A classic from 1978 (circa: my novel Memphis), Wheel in the Sky by Journey is such a cool track. It’s one of the more philosophical Journey songs, telling the story of man trying desperately to return to his home. The verse lyrics are rather hazy, but the chorus offers an accessible metaphor for how life goes on no matter our personal struggles. Some would say the “wheel in the sky” is referring to the sun and others believe its about astrology.
I think of the Wheel of Fortune Tarot card more than anything when this song plays. The Wheel of Fortune tarot card signifies the constant spinning of life’s ups and downs. We get lucky breaks and we get life lessons -often disguised as bad fortune. One thing in life is certain, it keeps rolling.
Lyrics
Winter is here again, oh lord
Haven’t been home in a year or more
I hope she holds on a little longer
Sent a letter on a long summer day
Made of silver, not of clay
I’ve been runnin’ down this dusty road
Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’
I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow
Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’
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
The mornin’ sun is risin’
It’s kissin the day
Oh the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’
I don’t’ know where I’ll be tomorrow
Ooo the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Diane T. Valory / Neal Joseph Schon / Robert Fleischmann
Holly May Cormier 