Jordan Smart, “Lonely is the Wheel” // GemsOnVHS™
The 2023 Gems in the Rough was nuts. Over 1000 entries, the most in the history of the contest, from all over the world. The songwriters hit the campaign trail, and many great folks shared their songs with the community. One person strode through the melee fully in tact at the end; Jordan Smart. He played a song that captivated us all, Apple Don’t Fall (https://youtu.be/PvO0KDHD2Zo). The musicianship, the sheer humanity in the writing, and the beautiful performance of it all, it was clear Jordan had something to say. He won, and this was the result. This won’t be the last time we meet Jordan, and his adorable little family.
It just so happened that Mike from WesternAF was in town as well, and came by to record Jordan. Cameo at the end for him. BIG thanks to everyone who entered, everyone who thought about it, everyone who voted and everyone in this community. We love y’all. The contest isn’t a competition, its an opportunity to get out of your shell, share your songs, meet new people in this folky world and have fun. I’m always blown away by the friendships that develop through this, and look forward to it every year.
2nd cam, Greg Taylor.
If ya liked Jordan’s tune, you can find him on all streaming platforms and on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/7N40cnKijXmLGtTV0ifHq4?si=XvlO6QKcQ5-hsidRaisf6g.
Big thanks to our executive producers, Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, and VJ Arizpe for making this thing possible.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
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GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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@GemsOnVHS
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
You can find Jordan on Instagram at @jordansmartmusic.
We've got a bunch of cool things coming up this month! Check out what we're up to on Instagram at @gemsonvhs.
@joshtheplow
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
This is still and will forever be one of my all time fav recordings.. Gems, you got a gift for capturing the soul of the artist and the sound.. just incredible. Jordan, just.. damn. Incredible songwriting my man, this one fits me every time, 10/10 sir 🍻
@ShaunnaDammer
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
U dont know me but please understand u are saving people
@pcalvinski
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Bet there are some gems in that VHS collection.
@joshtheplow
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
This song helped me through some hard times, thanks Jordan, thanks Anthony 🍻
@devonsants
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
I've been digging everything this guy is doing
@harleyorlando1390
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Love this guy
@ConsciousVoid
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Sounds a bit like Willy Tea!
@thenakedbootleggers
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
This is John Hartford caliber song writing
@sleepingalongtherazorsedge9361
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
I love this channel and these artists. Thank you for the inspiration to start writing more folk oriented music. I hope to be on this channel one day. Greetings from a small town in Texas🤘
@elirvinbubar
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Beautiful !
@cedarriver
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Congrats on winning that thang Jordan, great first recording of (hopefully) many to come!
Chords and lyrics below folks, have fun playing
Standard tuning, no Capo
Intro G C G / C G D / Bm C G / G D G
Verses G C G / C G D / Bm C G / G D G
Chorus C G / C G / C G D / Bm C G / G D G
Interlude Bm C G
[Intro]
[Verse 1]
These waters here they know me well
And they call me by my name
They rocked me as I slowly fell in
Loved me all the same
[Verse 2]
And the lines you've passed, they've spoken clear
That they divvied up the blame
They told me things I had to hear
To love you all the same
[Chorus]
Now that we know
Now we believe
With whom we're supposed to be
You'll be on your mountain top and
I'll be out to see
[Interlude]
[Verse 3]
And these rains, they come now every year
Their message always plain
They tell me where I am to steer to
Find you once again
[Verse 4]
And the traveller walks easier
With feet upon a train
For distance is no obstacle
To find you once again
[Chorus]
Now that we know
Now we believe
With whom we're supposed to be
You'll be on your mountain top and
I'll be out to see
[Interlude]
[Verse 5]
Yes, orbiting, it gets tiring
And my sorrows, they sustain
They wear me down to withering
Till only love remains
[Verse 6]
And this tightening, Lord, it's frightening
Can't you loosen up the chain
Cause I'm only a short ways away
From only love remains
[Chorus]
Now we're both here
Now we both feel
What we both know it ain't real
Head up toward the mountain top and
Lonely is the wheel
Now we're both here
Now we both feel
What we both know it ain't real
Head up toward the mountain top and
Lonely is the wheel
Head up toward the mountain top and
Lonely is the wheel
@NickajackP
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Congratulations brother Jordan! Absolutely delighted to see a family man take the win.🤝
@michaelblue4028
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Well deserved win🙏
@brianstearskingnothing
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Yes loved it gems never let's me down
@JaneWillowMusic
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
What a wonderful piece of song writing
@jpobrien5418
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
That 000 15 sounds amazing! Super open.. great song and performance..
@clawhammerchris
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Congratulations, Jordan! Thank you, Gems!
@tommyalexandermusic
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Voted Smart. Probably my first time ever.
Love the song love the man love gems
It’s all love baby (In this case)
@jinabrasser9439
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Lyrics please?? 🥲🙏🏻
@tobypines1817
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Congratulations – I like it when you hit them higher notes, chilly willies! Your little girl is precious.
@Free_Bird420
October 2, 2026 at 4:49 am
Congratulations Jordan, great song man