In 1969, Ray Benson and Lucky Oceans (Reuben Gosfield) co-founded Asleep at the Wheel in Paw Paw, West Virginia, and soon after they found themselves opening for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna in Washington, DC.[1] A year later, they moved to East Oakland, California at the invitation of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. After being mentioned in Rolling Stone magazine by Van Morrison, they landed a record deal with United Artists. In 1973, their debut album, Comin' Right At Ya was released by United Artists. At the request of Willie Nelson, they left Oakland for Austin in 1974.
Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have been presented numerous awards throughout their career. Most recently, the 16th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Award for the making of "A Ride With Bob", recognition by Mayor Kirk Watson of Austin, Texas, and the Darrel K. Royal Music Patron Award by The Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association. In 2007, The Austin Chronicle recognized Asleep at the Wheel for Band of the Year, Best Country Band, and into their Hall of Fame. Benson was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2002, was given The Texas Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, and recognized as an Outstanding Producer by the National Academy of Recording Arts in 1988. He has also been given numerous Citations of Achievement by Broadcast Music, Inc. for his work in the country music field. Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have been one of the strongest names in Country Music for the last forty years.
Boogie Back To Texas
Asleep At The Wheel Lyrics
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Home to the Lone Star State, another day I just can't wait
Look out boys, I'm headed your way
I got a mind that wanders and a '57 Chevrolet
Hold on tight, I got a license to fly
With the pedal to the metal watch me roll on by
While I boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
We're gonna boogie back to Texas, eight beats to the mile
Rollin' out-a New York, Philadelphia P A
Pittsburgh wheelin', West Virginia all the way
Rollin through Ohio, gonna make it to Kentucky
Gonna make it by the mornin' if I'm fast an' if I'm lucky
Hold on tight, I'm a homeward bound
Gonna boogie back to Austin, back to my hometown
Boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
We're gonna boogie back to Texas, eight beats to the mile
Well I finally see the state line staring at me
Oklahoma city's just a m-m-m-m-memory
Forth Worth, Dallas, I roll on by
Waco Texas less than 50 miles
Clear the roads, I'm a-headin' that way
Gonna boogie back to Texas 'cross the you S of A
Boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
Boogie back to Texas
We're gonna boogie back to Texas, eight beats to the mile
Can't you see I'm on my way? Boogie!
The song "Boogie Back to Texas" by Asleep at the Wheel is an ode to the Lone Star State and the singer's journey back home after a long absence. The lyrics express the singer's excitement and impatience to return to Texas, which he considers his true home. The singer's mode of transportation is a '57 Chevrolet, and he's eager to race back home in it. As he travels back to Texas, he passes through multiple states, and the song mentions the cities and towns he passes through on his way back. The song is full of energy and rhythm, and its repetitive chorus is designed to get listeners up and dancing.
The song's lively and upbeat tune makes it a popular choice in honky-tonks and dance halls throughout Texas. Asleep at the Wheel gained popularity in the '70s and '80s, and their music blended country, swing, jazz, and boogie-woogie. Ray Benson, the lead vocalist of the band, has a distinctive baritone voice that adds to the song's charm. The lyrics of "Boogie Back to Texas" make many references to the geography of Texas and the surrounding states. The line "eight beats to the mile" refers to the song's driving eight-beat rhythm.
Overall, "Boogie Back to Texas" celebrates Texas's unique identity and the love of the lone star state.
Line by Line Meaning
Been gone, so long, I can't wait to get back home
I have been away from home for so long that I cannot wait to go back.
Home to the Lone Star State, another day I just can't wait
I am excited to go back to my hometown, the Lone Star State.
Look out boys, I'm headed your way
I am coming back and ready to have a good time.
I got a mind that wanders and a '57 Chevrolet
I have a restless mind and a car from 1957 to get me to where I need to go.
Hold on tight, I got a license to fly
Buckle up, I am going to drive fast and recklessly.
With the pedal to the metal watch me roll on by
I am going to drive very fast so make sure to keep up with me.
Rollin' out-a New York, Philadelphia P A
I am leaving New York, through Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh wheelin', West Virginia all the way
I am driving through Pittsburgh and all the way to West Virginia.
Rollin through Ohio, gonna make it to Kentucky
I am passing by Ohio on my way to Kentucky.
Gonna make it by the mornin' if I'm fast an' if I'm lucky
If I drive fast and everything goes well, I will make it to my destination by morning.
Hold on tight, I'm a homeward bound
Get ready, I am heading back home.
Gonna boogie back to Austin, back to my hometown
I am going to turn up the music and drive back to Austin, my hometown.
Well I finally see the state line staring at me
I see the state line of Texas coming up.
Oklahoma city's just a m-m-m-m-memory
Oklahoma City is now behind me.
Forth Worth, Dallas, I roll on by
I drive by Fort Worth and Dallas on my way.
Waco Texas less than 50 miles
I am less than 50 miles away from Waco, Texas.
Clear the roads, I'm a-headin' that way
Get out of my way, I am coming through.
Gonna boogie back to Texas 'cross the you S of A
I am going to boogie back to Texas and cross the United States of America to get there.
Can't you see I'm on my way? Boogie!
I am already on my way and ready to boogie.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RAY BENSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@eightinches6094
I have seen this band live at least 5 times. It's pure energy. Great entertainment. If you ever have a chance to see them live don't miss it.
@stevehanford1753
the best!!
@Redwood65
Going to see them in August at Big Top Chatauqua. Looking forward to it!
@ronnichols884
Ray also does a different version of "I've Been Everywhere ". He substitutes Texas towns for the original towns that Hank Snow used in his song.
@rapidtx
as a over the road trucker i have played this song many many times....just saw you for thge the first time in luckenbach..my wife and i hand the best time ever...we was just gonna take a weekend road trip found you you was gonna be there it was the hightlight of the trip.....been a fan for many many years
@stevehanford1753
best band!!
@diannebunnell5582
One Hellva Great Musician.