The Meaning Behind The Song: Watching The Wheels by John Lennon
“Watching The Wheels” is a song by John Lennon, which was released in 1981 as part of his album “Double Fantasy” with Yoko Ono. It is a remarkable song that came out during a phase in Lennon’s life when he decided to take a break from his music career. Lennon was criticized for that decision, and the song was perhaps his way of responding to that criticism.
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The song is a statement of honesty that describes how the artist chose to live his life based on his beliefs, rather than to fulfill the expectations of others. It is down to earth, simple, and reflective, yet powerful and inspiring. Its message urges us to stay true to ourselves, stand up for our beliefs, and not let others dictate our lives.
The Lyrics and Inspiration Behind “Watching The Wheels”
The inspiration for the song “Watching The Wheels” came from Lennon’s own experience. After years of fame and success, Lennon had chosen to step away from his music career and spent five years with his family taking care of his son Sean. During this time, Lennon had realized how much he had missed, including the simple pleasures of life, the values he had always cherished, and his connection with his true self.
The lyrics of “Watching The Wheels” describe how Lennon was content with his decision to step back from his music career and spend time with his family. However, his friends and the media criticized him for that decision, questioning why he was not producing new music. Lennon, however, chose to ignore their criticism and pursued his own path.
The Message of “Watching The Wheels”
“Watching The Wheels” resonates with many people because it describes the struggle we all face between what we believe is the right thing to do and what is expected of us by society. The song suggests that we should not be afraid to step away from the expectations of others and do what is best for us and our families.
The message of the song is about self-awareness, living authentically, and pursuing our passions and beliefs. It epitomizes the idea that your happiness and well-being are more important than what others may think of you.
The Legacy of “Watching The Wheels”
“Watching The Wheels” remains a timeless classic, an anthem for those who choose to live life on their terms. It continues to inspire individuals to pursue their passions, embrace their individuality, and remind people that stepping out of the rat race is not a sign of weakness.
It is a reminder that happiness should not be measured by material possessions or societal expectations of success – but instead, we should look within ourselves and live by our principles.
FAQS:
What inspired John Lennon to write the song “Watching The Wheels”?
John Lennon wrote the song “Watching The Wheels” after taking a five-year break from the music industry. During this time, he focused on being a father to his son Sean, and he realized how much he had missed during his years of fame and fortune. The song is about Lennon’s decision to ignore the criticism he received for not producing new music and instead live life on his terms.
What is the theme of “Watching The Wheels”?
“Watching The Wheels” is about authenticity, individuality, and self-awareness. It encourages people to live their lives on their terms and reminds them that happiness is not determined by external factors. Instead, it is established by living by one’s principles and passions, being self-aware, and pursuing things that are meaningful to us.
What message does “Watching The Wheels” convey?
The message of “Watching The Wheels” is that people should not be afraid to live life on their terms and pursue their passions, even if it means stepping away from societal expectations. It is about standing up for oneself and staying true to one’s beliefs, living an authentic life, and embracing individuality.
What is the legacy of “Watching The Wheels”?
“Watching The Wheels” remains a timeless classic. It is an anthem for those who choose to live life based on their principles rather than external expectations. Its legacy continues to inspire others to pursue their passions, embrace their uniqueness and remind people that stepping away from the rat race is not a sign of weakness.
What does the chorus “I’m just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round” mean?
The chorus “I’m just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round” refers to Lennon’s decision to step away from the music industry and spend time with his family. He chose to focus on things that were meaningful to him, rather than to succumb to external pressures. The line represents the idea of letting life take its natural course, without being weighed down by the expectations of others.
Why did John Lennon take a break from the music industry?
John Lennon took a break from the music industry to focus on his family. He recognized how much he had neglected his personal life during his years of fame and fortune and wanted to be present for his son Sean. Lennon chose to ignore the criticism he received for his decision and instead live life on his terms.
What does the song “Watching The Wheels” communicate to musicians?
The song “Watching The Wheels” communicates to musicians that it is essential to stay true to oneself and not let others dictate one’s artistic path. The song encourages individuals to create music that is authentic and represents their personal principles and beliefs. It reminds us that artistic success is not limited to material possessions and fame, but instead is established by living a life that aligns with one’s values.
What was the significance of “Watching The Wheels” in John Lennon’s life?
“Watching The Wheels” was significant to John Lennon as it was his way of expressing his decision to live life on his terms, irrespective of the criticisms he received. It was also a reflection of the awareness he gained from stepping back from the music industry, spending time with his family, and focusing on his personal principles.
How did the public react to “Watching The Wheels”?
The public reaction to “Watching The Wheels” was positive, and it received critical acclaim. Listeners appreciated the song’s message of authenticity, self-awareness, and individuality. The song was well-received and continues to be a timeless classic to this day.
What is the creative process behind “Watching The Wheels”?
The creative process behind “Watching The Wheels” involved Lennon reflecting on his personal experience during his five-year hiatus from the music industry. He wrote the song’s lyrics and later collaborated with Yoko Ono to pen the music. The result was a simple yet powerful piece that would resonate with listeners and inspire individuals to live their lives authentically.
What inspired the title “Watching The Wheels”?
The title “Watching The Wheels” was inspired by Lennon’s perspective on life after his hiatus from the music industry. It represented his decision to distance himself from the rat race and observe life take its natural course. The song’s lyrics detail how he was content to watch life’s wheels turn without feeling the need to be in control of it.
What does “Watching The Wheels” convey about John Lennon?
“Watching The Wheels” conveys that John Lennon was a man who lived life based on his beliefs rather than the expectations of others. He was self-aware, authentic, and chose to pursue things that were meaningful to him, rather than what was shallow and materialistic. The song represents an important period in Lennon’s life and reflects his personal growth as a human being.
What impact has “Watching The Wheels” had on other musicians and songwriters?
“Watching The Wheels” has had a significant impact on other musicians and songwriters. Its message of authenticity, self-awareness, and individuality has inspired many to produce music that embodies these principles. Musicians can draw from the song’s legacy and create meaningful pieces that reflect their values, passions, and beliefs, rather than succumbing to external pressures.
The Meaning Behind The Song: Watching The Wheels by John Lennon
“Watching The Wheels” is more than a song; it is an anthem for those who choose to live their lives based on their principles and passions. Its enduring legacy and message continue to inspire individuals to pursue what they believe is right, live authentically, and stay true to the things that matter to them. The timeless classic reminds us that we have the power to set the course of our lives and should do so without being hindered by the expectations of others.
