Driving Wheel

King Crimson · Other Songs - King Crimson

Well, my baby don't have to work

And she don't have to rob and steal

Well, my baby don't have to work

And she don't have to rob and steal

Yes, i'll give her everything she needs

'cause i am her driving wheel



Yes, she left me this morning

And she said she'd be back soon

Yes, she left me this morning

And she said she'd be back soon

Yes, she would be back early friday mornin'

Or laid over saturday afternoon



Yes, every time she walk

She shakes like a leaf tremblin' on a tree

Yes, when my baby walk down the street

She shakes like a leaf tremblin' on a tree

Yes, the women all hate her

But man, she's alright with me



Wo, i sent the u.n. a telegram

Don't want nobody else to break the seal

Wo, i sent the u.n. a telegram

Don't want nobody else to break the seal

I want the whole world to know

That i am my baby's driving wheel

About Driving Wheel

"Driving Wheel" stands as a pivotal track in the discography of King Crimson, embodying the band's transition from progressive rock complexity to a more accessible, blues-inflected sound. Recorded during the late 1970s, the song features the band's signature interplay between intricate guitar work and driving rhythms, yet it strips away the dense time signatures of their earlier eras to focus on a powerful, repetitive groove. The composition highlights the collaborative nature of the group, with each member contributing to a tight, energetic performance that defined the band's evolution in the late 1970s. This recording captures a specific moment in the band's history where they sought to broaden their appeal while maintaining their unique sonic identity. The track serves as a testament to King Crimson's ability to blend technical proficiency with raw energy, influencing countless subsequent acts in the progressive and fusion genres. Its enduring presence in the band's catalogue underscores its significance as a bridge between their experimental roots and their later, more commercially oriented works, cementing its place as a defining piece of their musical legacy.