About the song
Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page”: A Timeless Tale of Rock ‘n’ Roll Life
In the realm of classic rock, few songs capture the raw energy and gritty realities of life on the road quite like Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page.” Released in 1976 as part of his album Night Moves, this track has become a staple in rock music and a testament to Seger’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
“Turn the Page” offers a poignant glimpse into the world of a touring musician. Seger, with his signature raspy vocals, paints a vivid picture of the relentless demands and isolation that come with life on the road. The song’s lyrics delve into the emotional toll of constant travel, the longing for home, and the challenges of maintaining relationships while constantly being away.
The song’s title, “Turn the Page,” is symbolic of the transient nature of life on tour. Each night is a new chapter, a new city, and a new audience. The constant need to “turn the page” and move on can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Seger’s heartfelt lyrics convey the bittersweet experience of being a rock star, capturing the highs of performing for adoring fans and the lows of the lonely hotel rooms.
Musically, “Turn the Page” is a rock masterpiece. The driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs create a sense of urgency and restlessness that mirrors the song’s themes. The combination of Seger’s raw vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation results in a sound that is both timeless and instantly recognizable.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatability. While it was written about the life of a rock musician, the themes of longing, isolation, and the search for meaning resonate with people from all walks of life. Whether you’ve ever been on tour or simply experienced the ups and downs of life, “Turn the Page” offers a universal message that continues to connect with listeners decades after its release.
Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page” is more than just a rock song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Its ability to capture the human experience in such a raw and honest way has solidified its place in the rock ‘n’ roll pantheon.
Video
Lyrics
On a long and lonesome highway
East of Omaha
You can listen to the engine
Moanin’ out his one note song
You can think about the woman
Or the girl you knew the night before
But your thoughts will soon be wandering
The way they always do
When you’re ridin’ sixteen hours
And there’s nothin’ much to do
And you don’t feel much like ridin’
You just wish the trip was through
See here I am
On the road again
There I am
Up on the stage
Here I go
Playin’ star again
There I go
Turn the page
Well you walk into a restaurant
Strung out from the road
And you feel the eyes upon you
As you’re shakin’ off the cold
You pretend it doesn’t bother you
But you just want to explode
Most times you can’t hear ’em talk
Other times you can
All the same old cliches
“Is that a woman or a man?”
And you always seem outnumbered
You don’t dare make a stand
Here I am
On the road again
There I am
Up on the stage
Here I go
Playin’ star again
There I go
Turn the page
Out there in the spotlight
You’re a million miles away
Every ounce of energy
You try to give away
As the sweat pours out your body
Like the music that you play
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringin’ in your head
You smoke the day’s last cigarette
Rememberin’ what she said
Here I am
On the road again
There I am
Up on the stage
Here I go
Playin’ star again
There I go
Turn the page
Here I am
On the road again
There I am
Up on the stage
Here I go
Playin’ star again
There I go
There I go