Lyrics To Wagon Wheel By Old Crow Medicine Show
If you're a fan of country music, then you've probably heard the song "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show. This catchy tune has become a staple in the genre and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the lyrics to "Wagon Wheel" and explore the meaning behind them.
The Origins of "Wagon Wheel"
"Wagon Wheel" was actually inspired by a sketch of a song that Bob Dylan wrote back in the 1970s. Dylan's sketch included a chorus that went "Rock me mama like the wind and the rain, rock me mama like a south-bound train." Years later, Old Crow Medicine Show's lead singer, Ketch Secor, stumbled upon the sketch and decided to finish the song, adding verses about his own experiences traveling and playing music.
The resulting song became a huge hit for Old Crow Medicine Show when they released it in 2004. Since then, it's been covered by everyone from Darius Rucker to Hootie and the Blowfish to Mumford & Sons.
The Lyrics to "Wagon Wheel"
Let's take a closer look at the lyrics to "Wagon Wheel" and what they mean. The song begins with the narrator traveling through North Carolina and dreaming of heading back home to see his loved one. He's hoping to catch a ride on a wagon wheel, which represents the idea of moving forward and making progress in life.
The chorus of the song is the most well-known part, with its catchy melody and memorable lyrics. The "rock me mama" line is a reference to African American spirituals and work songs, which often included similar refrains. The narrator is asking his lover to comfort him and help him weather life's storms.
The second verse of the song finds the narrator in Virginia, still searching for a way to get home. He meets a man named "Jimmy" who offers him a ride in his truck. The two men bond over their love of music and Jimmy invites the narrator to come play with him and his friends.
The bridge of the song is a joyful celebration of music and community. The narrator and his new friends gather around a fire and play their instruments, singing and dancing the night away. It's a moment of connection and shared experience that's at the heart of what makes music so powerful.
The final verse brings us back to the present, with the narrator still on the road but feeling more hopeful about his future. He's found a sense of purpose and belonging through music and knows that he can keep moving forward, wherever the road takes him.
Conclusion
"Wagon Wheel" is a song that captures the spirit of adventure and the power of music to bring people together. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey through the American South, full of colorful characters and unexpected encounters. Whether you're a fan of country music or not, there's something undeniably catchy and timeless about this classic tune.