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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Hands on the Wheel" by the artist "Willie Nelson"

In "Hands on the Wheel," Willie Nelson paints a picture of a world "off its axis," a world filled with uncertainty and disillusionment. The lyrical protagonist finds himself searching for his place, feeling lost amongst the "liars and believers and everyone in between."

Upon meeting his lover, the protagonist finds solace and meaning. The act of looking into her eyes becomes a moment of epiphany, a moment of "finding himself." The imagery of "hands on the wheel" symbolizes finding direction, purpose, and control in life, all brought about by love.

Although the world is full of challenges ("I've looked at the stars, I've been through the bars, and I almost got lost in the smoke"), love becomes an anchor, providing the protagonist with a sense of home and belonging.

The imagery of the "old man and a boy" catching whales with a woman they both love highlights the timeless nature of love and its ability to unite people. This story, much like the "man on the moon," symbolizes the power of dreams and believing in the impossible.

Ultimately, "Hands on the Wheel" is a song about hope. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of the world, love emerges as a saving grace, guiding the protagonist toward himself, toward home, toward happiness.

At a time when the world seems to be spinnin' hopelessly out of control,

There's deceivers an' believers an' old in-betweeners,

That seem to have no place to go.

Well, it's the same old song, it's right an' it's wrong,

An' livin' is just somethin' that I do.

An' with no place to hide, I looked in your eyes,

An' I found myself in you.

I looked to the stars, tried all of the bars.

An' I've nearly gone up in smoke.

Now my hand's on the wheel, I've something that's real,

An' I feel like I'm goin' home.

An' in the shade of an oak down by the river,

Sit an old man an' a boy,

Settin' sail, spinnin' tales an' fishin' for whales,

With a lady they both enjoy.

Well, it's the same damn tune, it's the man in the moon.

It's the way that I feel about you.

An' with no place to hide, I looked in your eyes,

An' I found myself in you.

An' I looked to the stars, tried all of the bars.

An' I've nearly gone up in smoke.

Now my hand's on the wheel, I've something that's real,

An' I feel like I'm goin' home.

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