The band is rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs and foot-stompin’ fiddle tunes. They are subtle innovators who respect the past but whistle their own tunes, layering in rich textures and decidedly modern energy to forge a new sound.
They fit best among musicians like Langhorne Slim, Gillian Welch, or Adrienne Young and Little Sadie (with whom they’ve shared the stage) – deft musicians making a name for themselves by creating their own particular permutation of traditional forms. Yet the Steel Wheels share much with new Americana favorites like the Avett Brothers or Old Crow Medicine Show, with charisma that causes toes to tap and heads to nod, audiences hanging on their every word. Like those bands, The Steel Wheels have broad appeal. And they count among their fans former Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune and indie folk darlings Over the Rhine.
The four-piece band is based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where multi-instrumentalist Jay Lapp was born and took inspiration from church hymns and folk fests, and where Trent Wagler has been a scene staple for nearly a decade. Lapp was touring with several successful Midwest bands when he and Wagler crossed paths in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and a musical partnership began. The two are joined by upright bassist Brian Dickel and fiddler Eric Brubaker to form the Steel Wheels. The band shines exceptionally in their live shows, and their palpable chemistry translates easily to Red Wing. Just listen to the exceptional four-part harmonies that support and accentuate Wagler’s scratchy tenor, which has been compared to that of Darrel Scott. Brubaker’s fiddle, both lively and evocative, suits the band exactly, and Dickel’s upright bass grounds the outfit. Jay Lapp’s signature mandolin style is remarkable and unmistakable.
The Steel Wheels have built a following from the East Coast to the Midwest and beyond, appearing at Americana festivals such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival, Floydfest, Folk Alliance, and Appalachian Uprising. Wagler and Lapp also regularly take a duo show to Ireland and have appeared with Peter Rowan at the ‘Ards International Guitar Festival.
In keeping with their music that takes a traditional idea on a modern adventure, Wagler and Lapp’s organized a week-long, 300-mile bicycle tour last year. Not only did they pedal themselves through the mountains of Virginia to seven gigs in seven days, they hauled their own gear the whole way, with one bicycle custom-framed for travel and another fitted with a trailer. It’s one more example that with inherent skill and energy, trust in the value of simplicity and a marked talent for taking something old-fashioned and making it relevant for today is one of The Steel Wheels’ greatest strengths.
Promised Land
The Steel Wheels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna climb up on that highest mountain
I′m gonna climb up on that highest mountain
I'm gonna walk down that lonesome road
Tell me again, tell me again
Tell me again how you left your home for the promised land
Tell me again, tell me again
Tell me again how you left your home for the promised land
And behind us come many roads
We may move slowly, but in our heads
We do remember what was made from clay and sand
Tell me again, tell me again
Tell me again how you left your home for the promised land
Tell me again, tell me again
Tell me again how you left your home for the promised land
I am not alone
I am not alone
I am not alone
Strength of thousands in our viens
I don′t know you, we are the same
I don′t know you, we are the same
Tell me again, tell me again
Tell me again how you left your home for the promised land
Tell me again, tell me again
Tell me again how you left your home for the promised land
I'm gonna climb up on that highest mountain
I′m gonna climb up on that highest mountain
I'm gonna climb up on that highest mountain
I′m gonna walk down that lonesome road
The Steel Wheels’ “Promised Land” is a poignant and inspiring song about perseverance and the determination to find a better life. The song expresses a desire to climb the highest mountain and then walk down the lonesome road, to remember where one came from, and to tell the story of leaving home for the promised land. The singer asks to hear the story again and again, to keep the spirit of the journey alive, even when the road is rocky or the destination seems far away. The lyrics also express solidarity with others who have followed this path, and a recognition of the strength that comes from shared experience.
Overall, the song speaks to the human condition of seeking a better life, whether it is through migration, relocation, or simply personal growth. The idea of the “promised land” is used as a metaphor for hope and possibility, a place where anything is possible if one is willing to work for it. The imagery of climbing the highest mountain and walking the lonesome road is powerful, evoking a sense of determination, resilience, and courage.
In the end, “Promised Land” is a song about the human spirit, and the strength that comes from pursuing one’s dreams despite the challenges and obstacles along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna climb up on that highest mountain
I am determined and willing to overcome obstacles no matter how difficult they may be.
I'm gonna walk down that lonesome road
I am willing to take on challenges and face adversity alone if necessary.
Tell me again how you left your home for the promised land
Please remind me of the struggles and sacrifices made by those before us to achieve a better life for themselves and future generations.
There are many who can't be fooled
There are individuals who are not easily deceived, and they are aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
And behind us come many roads
Our past experiences have shaped us and influenced our decisions, creating a unique journey for each of us.
We may move slowly, but in our heads
We may progress at a slower pace, but our minds are focused on the ultimate goal.
We do remember what was made from clay and sand
We recall the effort that was required to reach our current position in life and won't forget our roots.
I am not alone
I am not the only one facing difficulties- many others are battling similar challenges.
Strength of thousands in our veins
We have inherited the resilience and strength of those who fought for their dreams before us and continue to carry it with us.
I don't know you, we are the same
Although we may not know each other, we share similar struggles in reaching our goals.
Writer(s): Benjamin Patrick Cote
Contributed by Caden M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.