Meaning of "Nothin' But The Wheel" by Patty Loveless

The song "Nothin' But The Wheel" delves into the theme of heartbreak and the struggles of moving on from a past relationship. The speaker finds solace in the act of driving late at night, seeking out the solace of quiet two-lane roads to escape their thoughts and memories of a lost love. The repetition of holding on to "nothin' but the wheel" reflects the feeling of emptiness and isolation that comes with heartbreak, with nothing else to cling to except the physical act of driving. The speaker is trying to distract themselves from thoughts of the past by driving endlessly, but ultimately realizes that if the other person no longer wants them, all they have left is the road ahead. The imagery of the roads winding in the dawn and the sky's color of polished steel reflect the cold, lonely journey of moving on from a relationship.