Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Lost My Drivin
Roger McGuinn Lyrics
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My car broke down in Texas she stopped dead in her tracks
Just called to tell you that I need you
Just called to tell you how I feel
I feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
Feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
Took my money on the night train what a terrible fight
I want to tell you that I need you baby
I need to tell you just how I feel
I feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
Feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
Can't say much in a phone call baby you know how it is
I have to tell you one short thing oh won't you listen to this
I want to tell you that I love you baby
I want to tell you just how I feel
I feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
Feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
The lyrics of Roger McGuinn's song, "Lost My Drivin' Wheel" depicts the story of a person stranded in Texas whose car broke down in the middle of the night. Feeling helpless and lost, they call their loved one to share their feelings and tell them about their current situation. The opening line of the song, "I just came up on the midnight special, how about that?" refers to the old blues and folk song "Midnight Special" that was widely popular in the 20th century. This phrase is also a slang term used to describe late-night trains that prisoners would hope to catch in order to be released from jail.
The second line, "my car broke down in Texas, she stopped dead in her tracks," portrays the singer's struggle and frustration with his car breaking down in a strange place at an inconvenient time. The chorus of the song, "I feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel," suggests that the singer feels depleted of energy and motivation, and unable to continue or progress further. The singer then speaks about taking the night train and an ensuing fight to get his money back. Through these lines, the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability is conveyed. The song's bridge reiterates the singer's desire to be with his loved one and express his emotions. The song overall conveys a sense of nostalgia and longing, exemplifying the power of music to capture both emotion and memory.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I just came up on the midnight special how about that
I am surprised that I managed to catch the midnight train
My car broke down in Texas she stopped dead in her tracks
My car stopped working in Texas and I can't continue my journey
Just called to tell you that I need you
I called you to let you know that I require your presence
Just called to tell you how I feel
I called to express my emotions to you
I feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
I feel like an old vehicle that is unable to continue moving forward without its essential part
Feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
I still feel like a useless vehicle without my vital component
Took my money on the night train what a terrible fight
I had a terrible experience of being robbed while travelling on the night train
I gave my promise I would be there with you by Saturday night
I promised to be with you by Saturday night
I want to tell you that I need you baby
I really want to communicate how much I need you, my love
I need to tell you just how I feel
It's important for me to express my emotions to you
Can't say much in a phone call baby you know how it is
I can't say much over the phone because it's difficult to express everything
I have to tell you one short thing oh won't you listen to this
I have one important matter to discuss, can you please listen?
I want to tell you that I love you baby
I want to express my profound love to you, my dear
Feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
I still have a feeling of being useless without my vital part
Feel like some old engine lost my drivin' wheel
I still feel like I'm stuck in my situation without the means to move forward
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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