Born in Brooklyn, Lee moved to Montreal at the age of 28 in 1970. She toured North America in the 1970s as a jazz drummer and tenor saxophonist. She subsequently landed a starring role playing Billie Holiday in Lady Day, and won a Dora Mavor Moore Award for her performance. She subsequently began recording as a vocalist, releasing her first album Live at the Bijou in 1984.
She wrote and starred in Dark Divas, The Musical, a tribute to the lives and careers of seven of the most popular female jazz singers of the 20th century: Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, Pearl Bailey, Lena Horne, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.
Her music appears in the animated short film Black Soul (2002).
She is also a children's book writer (author of Nana, What Do You Say?); an educator, long associated with the University of Laval in Quebec City and the Schulich School of Music of McGill University; and she hosted the television series The Performers
Spinning Wheel
Ranee Lee 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
In Ranee Lee's song Spinning Wheel, the lyrics tell a story about life's ups and downs. The chorus, "What goes up must come down, Spinning Wheel got to go 'round," suggests that life is unpredictable and full of both good and bad times. It's easy to get caught up in our troubles, but it's important not to dwell on them, as that's a "cryin' sin." Instead, we should "ride a painted pony," let go of our troubles and let the spinning wheel of life continue to turn.
The second verse seems to speak to those who feel lost or alone. "You got no money, you got no home, Spinning Wheel all alone," implies that the singer is addressing someone who has hit rock bottom. But even when we feel as though we have nothing left, we can still let go of our troubles and move forward. "Ride a painted pony, Let the Spinning Wheel turn" encourages us to keep going, and to trust that life will keep moving forward.
The final verse suggests that finding direction in life isn't always straightforward. "Did you find your directing sign On the straight and narrow highway" implies that even when we think we're on the right path, we may need to adjust our course. The line "Would you mind a reflecting sign? Just let it shine within your mind and show you the colors that are real" suggests that we need to look inward to find direction. Someone out there is waiting for each of us, but we need to let go of our troubles and find the courage to move forward, "Spinning Wheel spinning true. Drop all your troubles by the riverside."
Overall, Spinning Wheel is a song about the uncertainties of life, and the importance of perseverance and letting go of our troubles. It's an uplifting reminder that no matter how difficult life may be, we can always keep moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
What goes up must come down
The law of gravity applies to all things in life.
Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
Life continues to move forward and actions have consequences.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles
Focusing on problems only creates more sadness and negativity.
It's a cryin' sin
Lamenting over difficulties is a waste of emotion and energy.
Ride a painted pony
Take a journey of creativity and imagination.
Let the Spinning Wheel spin
Allow life to unfold as it may and enjoy the journey.
You got no money, you got no home
When stripped of material possessions, what remains is the true essence of a person.
Spinning Wheel all alone
Life can sometimes feel lonely and unpredictable.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you
Focusing on personal problems can create a sense of isolation.
You never learn
Repeating the same mistakes leads to stagnation and lack of growth.
Ride a painted pony
Take a journey of authenticity and self-discovery.
Let the Spinning Wheel turn
Allow life to bring about unexpected experiences and embrace change.
Did you find your directing sign
Have you discovered your life's purpose or passion?
On the straight and narrow highway
Life travels along a predictable and structured path, but there are still opportunities for adventure and growth.
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Do you welcome introspection and self-evaluation?
Just let it shine within your mind
Allow the light of self-awareness to illuminate your personal journey.
And show you the colors that are real
Allow your authentic self to radiate and be seen by others.
Someone is waiting just for you
There are people in the world who will appreciate and love the true you.
Spinning Wheel spinning true
Life continues to move forward, bringing ups and downs, but ultimately leading to growth and self-discovery.
Drop all your troubles by the river side
Release the burden of past problems and allow reflection to occur in a peaceful and serene environment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Clayton-Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind