Wheels Of Fire

Manowar's 'Wheels Of Fire' is a high-octane anthem that captures the raw, unbridled spirit of the open road and the thrill of speed. The song opens with a reference to the dawn of time, suggesting that the desire for speed and adventure is an ancient, almost primal urge. The imagery of 'spinning in the dust' and 'eatin' tar and gasoline' evokes a sense of relentless motion and a life lived on the edge. The 'triple-plated chrome' and 'open pipes' of the machine symbolize power and freedom, elements that are central to the song's theme.

The chorus, with its repeated invocation of the 'Spirit of the Wheel' and 'Wheels of Fire,' serves as a rallying cry for those who live to ride. The wheels burning bright and riding across the sky suggest a transcendental experience, where the act of riding becomes almost spiritual. This is further emphasized by the lines 'We live to ride,' which encapsulate the song's core message: the road is not just a place, but a way of life.

The song's intensity ramps up with vivid descriptions of speed and danger. Phrases like 'motors running,' 'make your tires burn,' and 'speeding always kills' highlight the risks involved, but also the exhilaration that comes with them. The protagonist's heart pounding and blood turning to nitroglycerin convey a sense of being on the brink, ready to explode. The imagery of 'clouds of smoke,' 'tires screaming,' and 'fire in my hair' paints a picture of chaos and destruction, yet there's a sense of liberation in it. The song concludes with the affirmation that they 'live to ride,' reinforcing the idea that the journey, with all its dangers and thrills, is what truly matters.