About the song
“Turn the Page,” a poignant anthem originally penned by Bob Seger in 1971 and later released on his 1973 album *Back in ’72*, stands as a timeless reflection on the trials and solitude of life on the road for a musician. While not initially a single, its enduring popularity was cemented with a live version featured on Seger’s 1976 *Live Bullet* album, which gained traction in Germany and the UK before becoming a staple on album-oriented rock radio stations worldwide.
The genesis of “Turn the Page” is rooted in Seger’s personal experiences during the early 1970s while touring with Teegarden & Van Winkle. The catalyst for the song came after a particularly grueling journey through a snowstorm in the Midwest, where Seger and his bandmates encountered ridicule and disdain at a truck stop. The derogatory comments about their appearance, particularly their long hair, left a lasting impression on Seger, shaping the song’s narrative about the alienation and weariness faced by traveling musicians.
The lyrics vividly capture the melancholy of life on the road: “On a long and lonesome highway, east of Omaha. You can listen to the engine moanin’ out its one-note song…” They speak to the emotional toll of constant travel, the longing for home, and the challenges of dealing with societal judgment and loneliness.
Musically, “Turn the Page” features a memorable saxophone melody played by Alto Reed, a founding member of the Silver Bullet Band. The haunting quality of the saxophone riff, coupled with Seger’s soulful vocals and introspective lyrics, has made it a standout in rock history. The song’s instrumentation, including the Mellotron and electric piano, adds depth and atmosphere, enhancing its narrative power.
Reflecting on its enduring popularity, Seger remarked on the song’s unexpected longevity and resonance with audiences over the decades. It has become a staple in his live performances, resonating not only with rock fans but also with anyone who has experienced the weariness and isolation of frequent travel.
Critically acclaimed for its emotive storytelling and musical composition, “Turn the Page” remains a testament to Bob Seger’s ability to capture universal themes through personal experience. It continues to evoke introspection and empathy, reminding listeners of the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who live their lives on the road.
In conclusion, “Turn the Page” stands as a timeless classic, offering a poignant glimpse into the life of a musician navigating the highs and lows of a transient existence. Its evocative lyrics and soulful instrumentation have secured its place as a quintessential piece of American rock music history.
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