Ezekiel Saw the Wheel
Woody Guthrie, Cisco Houston
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[Chorus] Ezekiel saw that wheel Way up in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw that wheel whirling Way up in the middle of the air Now the little wheel runs by faith And the big wheel runs by the grace of God And a wheel in a wheel whirling Way up in the middle of the air Tell you what a hypocrite he will do (Way up in the middle of the air) He'll talk about me and he'll talk about you (Way up in the middle of the air) [Chorus] Brothers and sisters tell you what you gotta do Way up in the middle of the air Join about union two by two Way up in the middle of the air [Chorus] Tell you what a bootlegger he will do Way up in the middle of the air Sell you liquor and liquor with fruit Way up in the middle of the air [Chorus]
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Written by: J BAIRD, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" recorded by Woody Guthrie is an American folk and spiritual song.
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Historical SignificanceThe song has roots in the African American spiritual tradition and dates back to the slavery era in the United States.
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Song InterpretationIt is symbolic and inspired by the Old Testament, specifically from the prophet Ezekiel's vision in which he saw a "wheel inside a wheel" (Ezekiel 1:16), widely interpreted as a metaphor for God's omnipresence and divine intervention.
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Woody Guthrie's InfluenceGuthrie, as an influential figure in the American folk music, has made "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" known to a wider audience outside of its roots in African American spirituals.
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Song's MeaningWithin the African American spiritual tradition, "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" is often interpreted as a coded message for the Underground Railroad, with the "wheel" symbolizing the journey to freedom.
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Multiple VersionsThere are different versions and interpretations of the song, many of which were performed by popular musicians of different genres, reflecting its broad appeal and adaptability.
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Cultural Impact"Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" has significantly influenced many songs across various genres including gospel, blues, and jazz, due to its profound lyrical depth and historical context.
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Guthrie's InterpretationWoody Guthrie's version is appreciated for its authenticity and simple rendition that reflects his characteristic style.
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Evolution of the Song"Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" has been passed down through generations, undergoing changes and evolution each time it was interpreted by a new artist or group, reinforcing its enduring quality and presence in American music culture.
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LegacyToday, "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" still resonates and is frequently performed and adapted by artists across the globe, testifying to its timeless appeal and Woody Guthrie's role in popularizing the song.
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Citation
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"Ezekiel Saw the Wheel Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17234583/Woody+Guthrie/Ezekiel+Saw+the+Wheel>.
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