Been runnin' around, seen many a town
So maybe you'll find I'm the kind of guy to brag
But listen to me and see, if you don't agree
No melody rolls like that old steel guitar rag

And when they slide that thing along the strings
It sounds so doggone heavenly, you hear an angel sing
An' when you start your feet, your heart will beat
The rhythm to that old steel guitar rag

You may be kind choosy 'bout the kind of songs you hear
You may like songs that's bluesy, so you cry right in your beer
But if you like a tune that's bound to drive away your care
Make happy your soul with that old steel guitar rag

Overall Meaning

The song "Steel Guitar Rag" by Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys talks about the power of the steel guitar and how it can make you feel. The singer mentions that he has been to many towns and experienced many different things, but nothing compares to the melody of the steel guitar rag. He encourages the listener to listen to the steel guitar and they will understand why it is so special. When the steel guitar is played, it creates a heavenly sound that makes you want to dance and sing. The rhythm of the steel guitar rag is so infectious that it will make your heart beat and your feet move.

The lyrics also suggest that the listener may have certain preferences when it comes to music. They may like sad songs that make them cry or songs that have a bluesy feel. However, the singer believes that if they want a tune that will make them happy and drive away their cares, they should listen to the steel guitar rag. The song is a celebration of this unique and powerful instrument that has the ability to bring joy to people's lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Been runnin' around, seen many a town
I have traveled a lot and visited many cities.

So maybe you'll find I'm the kind of guy to brag
You might think I am boasting when I talk about my experiences.

But listen to me and see, if you don't agree
I want you to hear me out and judge for yourself.

No melody rolls like that old steel guitar rag
The melody of the steel guitar rag is incomparable and unique.

And when they slide that thing along the strings
When the musicians play the steel guitar by sliding their fingers along its strings,

It sounds so doggone heavenly, you hear an angel sing
the resulting sound is heavenly and sounds like an angel singing.

An' when you start your feet, your heart will beat
When you start tapping your feet, you will feel your heart beating along with the rhythm of the music.

The rhythm to that old steel guitar rag
The rhythm of the old steel guitar rag is contagious and makes you want to dance.

You may be kind choosy 'bout the kind of songs you hear
You may be selective about the type of music you enjoy listening to.

You may like songs that's bluesy, so you cry right in your beer
You may prefer bluesy songs that make you emotional and want to cry while drinking beer.

But if you like a tune that's bound to drive away your care
But if you want to listen to a happy tune that will make your worries disappear,

Make happy your soul with that old steel guitar rag
Then you should listen to the old steel guitar rag and feel your soul being filled with happiness and joy.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leon McAuliffe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@gringoflamenco

12y↑21

Leon played this on a "frying pan" one of the earliest steel guitars, no pedals back then. This tune was the defining anthem for steel guitar players from then on. Leon McAuliffe and Bob Dunn were the first to record electric steel guitar in history - likely the first electric instruments in history.