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.
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Asleep At The Wheel Lyrics
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Track twenty nine, boy you can gimme a shine
I can afford to board a Chattanooga Choo Choo
I've got my fare and just a trifle to spare
You leave the Pennsylvania station 'bout a quarter to four
Read a magazine and then you're in Baltimore
Dinner in the diner, nothing could be finer
When you hear the whistle blowin' eight to the bar
Then you know that Tennessee is not very far
Shovel all the coal in, gotta keep it rollin'
Woo, woo, Chattanooga, there you are
There's gonna be a certain party at the station
Satin and lace, I used to call funny face
She's gonna cry until I tell her that I'll never roam
The lyrics to Asleep At The Wheel's song Chattanooga Choo Choo is about a traveler asking a porter if the train they see is, in fact, the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The traveler, portrayed as a wealthy individual, can afford to board the train with just a little extra money to spare. The song then takes the listener on a journey aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo as it brings passengers from Pennsylvania Station to their various destinations, making stops in Baltimore and Carolina. The traveler discusses the enjoyment of dining on the train, particularly with ham and eggs. As the train approaches Tennessee, the traveler relishes in the sound of the whistle and the excitement of arriving at the destination. The song ends with the traveler discussing a person they plan to meet at the station and promising to never roam.
The song was written in 1941 by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren specifically for the film Sun Valley Serenade. The version by Asleep At The Wheel was released in 1976.
Line by Line Meaning
Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?
Excuse me, sir, is that the train to Chattanooga?
Track twenty nine, boy you can gimme a shine
Track number 29, young man, could you please polish my shoes?
I can afford to board a Chattanooga Choo Choo
I have enough money to purchase a ticket for the train to Chattanooga.
I've got my fare and just a trifle to spare
I have the right amount of money for the ticket and a small amount to spare.
You leave the Pennsylvania station 'bout a quarter to four
The train departs from Pennsylvania station at approximately 3:45pm
Read a magazine and then you're in Baltimore
Read a magazine during the ride and before you know it, you'll be in Baltimore.
Dinner in the diner, nothing could be finer
Eating dinner in the dining car is a delightful experience.
Than to have your ham 'n' eggs in Carolina
It is especially enjoyable to have ham and eggs while passing through the state of Carolina.
When you hear the whistle blowin' eight to the bar
Once you hear the train's whistle blowing eight times, it means you are getting closer to the destination.
Then you know that Tennessee is not very far
If you hear the whistle blow eight times, this means you are nearing Tennessee.
Shovel all the coal in, gotta keep it rollin'
Work hard and keep the train moving by shoveling coal into the engine.
Woo, woo, Chattanooga, there you are
Once you hear the train's whistle, you know you have finally arrived in Chattanooga.
There's gonna be a certain party at the station
There will be a specific event or celebration awaiting us at the train station.
Satin and lace, I used to call funny face
There will be a person at the party whom I used to call 'funny face' and who will be dressed in satin and lace
She's gonna cry until I tell her that I'll never roam
This person will be upset until I assure her that I will never leave or abandon her.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: MACK GORDON, HARRY WARREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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