The Big Wheel
by Rush

Album: Roll The Bones (1991)
Play Video
  • Well, I was only a kid, didn't know enough to be afraid
    Playing the game, but not the way the big boys played
    Nothing to lose, maybe I had something to trade
    The way the big wheel spins

    Well, I was only a kid, on a holy crusade
    I placed no trust in a faith that was ready-made
    Take no chances on paradise delayed
    So I do a slow fade

    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
    The way the big wheel spins

    Well, I was only a kid, cruising around in a trance
    Prisoner of fate, victim of circumstance
    I was lined up for glory, but the tickets sold out in advance
    The way the big wheel spins

    Well, I was only a kid, gone without a backward glance
    Going for broke, going for another chance
    Hoping for heaven, hoping for a fine romance
    If I do the right dance

    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
    The way the big wheel spins

    Wheel goes 'round, landing on a twist of faith
    Taking your chances you'll have the right answers
    When the final judgment begins

    Wheel goes 'round, landing on a leap of fate
    Life redirected in ways unexpected
    Sometimes the odd number wins
    The way the big wheel spins

    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

    Playing for time
    Don't want to wait for heaven
    Looking for love
    The way the big wheel spins
    The way the big wheel spins Writer/s: Alex Zivojinovich, Geddy Lee Weinrib, Neil Elwood Peart
    Publisher: Anthem Entertainment
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Evolution Of The Prince Symbol

Evolution Of The Prince SymbolSong Writing

The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise AgainstSongwriter Interviews

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath explains the meanings behind some of their biggest songs and names the sci-fi books that have influenced him.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

N.W.A vs. the World

N.W.A vs. the WorldSong Writing

How the American gangsta rappers made history by getting banned in the UK.