[Intro]
F Am Bb C x4
[Verse 1]
F Am Bb C
You take the wheel, while I take a piss
F Am
There's no chance that our Mothers
Bb C
Thought we'd wind up like this
F Am Bb C
It took hours to leave Tulsa, still wired from the show
F Am
Shared an apple pipe with the sound guy
Bb C
And we hit the road
[Chorus]
F Am Bb C F
We were like wheels caught in their motion
Am Bb C
Steady as a young stone that rolls down the hill
F Am Bb
And our foggy headlights they still shine
C F
But not so bright
Am
Free with our hands tied
Bb C F
Alone, but too caught up to feel
[Interlude]
F Am Bb C x2
[Verse 2]
F Am Bb C
And a motel floor palette, a cracked windshield view
F Am
You get that call from back home
Bb C
But you're too late to choose
F Am Bb C
So you lean on the laughter of folks that say how
F Am Bb C
We've lived more life than any five good sailors we've found
[Chorus]
F Am Bb C F
Just like wheels caught in their motion
Am Bb C
Steady as a young stone that rolls down the hill
F Am Bb
And our foggy headlights they still shine
C F
But not so bright
Am
Free with our hands tied
Bb C F Am Bb
Alone, but too caught up to feel
C F Am Bb C
Too caught up to feel
[Interlude]
F Am Bb C x2
[Bridge]
Bb C
And you can't blame the memories
Bb C
'Cause they brought you a long, long way
[Chorus]
F Am Bb C F
Just like wheels caught in their motion
Am Bb C
Steady as a young stone that rolls down the hill
F Am Bb
And our foggy headlights they still shine
C F
But not so bright
Am
Free with our hands tied
Bb C F Am Bb
Alone, but too caught up to feel
C F Am Bb C
Too caught up to feel
F Am Bb C
Just like wheels
[Interlude]
F Am Bb C
C F Am Bb C
Too caught up to feel
[Outro]
F Am Bb C x2
Chords Used: F, Am, Bb, C
Intro & Verse Progressions
The song kicks off with an intro progression of F, Am, Bb, C repeated four times,
setting a steady rhythm that mirrors the theme of continuous movement portrayed in the lyrics.
The verses follow the same chord progression. The story unfolds with the imagery of a journey,
emphasizing the sense of transient life and camaraderie among travelers.
Chorus
The chorus continues with the same chords but focuses on the metaphor of being
"like wheels caught in their motion," symbolizing the inevitable push of time and experiences.
The progression is designed to maintain the flow and the contemplative mood of the song.
Bridge
The bridge features Bb to C transitions, offering a moment of introspection and the
acknowledgment of the impact of memories on the journey.
Playing Tips:
Strumming Pattern: For this song, a steady, rhythmic strumming pattern captures the
essence of continuous movement. A mix of down and upstrokes can effectively match
the song's dynamics, especially during the chorus to emphasize the emotional lift.
Dynamics: Pay attention to the song's dynamics. The verses can be played with
a softer touch to highlight the storytelling aspect, while the chorus might be played
more robustly to bring out the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Emotional Expression: The lyrics of "Wheels" are reflective and carry a mix of nostalgia,
freedom, and a sense of fleetingness. Try to convey these emotions through your playing
by focusing on the expressiveness of your strumming and the transitions between chords.
Bb Chord: The Bb chord can be challenging for beginners due to its barre chord shape.
Practice transitioning smoothly from Am to Bb and Bb to C, as these movements are
crucial throughout the song. For an easier version, you can play a simplified Bb
chord (x13331) by barring the first fret of the B and E strings with your index finger
and placing your other fingers accordingly.
Capo Option: If you find the Bb chord difficult or if the song's key doesn't suit your
vocal range, consider using a capo. Placing it on the 3rd fret, for example, allows
you to play easier chord shapes (D, Bm, G, A) that correspond to the original
F, Am, Bb, C progression.
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