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by Charity Crawford
Winter is here again, oh Lord?
All right, so maybe we're not in the right season, but who wouldn't agree that this song can be appreciated at all times of the year? Infinity was released in 1978, and included such classics as "Lights," "Feeling That Way/Anytime," and one of my all-time favorite Journey classics: "Wheel in the Sky."
This song originally started out as a poem by Diane Valory, wife of bassist Ross Valory. Robert Fleischman, then Journey's lead vocalist, wrote new lyrics to it and the first title of the song was "Wheels in My Mind." Neal Schon later wrote the melody on an acoustic guitar. The song was given to Steve Perry when he joined the band, and the song "evolved" into the "Wheel in the Sky" rocker we know today.
Allow me to share some of my thoughts and opinions regarding this song. Keep in mind that my interpretation may differ greatly than yours, but isn't that what music is all about anyway? Well, I hope you enjoy (or at least tolerate) what I have to say.
Winter is here again, oh Lord
Haven't been home in a year or more
I hope she holds on a little longer
Ah, the joys of life on the road. Separation from family and loved ones is undoubtedly a painful and trying ordeal, and the pressures of life on the road can tear relationships apart. The first line of the song alone sets the tone for the entire song. The fact that it's winter sets a dreary, dismal, and even haunting effect that stays throughout the song.
Sent a letter on a long summer day
Made of silver, not of clay
I've been runnin' down this dusty road
I can honestly tell you that ever since I became a fan, I've been trying to interpret this part of the song. Of course, I highly doubt that this was meant to be taken literally, because I don't think Western Union does silver telegrams, whether you're Bill Gates or not. There are so many different angles one could go with in these few lyrics. Silver is, of course, much more durable than clay, so was this letter meant to be long lasting? Were promises made in this letter that may not be fulfilled? And if we went along with that angle, there could be a Biblical allusion to the 30 pieces of silver and Judas? betrayal. Perhaps the author of the letter is feeling that they are betraying the recipient of the letter, more than likely a loved one or a significant other. I'm just throwing out all kinds of stuff here. The point is, there is no clear-cut explanation of these lyrics, and quite honestly, I like it that way.
I've been trying to make it home
Got to make it before too long
I can't take this very much longer
I'm stranded in the sleet and rain
Don't think I'm ever gonna make it home again
More woes of life on the road, it appears. The narrator (or subjects of the song, whichever you prefer) is experiencing a great deal of frustration and perhaps homesickness. Without their loved ones, they feel isolated, alone, and desperate.
The mornin' sun is risin'
It's kissing the day
Ah, a glimmer of hope! Despite the narrator's frustrations, they press on to another day, another place, another show in hopes that they will one day be reunited with the ones they love. Also, the fact that the sun is now rising could indicate that the narrator was up all night thinking about the ones he/she loves.
Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin'
I don't know where I'll be tomorrow
Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin'
To me, the "wheel in the sky" represents the passing of that which we have no control, namely time. No matter what is happening in our lives, the wheel keeps turning, and just like the old phrase goes, "where it stops, nobody knows." One of my favorite parts of the song, strangely enough, is at the very end of the song where the drums keep going and fade away. That, to me, is the perfect ending for this song because it's not really an ending at all.
I guess the main reason I love this song so much is not only because of the symbolism, but how it parallels everyone?s lives in some way. You don't have to be a rock star to know the pain of being away from your family and friends. So many people can relate to this because they know exactly what is being talked about. And that, my friends, is what makes music and Journey so great.
Copyright © 1994-2006 Dan Stacy, Journey Digest, JourneyDigest.com
No portion of this article may be reprinted without express written permission from the author and JourneyDigest.com