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Jerry Garcia — The Wheel
Album: Garcia
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1227








Released: 1972
Length: 3:59
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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The wheel is turning and you can't slow down
You can't let go and you can't hold on
You can't go back and you can't stand still
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will

Won't you try just a little bit harder
Couldn't you try just a little bit more
Won't you try just a little bit harder
Couldn't you try just a little bit more

Round, round, Robin run around
Gotta get back where you belong
Little bit harder, just a little bit more
Little bit further than you gone before

The wheel is turning and you can't slow down
You can't let go and you can't hold on
You can't go back and you can't stand still
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will

Small wheel turning by the fire and rod
Big wheel turning by the grace of God
Every time that wheel turn round
Bound to cover just a little more ground

The wheel is turning and you can't slow down
You can't let go and you can't hold on
You can't go back and you can't stand still
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will

Won't you try just a little bit harder
Couldn't you try just a little bit more
Won't you try just a little bit harder
Couldn't you try just a little bit more
Comments (139)add comment
Mars Hotel was great. This loopy dreck is awful.
Posted 2 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Was out fishing on my kayak one morn when this beauty came on. I surrendered to the sonic bliss and tranquil scenery and Jerry's atmospheric pedal steel swept me away to a place that brought tears to my eyes, remembering this world ain't so bad as we sometimes let ourselves believe. Thank you Raido Paradise for nurturing that experience I won't soon forget.
Posted 2 years ago by amcostigan88    [ Reply ]
Arserocket :sublime is the right word If the thunder don’t get you, the lightning wil. YES!
Posted 2 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
Hearing too many bootleg Grateful Dead tapes in college turned me off to them for years. It’s hard not to love this song though.
Posted 2 years ago by soneill4920941    [ Reply ]
Just an awesome tune by Jer bear.... fuckingroovin'! Thanks RP  
Posted 2 years ago by deadheadmark    [ Reply ]
Perfect. So clean. Steel guitar, lyrics, bass, drums.
"....Small wheel turning by the fire and rod
Big wheel turning by the grace of God
Every time that wheel turn round
Bound to cover just a little more ground...."
Posted 2 years ago by einsteinstoe    [ Reply ]
what a gift pedal steel is - utterly sublime 
Posted 2 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Back in the 80s I was in high school and very dismissive of all things related to the Dead. I was so stupid. It took Freaks & Geeks playing something from American Beauty to open my eyes.
Posted 3 years ago by JFL    [ Reply ]
I used to work with a guy whose hand looked like the one on this album cover. He lost his middle finger at the second knuckle in a stump grinding accident...
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
This is a really nice piece. Really good bass playing, and nice pedal steel. it's also a little more polished than most GD pieces I've heard.
Posted 4 years ago by talexb    [ Reply ]
Gb you Jerry!
Posted 4 years ago by ForeverJerry    [ Reply ]
Agreed, Love Jerry's peddle steel guitar playing... The lyrics knocks it outta the park!  One of my favorites!  Fuckingroovin.!
Posted 4 years ago by deadheadmark    [ Reply ]
 yuel wrote:
very boring...   
 
Though through the boredom you managed to enlighten us. Thanks!
Posted 4 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
I've had many miracles at Dead shows, so maybe this is also a message.
Posted 4 years ago by jahgirl8    [ Reply ]
Always uplifting! Makes me want to jump like a Willys in four wheel drive. Thanks Bill!
Posted 5 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
very boring...   
Posted 5 years ago by yuel    [ Reply ]
I think what's valuable in this song is the traditional elements: ryhtmic base, voice, scale.
Posted 5 years ago by nampelkafe    [ Reply ]
Very few artists that actually make me turn off RP, but anything that Jerry touches gives me that reaction...
Posted 5 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
Always a pleasure to hear. Thanks Bill!
Posted 5 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Uplifting and fun to sing.
Posted 6 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
If the thunder don't get ya!   
Posted 6 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
Great travellin' music.  
Posted 6 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
10
Posted 6 years ago by allenrudd    [ Reply ]
Ugh, The  Dreadful Grate. 
Posted 6 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
Love Jer's pedal steel playing on this one. I wish he had kept it in the rotation later into his career.
Posted 6 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Thanks for making my day brighter.  I love this song!
Posted 6 years ago by Osbo    [ Reply ]
 bam23 wrote:

Pretty fancy channeling to predate something, but sure, why not?

As far as I know, Yes had four albums released prior to this( beginning 1969) Garcia thing, and possibly a fifth depending on the relative months of release
in 1972.

Posted 7 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I have chosen this terrific tune to help me sell the script I have written. I have about 25 songs in my wish-list soundtrack (some of which I have heard here and only on RP), and this is one of the top 10 for theme, tone and message. When I have that meeting, I'll be playing part of this in the mash up. 
Posted 7 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
was never a huge Dead Head, but always loved this solo effort by Jerry
Posted 7 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
Garcia channels Yes? 

 
Pretty fancy channeling to predate something, but sure, why not?
Posted 7 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Apple has made a self-correction: this is NOW ON ITUNES!


Posted 7 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Always uplifting and inspirational. Thanks Bill!
Posted 7 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Garcia channels Yes? 
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
This cured my headache given by the previous song (Mary Hopkins Those were the days).
Posted 7 years ago by rharvey658    [ Reply ]
In the running for the strangest album cover of all time.
Posted 8 years ago by senorcerveza    [ Reply ]
{#Cool} This sounds like it was written by Carl Sagan
Posted 8 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
 daaave wrote:
Cranking it... {#Dancingbanana_2}

 
Yes!!!
Posted 8 years ago by drictor    [ Reply ]
 ericgage wrote:
I've always loved this whole album especially this track and To Lay Me Down. I hadn't heard it in a long while so thanks for playing!! 

 
10-4, that.
Posted 8 years ago by ThirdRail_33    [ Reply ]
I've always loved this whole album especially this track and To Lay Me Down. I hadn't heard it in a long while so thanks for playing!! 
Posted 8 years ago by ericgage    [ Reply ]
{#Meditate}
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 agd3 wrote:
Thanks RP!  One of my all time favorites, and my 4 year old daughter's too.

 
RIP Amelia
Posted 8 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
now this is the way I'd like the Grateful Dead to sound
most awesome album 

my favorite Dead albums are not by the Dead
this album and "Ace" by Bob Weir 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
A serene and delightful Jerry tune. A solid 8.  It was in the collection of B sides and hidden hits put out by Whole Earth Catalog in the '70s. Now, bummer, lost from my shrunken LP collection. Here it is, on RP — but not on iTunes. A sucko barfo to Apple for not offering this gem. 

 
What he said. ITunes needs to get this on the grid. A glaring omission. A shame most other Dead tunes can't emulate this magic. 
 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
I always thought the lyric was, "If the thumbing don't get you then the blind man will," which, of course, makes no sense.
Posted 8 years ago by vesta0424    [ Reply ]
Pretty spectacular to follow Those Were the Days with this altered perspective on the same general theme; the passage of time and our relation to it. However Robert Hunter's perspective is more deeply nuanced and, ahem..., cosmic. This song is somehow infused with my DNA, so any observation is not objective.
Posted 8 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Cranking it... {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 9 years ago by daaave    [ Reply ]
Great song by Jerry!
Posted 9 years ago by RSF    [ Reply ]
Perhaps the best single song he ever made/wrote.
Posted 9 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
If the thunder don't get ya the rainbow will. Thanks Jerry!
Posted 9 years ago by gregaloha    [ Reply ]
Go to Chicago this weekend for the last GD shows.  The word on the streets is that this is going tot be a "happening" with all kind sof people showing up at multiple venues and open places in downtown Chicago.

The vibes will be everywhere and anywhere. And like every moment of time...poof. It's gone and will never happen again.    
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 sharkartist wrote:
I used to play this song at the start of the first day of my drawing class. As the students sat awaiting my arrival, I'd start the song via remote before I entered the room. When it got to that certain line in the lyrics, I'd plug in a spot light that illuminated the blackboard where it was inscribed "won't you try just a little bit harder, couldn't you try just a little bit more".   

...then I'd go in there and work their asses off! {#Lol}{#Whipit}

 
And they probably loved you for it...
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Ah, the 70's...always loved this & the good memories with…still turning
Posted 10 years ago by Djoy    [ Reply ]
if the thunder don't get ya then the lightnin' will...
Posted 10 years ago by SirLars    [ Reply ]
A serene and delightful Jerry tune. A solid 8.  It was in the collection of B sides and hidden hits put out by Whole Earth Catalog in the '70s. Now, bummer, lost from my shrunken LP collection. Here it is, on RP -- but not on iTunes. A sucko barfo to Apple for not offering this gem. 
Posted 10 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Floating
Posted 11 years ago by Scientist79    [ Reply ]
yawn.
Posted 11 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
Takes me back......
Posted 11 years ago by jwilson277    [ Reply ]
... Still ...
Posted 11 years ago by k-man    [ Reply ]
Missing Jerry...
Posted 12 years ago by hollirg1    [ Reply ]
 dc_zee wrote:

Me too.  1986 me thinks.  

Have some funny memories about camping w/an innocent friend mouthing off inadvertently to a biker named something like "Kill" (in full leather under Austin summer sun) w/girlpals in wet t-shirts emblazoned with "Property of Kill" while this tune floated in the background and (in my mind) kept all beings mellow.  The mouth off by my friend was something like "wow, isn't all that leather hot?".  I suggested we adjourn to a dip in the Lake.
 

I was thinking more of early '70s Hippy Hollow.  Before Lakeway and the Oasis, and 620, 2222 and Bee Caves road were all two lane blacktops that undulated into the hill country.  Hippy Hollow was one of the small coves on the east side of the lake.  You parked up on Comanche Trail and hiked down to the delicious, cool, clear water of Lake Travis.  Gone forever, I'm afraid.
Posted 12 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]

love the graphics for this song, especially when I close my eyes...


Posted 12 years ago by LongGoneDaddy    [ Reply ]
oh wow finally got it
never did with the dead 
Posted 12 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
RP tortures me with a classic, wonderful song that's unavailable on iTunes!  One of you is dastardly, not sure which. 
I don't want a live Dead track, I want THIS ONE. I once had a Whole Earth compendium LP, this was on it, along with Captain (Earth is God's golf ball) Beefheart, Todd Rundgren, etc.  I played that thing to death. 


Posted 12 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Garcia performed all instruments except for drums on this album.

Luv the RP and the links provided for the music we love 
Posted 12 years ago by max_p    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:
This reminds of hot, sunny days at Hippy Hollow.  The original one, not the LCRA park with the asphalt parking lot.
 
Me too.  1986 me thinks.  

Have some funny memories about camping w/an innocent friend mouthing off inadvertently to a biker named something like "Kill" (in full leather under Austin summer sun) w/girlpals in wet t-shirts emblazoned with "Property of Kill" while this tune floated in the background and (in my mind) kept all beings mellow.  The mouth off by my friend was something like "wow, isn't all that leather hot?".  I suggested we adjourn to a dip in the Lake.
Posted 12 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP!  One of my all time favorites, and my 4 year old daughter's too.
Posted 12 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
 sharkartist wrote:
I used to play this song at the start of the first day of my drawing class. As the students sat awaiting my arrival, I'd start the song via remote before I entered the room. When it got to that certain line in the lyrics, I'd plug in a spot light that illuminated the blackboard where it was inscribed "won't you try just a little bit harder, couldn't you try just a little bit more".   

...then I'd go in there and work their asses off! {#Lol}{#Whipit}
 
I'm sorry I missed this post for so long - it's awesome. I wish I'd had you (or a teacher like you) when I was in high school - perhaps I would have applied myself to art.  I still can't draw for crap, but I can write, sort of, so at least one of my high school teachers influenced me - much the same way you influenced your students... Hugging you, because where would I be had I not had a teacher like you to kick me into inspiration?{#Hug}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Thanks, Jerry!{#Wave}
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Had to look to see if this was N.R.P.S. The pedal steel is signature Garcia!
Posted 13 years ago by polymath    [ Reply ]
 Tana wrote:

Not to put too fine a point on it, but this recording isn't the Dead, it's one of Jerry's solo projects.

 

That seems like a pretty fine distinction.  Not a lot of new ground was covered here.
Posted 13 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
FURTHUR tomorrow in Philly! Can't wait…
Posted 13 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]
 PA1749 wrote:
One of my favorite Dead tunes!
 
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this recording isn't the Dead, it's one of Jerry's solo projects.

Posted 13 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
This reminds of hot, sunny days at Hippy Hollow.  The original one, not the LCRA park with the asphalt parking lot.

Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:
Ezekiel saw the wheel.

 

The wheel within the wheel, actually.
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Ezekiel saw the wheel.

Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite Dead tunes!
Posted 14 years ago by PA1749    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Jerry Garcia 1 by ~Klyxx
Matt ©2008-2010 ~Klyxx

Jerry Garcia - Las Vegas - 1990
 

friggin Jerry wearin his PJs...I remember from a couple of those vegas shows he forgot to wear pants.
Posted 14 years ago by black321    [ Reply ]
Great version.  Mystical. 
Posted 14 years ago by jazzface78    [ Reply ]
What an inspiring masterpiece.
 
Posted 14 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]

 
Posted 14 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]

Jerry Garcia 1 by ~Klyxx
Matt ©2008-2010 ~Klyxx

Jerry Garcia - Las Vegas - 1990


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 gumbo73039 wrote:
"Every time that wheel goes round
it covers a little more ground"

That's fine, think I might look at this guy harder, haven't got any of his work yet, nor the GD's.
 
I recommend you give American Beauty a shot, great album and much easier to get into than any other stuff by the Dead.

Posted 14 years ago by Zigi    [ Reply ]
Making me smile...........
Posted 14 years ago by parttime    [ Reply ]
"Every time that wheel goes round
it covers a little more ground"

That's fine, think I might look at this guy harder, haven't got any of his work yet, nor the GD's.
Posted 15 years ago by gumbo73039    [ Reply ]
{#Bananasplit}
Posted 15 years ago by glassbuteo    [ Reply ]
I used to play this song at the start of the first day of my drawing class. As the students sat awaiting my arrival, I'd start the song via remote before I entered the room. When it got to that certain line in the lyrics, I'd plug in a spot light that illuminated the blackboard where it was inscribed "won't you try just a little bit harder, couldn't you try just a little bit more".   

...then I'd go in there and work their asses off! {#Lol}{#Whipit}


Posted 15 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
 Al_Koholic wrote:
wally42 wrote:
10 good karma points if you tell me whose mandolin that is....
10 -> infinity we need a new button for Imortal!


Probably David Grisman's.

Definitely Grisman - here's the complete photo.



 

Posted 15 years ago by rsfc_carp    [ Reply ]
 danithegirl wrote:
RP- you're on fire tonight! Thank you especially for playing Jerry's Wheel. I was overwhelmed with sadness and joy at the same time. I'm also ashamed and happy to say that I have finally become a supporter after being a long-time listener. Thank you again.
 
Good for you! You shouldn't feel ashamed, you should feel proud. I was in the same position, I listened a long time before I hopped on board. I think a lot of people do the same thing. It feels good to become a contributor. I also make make a lot of comments - as you've probably noticed - and I upload songs to the LRC and try to get them added to the playlist. I agree with you, this is a great song!
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:
 
I think you're onto something....  As someone who listened to both recordings numerous times and went to about 20 Dead shows (clearly a small number compared to others) I did NOT note the Jerry pedal-steel association with TYCW/CSNY.   Sad thing is I actually read more album labels 'back then', so I've no excuse.  Off to find the CSNY vinyl or disc!
Posted 15 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
never dug em that much back then
miss em now that they're gone
life is like that, i guess.
 
Looking back, seems it was the end of an era.  Sad to see them little by little fade into the grey.  Didn't care for em at first, now I miss them and those days.  Sometimes it takes a pinch hindsight and a few muddled memories thrown in color the past properly =( 
Gah, such a sentimental night... hopefully, no worse for the wear n tear, and better for enjoying memories.
Cheers to the memories!

Posted 15 years ago by rsimark    [ Reply ]
never dug em that much back then
miss em now that they're gone
life is like that, i guess.
Posted 15 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
One of the best.
Posted 15 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
 woozurbuddy wrote:
If you are paying attention, Jerry's petal steel playing on this track sounds dead on to his playing on Teach Your Children by CSNY...same tone, effects, touch, heart...

...of the scale awesome...
 

{#Sunny}{#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
The very beginning of this reminded me of a Shawn Phillips song!  Oooh! Flash back!
Posted 16 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
 woozurbuddy wrote:

If you are paying attention, Jerry's petal steel playing on this track sounds dead on to his playing on Teach Your Children by CSNY...same tone, effects, touch, heart...

...of the scale awesome...



oh yeah!  It's ironic that the Teach Your Children contribution probably gets more mainstream radio play that any other song he played on, and most people have no idea it's him!   (this is not a fact by the way, just an opinion....could be wrong)
 

Posted 16 years ago by LongGoneDaddy    [ Reply ]
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod
Big wheel turn by the grace of God

The essence of spiritual understanding.
Posted 16 years ago by shmuelman    [ Reply ]
wally42 wrote:
10 good karma points if you tell me whose mandolin that is....
10 -> infinity we need a new button for Imortal!


Probably David Grisman's.


Posted 16 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
RP- you're on fire tonight! Thank you especially for playing Jerry's Wheel. I was overwhelmed with sadness and joy at the same time. I'm also ashamed and happy to say that I have finally become a supporter after being a long-time listener. Thank you again.
Posted 16 years ago by danithegirl    [ Reply ]
Nice. Another .99 to itunes.
Posted 16 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
This just made my day
Posted 16 years ago by manzanitafire    [ Reply ]
First Dead tune I feel in love with. Small wheel turning by the fire and rod Big wheel turning by the grace of God Every time that wheel turn round Bound to cover just a little more ground I do wish we could hear more non-traditionally-radio-friendly Dead tunes here... Not too much, I can go elsewhere for it but come-on, give me a live Scarlet>Fire, Eyes or hell, pick any one of 50 songs played live. Surprise us!
Posted 16 years ago by Ballzak    [ Reply ]
sharkartist wrote:
The moment I hear the opening notes to this song, my spirit soars! The steel guitar intro is just mesmerizing. Thank you Bill for playin' it!
Me agree! Love the pedal steel! **Rootsy!** **Great early Y'Alternative!**
Posted 16 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
had to change my 9 to a 10. how could it get any better ?
Posted 16 years ago by ttburger3    [ Reply ]
Thank you Jerry......
Posted 16 years ago by Stewed_Mulligan    [ Reply ]
Hard not to love this iconic guitar sound!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
wally42 wrote:
10 good karma points if you tell me whose mandolin that is.... 10 -> infinity we need a new button for Imortal!
DAWG!!
Posted 16 years ago by spudboy    [ Reply ]
musikalia wrote:
me too
10 good karma points if you tell me whose mandolin that is.... 10 -> infinity we need a new button for Imortal!
Posted 16 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
nelamvr6 wrote:
Gawd I miss Jerry!
me too
Posted 17 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
Nothing gives me goosebumps like Jerry Garcia's pedal steel guitar.
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
I was drug (sic) to many Grateful Dead concerts through college, and fell asleep in most of them. But with 30 years of reflection, they ain't bad!
Posted 17 years ago by ronniegirl    [ Reply ]
Nothin like a little "Country" on a Friday morning. Jerry sure could play a pedal steel.
Posted 17 years ago by cutterjudd    [ Reply ]
I've been enjoying Jerry and the Dead lately.
Posted 17 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
was never a huge fan of the dead but i've always kind liked this song.
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
It's a solo recording but could almost be The Grateful Dead, which shows how important he was for that band. Lovely, loose feel, though there is always some sort of pain in his songs.
Posted 17 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by fungus6507    [ Reply ]
play more Dead
Posted 17 years ago by wookie    [ Reply ]
This is just about the only Dead/Garcia tune that I consistently enjoy.
Posted 17 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
Gawd I miss Jerry!
Posted 17 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
mmmm, love that pedal steel Jerry.
Posted 17 years ago by wandersahn    [ Reply ]
I used to play this when I was a college DJ. Haven't heard it in years. Thanks for playing it Bill! You rock! David
Posted 17 years ago by David_Murray    [ Reply ]