“I’m Gonna Be a Wheel Someday” – A Story of Hope and Perseverance
The Wheel of Fortune Turns for a Rock and Roll Legend
In the vibrant, early days of rock and roll, when the air was thick with the promise of a new sound, a song rolled out that perfectly captured the era’s hopeful spirit. “I’m Gonna Be a Wheel Someday,” by the incomparable Fats Domino, is more than just a catchy tune; it’s an anthem of determination, a testament to the belief that everyone gets their turn in the sun. This spirited track, released in the summer of 1959, found its rhythm on the charts, peaking at a respectable No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a solid No. 22 on the R&B Best Sellers in Stores chart. Its success wasn’t just a fleeting moment; it was a testament to the enduring appeal of Fats Domino’s unique blend of New Orleans rhythm and blues and rock and roll.
The story behind this song is as compelling as its music. While many of Fats Domino’s biggest hits were his own compositions, “I’m Gonna Be a Wheel Someday” was a collaborative effort, penned by three talented songwriters: Dave Bartholomew, Bobby Charles, and Antoine “Fats” Domino himself. Dave Bartholomew, a legendary producer and songwriter, was instrumental in shaping the New Orleans sound and was a frequent collaborator with Fats Domino. The inclusion of Bobby Charles, a white swamp-pop musician from Louisiana who had a knack for writing soulful songs, added another layer of authenticity. The lyrics, brimming with a sense of quiet defiance and unwavering optimism, were a reflection of the challenges and triumphs of the time. They speak to the universal human experience of feeling overlooked and the powerful desire to rise above one’s circumstances.
At its core, “I’m Gonna Be a Wheel Someday” is a song about perseverance. The central metaphor of the “wheel” represents a person’s turn at success, luck, and recognition. The lyrics, “I ain’t no big wheel, I’m just a little spoke on a big wheel, but I’m gonna be a wheel someday,” perfectly encapsulate this idea. It’s a humble acknowledgment of one’s current position, but it’s also a powerful declaration of future greatness. For many who listened to this song in 1959, it was more than just music; it was a soundtrack to their own dreams. It resonated with the factory worker hoping for a promotion, the young musician practicing in their garage, and the everyday person striving for a better life. The song’s upbeat tempo and Fats Domino’s signature rolling piano and warm, friendly vocals created an infectious energy that made you believe in the possibility of your own future success.
The track’s aural signature is pure Fats Domino: a driving rhythm section, his distinctive piano triplets, and a full, rich saxophone chorus that provides a powerful counterpoint to his vocals. This sound, a perfect fusion of blues, boogie-woogie, and pop, was a blueprint for the New Orleans sound that influenced countless artists for generations. It’s a sound that evokes images of late-night parties in the French Quarter, of a city alive with music and a spirit that refuses to be dampened. This is the magic of Fats Domino—he didn’t just play music; he created a feeling, a moment in time that you could hold onto forever. For those of us who remember those days, this song isn’t just a record; it’s a key that unlocks a treasure trove of memories, a reminder of a time when hope was as abundant as the notes pouring from a piano.