About the song
Dion’s “The Wanderer,” a timeless anthem of the road and the restless soul, is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll. Released in 1961, the song’s infectious melody and evocative lyrics have captivated audiences for generations.
Penned by Ernie Maresca, a prolific songwriter of the era, “The Wanderer” is a blues-infused ballad that paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure adrift in the world. The song’s 12-bar blues structure provides a sturdy foundation for the narrative, while the eight-bar bridge offers a moment of reflection and introspection.
Beyond its catchy tune and relatable themes, “The Wanderer” stands out for its distinctive musical style. The recording features a backing vocal group, the Del-Satins, who add a layer of harmony and energy to the song. The arrangement is characterized by its driving rhythm, energetic guitar riffs, and soulful saxophone solos, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
While the song may seem on the surface to be a celebration of freedom and adventure, Dion himself has offered a more nuanced interpretation. In his words, “The Wanderer” is “a sad song” about a man who is “going nowhere.” This underlying melancholy adds a depth and complexity to the lyrics, revealing a darker side to the protagonist’s carefree existence.
“The Wanderer” has endured as a classic of rock and roll, influencing countless artists and resonating with listeners of all ages. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of longing, restlessness, and the search for meaning in life.
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Lyrics
Oh well, I’m the type of guy who will never settle down
Where pretty girls are well, you know that I’m around
I kiss ’em and I love ’em ’cause to me they’re all the same
I hug ’em and I squeeze ’em, they don’t even know my name
They call me the wanderer
Yeah, the wanderer
I roam around, around, around
Oh well, there’s Flo on my left and there’s Mary on my right
And Janie is the girl with that I’ll be with tonight
And when she asks me which one I love the best?
I tear open my shirt, I got Rosie on my chest
‘Cause I’m a wanderer
Yeah, a wanderer
I roam around, around, around
Oh well, I roam from town to town
I go through life without a care
And I’m as happy as a clown
I with my two fists of iron and I’m going nowhere
I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around
I’m never in one place, I roam from town to town
And when I find myself fallin’ for some girl
I hop right into that car of mine and ride around the world
Yeah, I’m a wanderer
Yeah, a wanderer
I roam around, around, around
Oh yeah, I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around
I’m never in one place, I roam from town to town
Then when I find myself a-fallin’ for some girl
I hop right into that car of mine and drive around the world
‘Cause I’m a wanderer
Yeah, a wanderer
I roam around, around, around
‘Cause I’m a wanderer
Yeah, a wanderer
I roam around, around, around
‘Cause I’m a wanderer
Yeah, a wanderer