"Wheels of a Dream" By Lynn Ahrens

[COALHOUSE]
I see his face.
I hear his heartbeat.
I look in those eyes.
How wise they seem.
Well, when he is old enough
I will show him America
And he will ride
on the wheels of a dream.
[COALHOUSE]
We'll go down South
[SARAH]
Go down South,
[COALHOUSE]
And see your people
[SARAH]
See my folks.
[COALHOUSE]
Won't they take to him
[SARAH]
They'll take to him
[COALHOUSE]
Like cats to cream!
[SARAH]
Mmm...
[COALHOUSE]
Then we'll travel on from there.
[SARAH]
California or who knows where!
[BOTH]
And we will ride
On the wheels of a dream.
[COALHOUSE]
Yes, the wheels are turning for us, girl.
And the times are starting to roll.
Any man can get where he wants to
If he's got some fire in his soul.
We'll see justice, Sarah,
And plenty of men
Who will stand up
And give us our due.
Oh, Sarah, it's more that promises.
Sarah, it must be true.
A country that let's a man like me
Own a car, raise a child, build a life with you...
[COALHOUSE]
With you...
[SARAH]
With you...
[BOTH]
Beyond that road,
Beyond this lifetime
That care full of hope
Will always gleam!
With the promise of happiness
And the freedom he'll live to know.
He'll travel with head held high,
Just as far as his heart can go
And he will ride-
Our son will ride-
On the wheels of a dream

"Little Green" Song Analysis

Weaving in a subtle lesson on responsibility in “Little Green,” Joni Mitchell employs  natural personification, multi- faceted characterization, and peaceful imagery in order to convey that even though “sometimes there’ll  be sorrow,” life consists of many trials and triumphs.

Mitchell encompasses all she was trying to portray through her use of peaceful imagery.  The “crocuses” that one can “bring to school tomorrow” provide an image of spring which is often associated with a time of peace and tranquility.  The imagery presented does not only produce a symbol of peace, but an aura of peace.  The allusion to a “gypsy dancer” provides an atmosphere of peace because gypsy dancers are normally reared as people who are in tune with themselves and the world.  The symbols of peace and the atmosphere of peace created by Mitchell help also to establish the idea that not every day in life is filled with sorrows.

Joni Mitchell indirectly and directly characterizes the subjects of her song.  Alluding to the presence of a father figure throughout the second stanza, she reveals that “he went to California,” not only to tell the listeners that he left, but to show them his attitude which one can conclude is that of a selfish person.  Confirming those beliefs, the figure is directly characterized when it is made apparent that “he’s a non- conformer,” verifying his disposition.  Mitchell combines this characterization of a father figure with one of a mother figure.  The indirect characterization of the woman is able to portray her conflicted thoughts.  “You’re sorry, but you not ashamed” reveals that the woman has many mixed emotions hinting at her sorrowful but hopeful outlook.  This dual use of characterization is combined with personification in order to aid Mitchell in conveying her idea.

Personification is achieved through attributing human qualities to the seasons.  “The spring is born” allows for the listeners to understand that although spring is not actually being born, through “Little Green” a fresh, new time is beginning.  Partnering the personification of the spring with the winters who “cannot fade her” Mitchell is skillfully able to hint at the passing of time.  Personification is used again through the “Northern Lights” who possess the ability to “perform.”  This performance alludes to a pleasant comfortable atmosphere contrasting but proving the fluctuations of life.

Through personification, characterization, and imagery, Joni Mitchell is able to portray to the listeners that life is filled with many ups and downs.  This idea that “there’ll be sorrow” not only is true in Joni’s situation, but throughout life, filling every aspect of everyday.   

Theme- Genre Declaration

Everyone reaches a point in there life at which they have to make a choice.  The question is which choice do you make?  Do you go the easy way, the way that guarantees results, the familiar way?  Or do you stray from the path, spread your wings, take a leap of faith, and hope that you catch the wind so that you can soar to new heights?  For me, that second path is always the one worth taking; it’s the more exciting path, the adventurous one.  The second path leads you to your dreams.  I chose dreams for my theme because there is something so mystical about them, so intriguing.  Dreams can be anything, dreams for hope, for love, for acceptance.  Dreams dictate everything we do, they are ever present, they are that voice in our heads guiding us along the way. 

  To find a genre in the whole wild world of music that captures the core of a dream is very difficult.  In a sense, every song in any genre could be about a dream.  But there is one genre in particular that dwells in the dream realm.  One genre that contains the very essence of what a dream is.  The songs in this genre capture you with the first notes, and you are fixated until the very last crescendo which leaves your ears ringing long after the song has ended.  That’s what Broadway music is.  It’s the dream world of music, the place where you can want anything and be anyone.  It’s that last final note hanging in the air inviting you to live your dreams.