Wagon Wheels
Sy Oliver and His Orchestra Lyrics
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Keep on a-turnin', wagon wheels,
Roll along, sing your song,
Carry me over the hill.
Go 'long, mule, there's a steamer at the landin',
Waitin' for the cotton to load,
Go 'long mule, the boss is understandin'
Wagon wheels, wagon wheels,
Keep on a-turnin', wagon wheels,
Roll along, sing your song,
Wagon wheels, carry me home,
Wagon wheels, carry me home.
The lyrics to Sy Oliver and His Orchestra's song "Wagon Wheels" speak of the perseverance of a wagon wheel that "keep[s] on a-turnin'," as it rolls along to "carry [the singer] over the hill." The imagery of the wagon wheel is used as a metaphor for the struggles of life, and the idea that one must keep pushing through difficulty in order to reach their destination. The second verse introduces the idea of a mule and a boss, which suggests a work-related theme. It speaks of a steamer waiting to load cotton and a pasture at the end of the road, suggesting that the singer is working hard in order to reach a better life.
The chorus repeats the importance of the wagon wheel in carrying the singer home, and the emphasis is placed on the idea that the wheel never stops turning. The repetition of the phrase "wagon wheels, keep on a-turnin'" reinforces the theme of perseverance and the importance of being steadfast in the face of adversity. Overall, the lyrics of "Wagon Wheels" suggest a hard-working, perseverant spirit that is focused on moving forward despite challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Wagon wheels, wagon wheels,
The wagon wheels keep on turning repeatedly.
Keep on a-turnin', wagon wheels,
The wagon wheels keep rotating and carrying their load.
Roll along, sing your song,
The wagon's movements create a melody as it treks on the road.
Carry me over the hill.
The wagon should take me over the hilly terrain.
Go 'long, mule, there's a steamer at the landin',
Mule, please move faster because there is a steamer at the landing waiting to load cotton harvest.
Waitin' for the cotton to load,
The steamboat is waiting to be filled with cotton harvest.
Go 'long mule, the boss is understandin'
Manager knows that the mule needs to put in some extra effort to make it happen and allows the mule to go at its own pace.
There's a pasture at the end of the road.
At the end of the journey, there is an open field, and the mule can graze freely, which serves as motivation for the animal to continue on the journey.
Wagon wheels, carry me home,
The wagon must take me to my destination.
Wagon wheels, carry me home.
The wagon wheels must carry me to my final destination.
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: HILL BILLY, PETER DE ROSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind