Wheels by Foo Fighters

Album: Greatest Hits (2009)

Charted: 22 72

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This was one of two new tracks recorded by The Foo Fighters for their 2009 greatest hits compilation.
The song was recorded at the band's 606 Studios with Nevermind producer Butch Vig at the controls.
The band premiered this song at the 4th of July 2009 show in front of President Obama on the South Lawn at the White House. The Independence Day celebration was held to honor military heroes and the band entertained an audience of over 1200 active military troops and families.
Grohl described this at the White House concert as, "the feeling when the wheels touch the ground and you're like 'Oh, God, I'm glad that's over with, man!'"
In the aftermath of its release fan reaction was somewhat tepid to this song. However, frontman Dave Grohl told MTV News he wouldn't have it any other way. "We kind of took it in this direction that we haven't gone before, which, as a band, is exciting," he explained. "You do a song like 'Wheels' and people go, 'Really? That's the Foo Fighters?' People get all scared. 'Oh no, is that the direction they're going?' It's one of those songs that our biggest fans hate. I like that we have songs that lots of different people either enjoy or dislike."

Comments: 12

Ac from UkThis song was great when I was made redundant unexpectedly. I played it a lot when I was working my last few weeks. And I went on to get a better job with better support.
Jane from FloridaThis song is the story of my life. I had a bad marriage and ended up divorcing. I swore to never have another relationship. I guess the wheels came down. I am in a new relationship and I am so thankful for what we have. This is now my favorite song.
Bianca from Batesville, MsI believe that you could perceive this song as a “rehab” song! “When you feel like it’s all over, there’s another round for you”
Joe from Virginia reminds me of the euphoric feeling when we returned from dangerous overseas duty with USMC
AWESOME SONG@
Geoff from Adelaide, AustraliaAlso... I heard somewhere that Dave isnt a very keen on airplanes and that the song is in relief of touching down and the flight being over with.
Geoff from Adelaide, AustraliaI don't know why all the hardcore fans dont like it. Similar to Fredi in Chile said, at the Adelaide concert in Dec 2011 he announced the song as a song that is only popular in Germany. I never figured why. I like pretty much all their songs - new and old.
Fredi from Santiago, ChileWhen Foo Fighters played at Lollapalooza here in Chile, Dave referred to this song as "the one song that nobody in the world likes"
Al from Hollister, CaA great song for sure and my favorite from the Foo.
Lots of meaning to me personally and gets me through rough times.
Donna from New Jersey, NyI love this song. I think it's very meaningful and uses flight in an airplane as a metaphor for life and relationships and growing as a person.
Timothy from Aston, PaI've always thought of this song as a reference to an airplane coming in for landing and the landing gear being deployed..."When the wheels come down...When the wheels touch ground".
Layton from Paris, TxI didn't like this at first but it grows on you. The videoio
is hilarious
Jon from Enumclaw , WaI love this song it's awesome!

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Candle In The WindElton John

Marilyn Monroe is the subject of Elton John's "Candle In The Wind," but the song is really a look at how we react to celebrities who die young.

Twilight ZoneGolden Earring

"Twilight Zone" by Golden Earring was inspired by the Robert Ludlum novel The Bourne Identity, not by the TV show.

Livin' La Vida LocaRicky Martin

"Livin' La Vida Loca" is a Latin pop landmark, but "la vida loca" are the only Spanish words in the lyric - "mocha" is English.

SummertimeDJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince is built on a sample of a Kool & The Gang instrumental from 1974 called "Summer Madness," which gets a shout in the line, "This is the Fresh Prince's new definition of summer madness."