The Big Wheel
Rush · Other Songs - Rush
Well I was only a kid, didn't know enough to be afraid
Playing the game, but not the way the big boys played
Nothing to lose, maybe I had something to trade
The way the big wheel spins.
Well I was only a kid on a holy crusade
I placed no trust in a faith that was ready made
Take no chances on a paradise delayed
So I do a slow fade.
Playing for time, don't want to wait for heaven
Looking for love, for an angel to forgive my sins
Playing with fire, chasing something new to believe in
Looking for love, the way the big wheel spins.
Well I was only a kid, cruising around in a trance
Prisoner of fate, victim of circumstance
I was lined up for glory, but the tickets sold out in advance
The way the big wheel spins
Well I was only a kid, gone without a backward glance
Going for broke, going for another chance
Hoping for heaven, hoping for a fine romance
If I do the right dance.
Playing for time, don't want to wait for heaven
Looking for love, for an angel to forgive my sins
Playing with fire, chasing something new to believe in
Looking for love, the way the big wheel spins.
Wheel goes round, landing on a twist of faith
Taking your chances you'll have the right answers
When the final judgement begins.
Wheel goes round, landing on a leap of fate
Life redirected in ways unexpected
Sometimes the odd number wins
The way the big wheel spins.
Playing for time, don't want to wait for heaven
Looking for love, for an angel to forgive my sins
Playing with fire, chasing something new to believe in
Looking for love, the way the big wheel spins.
Playing the game, but not the way the big boys played
Nothing to lose, maybe I had something to trade
The way the big wheel spins.
Well I was only a kid on a holy crusade
I placed no trust in a faith that was ready made
Take no chances on a paradise delayed
So I do a slow fade.
Playing for time, don't want to wait for heaven
Looking for love, for an angel to forgive my sins
Playing with fire, chasing something new to believe in
Looking for love, the way the big wheel spins.
Well I was only a kid, cruising around in a trance
Prisoner of fate, victim of circumstance
I was lined up for glory, but the tickets sold out in advance
The way the big wheel spins
Well I was only a kid, gone without a backward glance
Going for broke, going for another chance
Hoping for heaven, hoping for a fine romance
If I do the right dance.
Playing for time, don't want to wait for heaven
Looking for love, for an angel to forgive my sins
Playing with fire, chasing something new to believe in
Looking for love, the way the big wheel spins.
Wheel goes round, landing on a twist of faith
Taking your chances you'll have the right answers
When the final judgement begins.
Wheel goes round, landing on a leap of fate
Life redirected in ways unexpected
Sometimes the odd number wins
The way the big wheel spins.
Playing for time, don't want to wait for heaven
Looking for love, for an angel to forgive my sins
Playing with fire, chasing something new to believe in
Looking for love, the way the big wheel spins.
The Big Wheel
Rush's "The Big Wheel" stands as a quintessential example of progressive rock, blending intricate guitar work with the band's signature philosophical lyrics. Released during the late 1970s, the track exemplifies the group's ability to merge complex time signatures with accessible melodies. The song features Geddy Lee's distinctive bass lines and Neil Peart's precise drumming, characteristic of the era's studio production. While often associated with the band's broader discography, its standalone impact highlights Rush's mastery of rhythm and composition. The piece remains a staple in the catalog, reflecting the band's transition into a more polished, radio-friendly sound while maintaining their progressive roots.