About the song
“Turn The Page: A Rock Ballad That Resonates Through Time
If there’s one song that truly captures the raw energy and emotional depth of life on the road for a rock musician, it’s Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page”. Released in 1973 on his Back in ’72 album, this iconic track has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
Seger, with his gritty vocals and heartfelt lyrics, paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by a touring musician. The song’s title itself is symbolic of the constant change and upheaval that comes with life on the road. “Turn the page” suggests moving on to the next town, the next show, and the next chapter in one’s life.
The 1973 Radio Version of “Turn The Page” is particularly noteworthy for its stripped-down, almost acoustic feel. This raw and intimate arrangement allows Seger’s powerful vocals and poignant lyrics to take center stage. The song’s simplicity belies its emotional complexity, as Seger delves into themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for connection.
One of the most striking aspects of “Turn The Page” is its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. The song’s references to late-night drives, empty highways, and one-night stands transport listeners back to a simpler time. Yet, despite its nostalgic undertones, the song’s message remains timeless. The challenges faced by touring musicians in the 1970s are not so different from those faced by artists today.
The live version of “Turn The Page” from Seger’s 1976 album, Live Bullet, is often considered the definitive recording of the song. With its soaring guitar solos and energetic performance, the live version captures the raw power and excitement of a Seger concert. However, the studio version, particularly the 1973 Radio Version, offers a more intimate and introspective look at the song.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bob Seger or simply appreciate great songwriting, “Turn The Page” is a must-listen. Its timeless appeal and emotional resonance have cemented its place in the rock music canon.
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