Mellencamp Week - "Human Wheels"

The lyrics for this song came primarily from a eulogy that John's friend, songwriter George Green (credited as a co-writer on the song), wrote for his grandfather.  John reworked them and wrote the chorus.  I love the percussion heartbeat that runs throughout the song, and the way the intense, alive music interacts with the very deep and serious lyrics.

The Human Wheels album was released in 1993, and I think so many people know his 80s work, that this was overlooked a bit.  I'm posting the lyrics for this one too, so you can let them swirl around in your mind as you listen.

I was already planning to post this one today, but it's even more poignant knowing that Dennis Sheehan passed away.  This is dedicated to everyone who knew and loved him.

This land today, shall draw its last breath
And take into its ancient depths
This frail reminder of its giant, dreaming self
While I, with human-hindered eyes
Unequal to the sweeping curve of life
Stand on this single print of time

Human wheels spin round and round
While the clock keeps the pace
Human wheels spin round and round
Help the light to my face

That time today, no triumph gains
At this short success of age
This pale reflection of its brave and blundering deed
For I descend from this vault
Now dreams beyond my earthly fault
Knowledge, sure, from the seed

Human wheels spin round and round
While the clock keeps the pace
Human wheels spin round and round
Help the light to my face

This land today, my tears shall taste
And take into its dark embrace
This love, who in my beating heart endures
Assured by every sun that burns
The dust to which this flesh shall return
It is the ancient, dreaming dust of God

#YearlongMixtape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWWMmxyKOR0