The Big Wheel
by Rush

Album: Roll The Bones (1991)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Neil Peart ("Roll The Bones Radio Special"): "The Big Wheel is a good example on this album; where it seems to be autobiographical, but it's really not. It's where I've looked for a universal of that tradeoff between innocence and experience, and that song certainly addresses that. Not in the circumstances of my own life so much, or if it is, it's not important that it be autobiographical, that's just by the by really. Very much I want to find universal things that others can relate to, and that's a thing that's part of everyone's life, so I think that's probably one reason why I'm drawn to it. And then so much of it is drawn from observing people around me too, so that becomes a factor in it too; how they responded to life, and how they take to it. How they adapt to that innocence and experience thing." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Comments: 2

  • John from Overland Park, KsI have to agree with Joe Public. The bridge had some lyrics that I particularly liked: "Wheel turns round, landing on a leap of fate / Life redirected in ways unexpected / Sometimes the odd number wins." The twisting of the common phrases "leap of faith" and "twist of fate" I thought was particularly imaginative.
  • Joe Public from Anytown, AlThis is just an anthem for life and every young person's simple dreams. This is the way that ordinary people live. "Playing for time / Don't want to wait for heaven / Looking for love / For an angel to forgive my sins / Playing with fire / Chasing something new to believe in / Looking for love / The way the big wheel spins."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.