She now resides in Monaco and has recently sold her London apartment. Many of its furnishings were auctioned for charity. Two very popular 'Audiences With Shirley Bassey' have aired on British TV, the most recent being in March 2006.
In 2006, UK retailer Marks and Spencer hired Bassey for their Christmas advertising campaign, with Dame Shirley singing a cover of P!nk's 'Get the Party Started'.
In late 2009 Bassey released 'The Performance' her first studio album for two decades, which was released in a maelstrom of anticipation. Still popular well into one of the longest and most illustrious musical careers in British and indeed international history, Bassey is considered by Brits to be a national treasure.
Spinning Wheel
Shirley Bassey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The song "Spinning Wheel" by Shirley Bassey is a hauntingly beautiful number that explores the transient nature of life. The opening lines "What goes up must come down, spinning wheel got to go 'round" suggest that life is a continuous cycle of ups and downs, much like a spinning wheel that always keeps moving. The lyrics urge listeners to let go of their worries and troubles, as they are just tears wasted on a crying sin. Instead, the song encourages them to ride a painted pony and let the spinning wheel spin. The line "you got no money, you got no home, spinning wheel all alone" speaks of the helplessness that one feels when caught up in the vicious cycle of life. The spinning wheel is a metaphor for the constant motion of our lives and the inevitability of change, for better or for worse.
The second half of the song talks about finding one's direction in life. The line "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" urges listeners to look deep within themselves to find their true path in life, represented by a directing sign. The lyrics suggest that the colors of life are real, and that it is up to us to find them. The final line "drop all your troubles by the river side" is an invitation to cast away our worries and troubles and surrender to the flow of life.
Line by Line Meaning
What goes up must come down
Everything that rises will eventually fall.
Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
Life is a continuous cycle of ups and downs.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles
Constantly focusing on your problems is a pity.
It's a cryin' sin
It's a sad act of wrongdoing.
Ride a painted pony
Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Let the Spinning Wheel spin
Let life take its course.
You got no money, you got no home
Being financially or socially disadvantaged does not define you.
Spinning Wheel all alone
Feeling isolated during life's ups and downs is normal.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you
Focusing solely on yourself and your problems can be toxic.
You never learn
Ignoring life's lessons guarantees repeating past mistakes.
Did you find your directing sign
Have you found your purpose in life?
On the straight and narrow highway
Are you on the right path to fulfill your purpose?
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Would you welcome guidance on your life's journey?
Just let it shine within your mind
Be open to receiving guidance from within yourself.
And show you the colors that are real
Reveal the true essence of life and bring it into focus.
Someone is waiting just for you
There is a person or opportunity that will bring fulfillment into your life.
Spinning Wheel spinning true
Life's cycle will bring you opportunities, challenges, and lessons.
Drop all you troubles by the river side
Let go of your problems and embrace the beauty around you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Clayton-Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind