Lyrics To Wagon Wheel By Old Crow Medicine
Wagon Wheel, a song that has become a staple in American folk music, was originally written by Bob Dylan, but it was never finished. Many years later, Old Crow Medicine Show picked up where Dylan left off and completed the song, making it an instant classic. The song has been covered by many artists, but none have come close to the original. This article will take a closer look at the lyrics to Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show.
The Chorus
The chorus to Wagon Wheel is one of the most iconic in American folk music. It goes:
Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Rock me mama any way you feel
Hey, mama rock me
The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, which is why it has become so popular. It is also a nod to the traditional folk music that was popular in the early 20th century.
The First Verse
The first verse of Wagon Wheel tells a story of a man who is traveling from Boston to Raleigh. The lyrics go:
Headed down south to the land of the pines
I'm thumbin' my way into North Caroline
Starin' up the road and pray to God I see headlights
I made it down the coast in seventeen hours
Pickin' me a bouquet of dogwood flowers
And I'm a-hopin' for Raleigh, I can see my baby tonight
The first verse sets the scene for the rest of the song. It paints a picture of a man who is on a journey and is hoping to reunite with his loved one.
The Second Verse
The second verse of Wagon Wheel is about a chance encounter with a truck driver. The lyrics go:
Runnin' from the cold up in New England
I was born to be a fiddler in an old-time string band
My baby plays the guitar, I pick a banjo now
Oh, north country winters keep a-gettin' me down
Lost my money playin' poker so I had to leave town
But I ain't a-turnin' back to livin' that old life no more
The second verse is about a musician who is trying to make it in the music industry. He is traveling to North Carolina to meet up with his lover and start a new life. The verse also touches on the struggles of being a musician and the hardships that come with it.
The Third Verse
The third verse of Wagon Wheel is about the Appalachian Mountains and a woman who lives there. The lyrics go:
Walkin' to the south out of Roanoke
I caught a trucker out of Philly had a nice long toke
But he's a-heading west from the Cumberland Gap
To Johnson City, Tennessee
And I gotta get a move on before the sun
I hear my baby callin' my name and I know that she's the only one
And if I die in Raleigh at least I will die free
The third verse is about a man who is walking south out of Roanoke and meets a truck driver who is heading west. The man is determined to reach his lover, who lives in the Appalachian Mountains. The verse also touches on the theme of freedom and the desire to live life on one's own terms.
The Bridge
The bridge of Wagon Wheel is a musical interlude that features a catchy melody and a harmonica solo. It gives the listener a chance to catch their breath before the song picks up again.
The Fourth Verse
The fourth and final verse of Wagon Wheel is about the Blue Ridge Mountains and a woman who lives there. The lyrics go:
Walkin' to the south out of Roanoke
I caught a trucker out of Philly had a nice long toke
But he's a-heading west from the Cumberland Gap
To Johnson City, Tennessee
And I gotta get a move on before the sun
I hear my baby callin' my name and I know that she's the only one
And if I die in Raleigh at least I will die free
The fourth verse is a repeat of the third verse, but with some minor changes. The woman in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a symbol of home and comfort for the man who is traveling to see her.
Conclusion
Wagon Wheel is a classic American folk song that has stood the test of time. The lyrics tell a story of love, freedom, and the open road. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, making it a favorite at concerts and sing-alongs. The song is a tribute to the traditional folk music that has been a part of American culture for over a century.