it

Still turns around and around and around.
Continues to revolve or repeat endlessly.

Wind it up and let
Activate or prepare it and allow

It go.
It to continue without restraint or inhibition.

The inner workings of the
The internal mechanisms or processes within

Happiness show.
The display or manifestation of joy.

Inside the mind of one who almost said
Within the thoughts of someone who nearly expressed