Driving Wheel

Junior Parker

About Driving Wheel

"Driving Wheel", also called "Drivin' Wheel" or "Driving Wheel Blues", is blues song recorded by Roosevelt Sykes (listed as "The Honey Dripper" on early singles) in 1936. It became a standard of the blues and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Junior Parker and Al Green, who had Billboard magazine charts successes with the song.


Year:
1967
398 
#1

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My baby don't have to worry, she don't have to rob and steal 
My baby don't have to worry, she don't have to rob and steal 
I give her ev'rything she needs, I am her drivin' wheel 
She left me this mornin', said she'd be back at soon 
She left me this mornin', but she said she would be back soon 
She'd be back early Friday morning or late Saturday afternoon 
I wrote my baby a letter, don't want no one to break the seal 
I wrote my baby a letter, don't want no one to break the seal 
That letter goes to my baby, I am her drivin' wheel 
Now wait a minute, I wanna tell you somethin'! (yeah!) 
I wanna tell you about my baby! (yeah!) 
I'm gonna tell ya about my baby! (yeah!) 
Ev'ry time she walks, she's like a leaf shakin' on a tree 
Ev'ry time she walks, she's like a leaf shakin' on a tree 
I want you to c'mon baby, this is where you get your steak, potato's and tea 

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Junior Parker

Junior Parker (May 27, 1932 – November 18, 1971) was an American Memphis blues singer and musician. He is best remembered for his unique voice which has been described as "honeyed," and "velvet-smooth". He was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001. more »

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Written by: ROOSEVELT SYKES

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Artist Information
"Driving Wheel" is a song that has been performed by several artists, but some of the most notable versions were recorded by Al Green, Junior Parker, and Roosevelt Sykes. Each brought their own unique style to the track, resulting in variations that reflect the different genres of soul, blues, and rhythm and blues, respectively.
Song Origin
The song "Driving Wheel", also known as "Drivin' Wheel" or "Driving Wheel Blues", was originally written and recorded by blues singer and pianist Roosevelt Sykes in 1936.
Al Green's Version
Reverend Al Green, an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, is best known for his soul music. His version of "Driving Wheel" appeared on his 1971 album, "Al Green Gets Next to You". - His rendition leans more toward the soul genre, showcasing his smooth, electrifying vocals over a groovy backing track.
Junior Parker's Version
Junior Parker was an American Memphis blues singer and musician, known for his unique vocal style that blended blues with other genres. His version of "Driving Wheel" was released in 1962 as part of his album, "Driving Wheel". - Parker's version of the song is often regarded as one of the best, incorporating his soulful blues style into the mix.
Roosevelt Sykes' Version
Roosevelt Sykes, often known as "The Honeydripper", was a successful and prolific blues pianist. His version of "Driving Wheel" was one of his early works. - As the original artist, Sykes’ version is a classic piano-driven blues song, reflecting the style of blues prevalent during the 1930s.
Song Covers
"Driving Wheel" has been covered by numerous artists in a range of genres, including soul, blues, rock, and pop. Some of these artists include B.B. King, Paul Butterfield, Foghat, and Tom Rush.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics of "Driving Wheel" metaphorically represent a man who feels like he is the ‘driving wheel,’ or the primary force and supporter, for his loved ones.
Song Recognition
Although it's a classic song, "Driving Wheel" often flies under the radar compared to other blues and soul standards. Nonetheless, it has been acknowledged for its profound influence on later blues and soul music.
Song Influence
The song has influenced many musicians in the blues and rock genres, and it continues to be a popular choice for covers by artists wanting to pay homage to early blues pioneers like Roosevelt Sykes and Junior Parker.

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    Driving Wheel

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1961

    Billboard #85


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