Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Asleep At The Wheel” by Transit
Asleep At The Wheel by Transit is an introspective look at the feeling of being stuck in life and unable to move on. The lyrics “Asleep at the wheel, just rolling through life” express the idea of living life on autopilot, going through the motions but not really progressing. The narrator is stuck in a cycle of misfortune, dreaming of the next move but too afraid to make it. He questions whether God or fate has left him “so far behind” and why bad luck seems to plague him no matter which direction life takes him.
The song suggests a pattern of hopelessness that’s been reinforced over time, as the narrator reminisces about how his misfortunes began even at a young age. He recalls how he could only watch from the outside “the world spinning around”, feeling like he’s been left behind, unable to catch up and tired of waiting. The narrator feels despondent and dejected – “there’s no place to run and hide” – and believes there’s no way out.
However, Asleep At The Wheel has an element of hope to it too. As the narrator reflects on being stuck in limbo, he also considers “breaking through the wall” and learning from his past mistakes. He tells himself that “sometimes you gotta take it slow” and reassures himself that despite his troubles, there is still possibility ahead.
Asleep At The Wheel is an anthem of resilience in the face of difficulty. It encourages the listener to take stock of what’s holding them back and find the resolve to turn the wheel and continue on with life. With the refrain “you gotta keep rolling”, Transit reminds us that no matter how knocked down we may feel, we must still push forward in pursuit of our better days.