Rider On The Wheel Lyrics

Lyric discussion by psilogon 

Cover art for Rider On The Wheel lyrics by Nick Drake

He's talking about the beginning of a loving relationship. The first few moments of the relationship were magical, but as it continued, the intensity of it revealed his full vulnerability and it's made both of them paranoid and questioning--"and now you know my name / but I don't feel the same / but I ain't gonna blame"

He wants to be trusted in complete faith, but since trust is only something that exists mutually, either her or his own insecure questioning prevents it from occuring--"but I don't feel the same." And even though they've already seen through to each other, the intensity of it has painted them into corners and he "must keep up a show."