This Wheel's on Fire

Bob Dylan

About This Wheel's on Fire

"This Wheel's on Fire" is a song written by Bob Dylan and Rick Danko. It was originally recorded by Dylan and the Band during their 1967 sessions, portions of which (including this song) comprised the 1975 album, The Basement Tapes. The Band's own version appeared on their 1968 album, Music from Big Pink. Live versions by the Band appear on their 1972 live double album Rock of Ages, as well as the more complete four-CD-DVD version of that concert, Live at the Academy of Music 1971, and the 2002 Box Set of The Last Waltz (the song did not make it into the movie or the original soundtrack album). more »

Year:: 1998
: 3:48
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Playlists:: #2

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Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan ( /ˈdɪlən/; born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, poet and artist. He has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly reluctant figurehead of social unrest. A number of Dylan's early songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. Leaving his initial base in the culture of folk music behind, Dylan's six-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" has been described as radically altering the parameters of popular music in … more »

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12 facts about this song

Creation History The song "This Wheel's on Fire" was originally written and recorded in 1967 by Bob Dylan and Rick Danko, a member of The Band.
Inspiration It's one of the eight songs on The Band's debut album "Music From Big Pink," most of which were inspired by Dylan's 1967 recordings known as "The Basement Tapes."
Notability The song is significant because it illustrates the musical chemistry between Dylan and The Band during the landmark "Basement Tapes" sessions.
Famous Cover "This Wheel's on Fire" was famously covered by British rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees for their 1987 covers album, "Through the Looking Glass."
TV Recognition Notably, the song was also used as the theme song for the British comedy, "Absolutely Fabulous."
Different Versions Dylan has performed live versions of "This Wheel's on Fire" that differ greatly from the original Basement Tapes recordings, demonstrating the adaptability of his songwriting.
Lyrics Meaning The lyrics of "This Wheel's on Fire" are famously cryptic, as is typical of Dylan's songwriting. Different interpretations suggest the song refers to the transient nature of life, or perhaps a coming transformative event.
Critical Acclaim The song has been praised for its haunting, atmospheric quality, particularly in Dylan's original recording.
Influence "This Wheel's on Fire" has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, demonstrating its timeless appeal and its influence on different musicians.
Unique Collaboration The song is a unique collaboration between Dylan and Danko, showing Dylan's ability to co-write with others, a technique he would use throughout his career.
Album Success Despite not being released as a single, "This Wheel's on Fire" stands out on The Band's debut album which peaked at #30 on Billboard’s Pop Albums chart.
Pop Culture The song title inspires the name of Julie Driscoll’s autobiography “This Wheel's on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of The Band.”

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"This Wheel's on Fire Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2248283/Bob+Dylan/This+Wheel%27s+on+Fire>.

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