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.
Red Wing
The Steel Wheels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The day was long 'till I heard the song whistle like the wind
I was standing there, dust was flying through the air
Like days before when we believed in things we couldn't see
Oh my Red Wing, take me softly
To my home, now, to my family
Oh my Red Wing, hold me closely
Take me under the brightest sun
I'll rest my weary bones and pray the bird I love hasn't flown away
And I will call again up to my kindest friend
The ground below will be set free and with my love I'll be
Oh my Red Wing, take me softly
To my home, now, to my family
Oh my Red Wing, hold me closely
Take me under the brightest sun
Money she has none, she was never one
By metal wings or death machines or anything between
When my time has come, and all my days are done
If heaven waits, we'll breach the gates
On her wings we'll be one
Oh my Red Wing, take me softly
To my home, now, to my family
Oh my Red Wing, hold me closely
Take me under the brightest sun
Oh my Red Wing, take me softly
To my home, now, to my family
Oh my Red Wing, hold me closely
Take me under the setting sun
The song "Red Wing" by The Steel Wheels tells a story of a person who longs to go home to their family while being comforted by the presence of a red winged bird. The lyrics paint a picture of a dusty summer day in 1981, and the singer is standing there, waiting to hear a song whistle in the wind. This song brings back memories of simpler times, when they believed in things they couldn't see. The red winged bird serves as a symbol of hope and love, carrying the singer through difficult times.
Throughout the lyrics, the theme of a longing for home and family is prevalent. The singer is looking to the red winged bird to guide them back to where they belong. The reference to money being insignificant and the singer's belief in heaven further emphasizes the sentiment of simplicity and the importance of family and love over material possessions.
The repetition of the lines "Oh my Red Wing, take me softly, to my home, now, to my family, oh my Red Wing, hold me closely, take me under the brightest sun," provides a meditative quality to the song. It is a powerful reminder of the comfort that can come from the simple act of having something to believe in and hold on to.
Overall, "Red Wing" is a beautiful and introspective song that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for connection and belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
In the summer sun 1981
The singer sets the scene in the summer of 1981, when something significant happened to him.
The day was long 'till I heard the song whistle like the wind
The day felt tedious until he heard the familiar melody of the song that reminded him of something important.
I was standing there, dust was flying through the air
The singer was present in that moment as dust flew in the air.
Like days before when we believed in things we couldn't see
He reminisces about a time when he and others had faith in abstractions and ideals.
Oh my Red Wing, take me softly
The artist is now talking to someone named Red Wing, whom he's asking to assist him kindly.
To my home, now, to my family
He is pleading with Red Wing to guide him back to his loved ones.
Oh my Red Wing, hold me closely
The singer seeks comfort from Red Wing in his current predicament.
Take me under the brightest sun
He seeks solace and security from Red Wing during the day.
When the day is done and another night has come
The artist is aware that nightfall will soon arrive and is uncertain of what the future holds.
I'll rest my weary bones and pray the bird I love hasn't flown away
He hopes that the creature he cares about is still around and finds respite for his tired self.
And I will call again up to my kindest friend
The singer will appeal to his trusted friend again when needed.
The ground below will be set free and with my love I'll be
He will be happy and free along with the one he adores once they reach freedom on the ground.
Money she has none, she was never one
The one he loves doesn't have much money to her name and is not the type of person driven by wealth.
By metal wings or death machines or anything between
The singer does not care for luxurious objects or means of travel, as long as he can be with his love.
When my time has come, and all my days are done
He ponders his mortality and the idea of his life's work being finished.
If heaven waits, we'll breach the gates
The artist and his love will enter heaven together if they are both granted entrance.
On her wings we'll be one
He will become one with his love once they gain access to heaven through Red Wing.
Take me under the setting sun
He once again pleads to Red Wing to guide him back home before sunset.
Contributed by Maya T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bigal25938
Oh my gosh. This takes me back to the days my Dad would sit in the living room playing and singing Redwing and other old time tunes in the living room after a day on work. What great times from my past. Thank you so much.
@trelliscrews4084
This was sung at my sisters' funeral yesterday. So beautiful! She used to play this melody on the harmonica, but it had different words. So fitting for her. Love this! Thanks for posting.
@kylereber303
I should go see these cats this weekend in Roanoke
@scottwood5135
This is the best arrangement of Red Wing I have heard. Thanks very much for this.
@adamlaxmusic
This song always brings me to tears.
@baughergolf9298
Love how all of these guys grew up around me! Harrisonburg va and the valley is no doubt the most beautiful place in va
@africatoto9929
Just wanted to say, even if I’m so damn late, pardon my language, I’m not the most polite person out there, thank you so much for your work, I absolutely love this song, your music has become some of my favorite music as of yet, this song in particular has helped me think on so many different things I’ve had to struggle with, I don’t know why this one in particular but it’s has helped me so much and I’m and forever grateful!!!
@marywilcke8947
I'm from Red Wing and by the end of the song, I couldn't think of any better place to visit! Great song!
@joshpeavey1392
I saw these guys in Cottonwood, Arizona. Best Live Show I've ever seen. Great soulful music, perfectly executed!
@kenvarnold3659
Think I would like this played at my funeral...