Did you know
“Spinning Wheel” is a well-known song by the American rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears. It was released in 1968 as a single and later appeared on their album “Child Is Father to the Man.” Here are some details about the song:
1. Songwriters: “Spinning Wheel” was written by Canadian-American musician and songwriter David Clayton-Thomas, who was also the lead vocalist for Blood, Sweat & Tears during this period.
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2. Genre: The song is primarily classified as rock and jazz-rock, reflecting the eclectic style of Blood, Sweat & Tears, which blended rock, jazz, and pop elements.
3. Chart Performance: “Spinning Wheel” was a commercial success, reaching the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1969. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) in 1969.
4. Musical Style: The song features a distinctive horn section, including trumpets and trombones, along with rock and jazz-inspired instrumentation. It has a lively and upbeat tempo.
5. Lyrics: The lyrics of “Spinning Wheel” are somewhat enigmatic and have been interpreted in various ways. They touch on themes of life’s uncertainties and the cyclical nature of existence, often using the metaphor of a spinning wheel.
6. Impact and Legacy: “Spinning Wheel” is considered one of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ signature songs and is often regarded as a classic of late 1960s rock music. It helped solidify the band’s status as a pioneering rock-jazz fusion group.
7. Covers and Influence: The song has been covered by various artists over the years and continues to be celebrated for its infectious melody, energetic instrumentation, and Clayton-Thomas’s powerful vocals.
“Spinning Wheel” remains a beloved and enduring classic in the rock and jazz-rock genres. It is a testament to Blood, Sweat & Tears’ innovative approach to blending different musical styles and their ability to create memorable and timeless songs.
Video
Lyrics
Spinning wheel got to go round
Talkin’ ’bout your troubles, it’s a cryin’ sin
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel spinYou got no money and you, you got no home
Spinning wheel, all alone
Talkin’ ’bout your troubles and you, you never learn
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel turnDid you find a directing sign on the straight and narrow highway?
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the colors that are real
Someone is waiting just for you
Spinning wheel spinning through
Drop all your troubles by the riverside
Catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride
Ha!
Someone’s waiting just for you
Spinning wheel spinning through
Drop all your troubles by the riverside
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel fly