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.
Miles and Miles of Texans
Asleep At The Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Raised on shrimps and catfish mame's good gumbo
I got the ramblin' fever said goodbye to ma and pa
Crossed that ol Red River and this is what I saw
I saw miles and miles of Texas all the stars up in the sky
I saw miles and miles of Texas gonna live here till I die
Just ask any cowboy he'll tell you it's the best
I met a Texas beauty I got friendly with her pa
I looked in to her big blue eyes this is what I saw
I saw miles and miles of Texas all the stars up in the sky
I saw miles and miles of Texas gonna live here till I die
I started tamin' bronko's I made every rodeo
Until I met a tuff one you know his name was devil Joe
I grabb'd hold of his bridle just to ride this ol' outlaw
He threw me from the saddle and this is what I saw
I saw miles and miles of Texas all the stars up in the sky
I saw miles and miles of Texas gonna live here till I die
Miles of Texas
Uah now
All night long
Gonna live here till I die
Ah, Texas
The song "Miles and Miles of Texans" by Asleep at the Wheel is about a young man who leaves his hometown of Louisiana to explore the vast state of Texas. He describes his journey crossing the Red River and entering into Austin, which he refers to as the "cradle of the west." Along the way, he meets a Texas beauty and makes a living taming broncos and participating in rodeos. The song paints a vivid picture of the beauty and enormity of Texas, naming the stars in the sky and the miles of land that seem to stretch on forever.
The lyrics of this song celebrate the rugged individualism and adventurous spirit of Texans. It also pays tribute to the beauty of the natural landscape and the stars above, showing a deep connection to nature. The message of the song is that no matter where the singer may roam, Texas will always be home to him, and he will always be drawn back to its vastness and beauty.
As for interesting facts about the song, it was featured in the 1996 movie "Michael," starring John Travolta. It was also included in the soundtrack of the 2006 movie "Beerfest." Additionally, the song was covered by country music legends Willie Nelson and Ray Benson for their album "Willie and the Wheel." The song has become a beloved anthem for Texans and a popular classic in country music.
Chords (as played by Asleep at the Wheel):
Intro: A7
Verse: A7 - D7 - A7 - E7
Chorus: A7 - D7 - A7 - E7 - A7
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in Louisiana down on the ol Bayou
I was raised in Louisiana near the bayou.
Raised on shrimps and catfish ma's good gumbo
I grew up eating shrimps, catfish and Ma's delicious gumbo.
I got the ramblin' fever said goodbye to ma and pa
I decided to leave home and explore new places.
Crossed that ol Red River and this is what I saw
After crossing the Red River, I witnessed miles and miles of Texas with countless stars in the sky.
I saw miles and miles of Texas all the stars up in the sky
I saw a vast expanse of Texas under a starry sky.
I saw miles and miles of Texas gonna live here till I die
I fell in love with Texas and decided to make it my permanent home.
I rode up into Austin the cradle of the west
I traveled to Austin, the birthplace of western culture.
Just ask any cowboy he'll tell you it's the best
Cowboys will confirm that Austin is the best place for western culture.
I met a Texas beauty I got friendly with her pa
I fell in love with a Texan girl and befriended her father.
I looked into her big blue eyes this is what I saw
I stared into her large blue eyes and saw her beauty and depth.
I started tamin' bronko's I made every rodeo
I started taming wild horses and participated in every rodeo.
Until I met a tuff one you know his name was devil Joe
I encountered a very strong and wild horse named Devil Joe.
I grabb'd hold of his bridle just to ride this ol' outlaw
I tried to tame Devil Joe by holding onto his bridle.
He threw me from the saddle and this is what I saw
Devil Joe threw me from his saddle and I saw miles and miles of Texas again.
I saw miles and miles of Texas all the stars up in the sky
I saw the vast expanse of Texas and its starry sky once more.
I saw miles and miles of Texas gonna live here till I die
I knew that Texas was my true home and I would spend my entire life here.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TOM CANFIELD, DIANE JOHNSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
The issue with search on Firefox is now resolved.
Ben - Moderator
Sorry about that Eddie - we will resolve this very soon. In the meantime you should still be able to paste a search into the search box. I'll update you here.
Eddie
With the new setup my firefox browser will not allow typing in the search area.
Brent Raby
I adore this band. A family tradition....keeping Bob Wills dream alive
Steve Hanford
Agree!!
Velvet Fog
Asleep at the Wheel keeps Western Swing alive…an outstanding group!
CARDINAL701
Western Swing isn't dead......it's just Asleep At The Wheel.
Rogelio De La Garza
Got that right. Love it
joe thielen
Good one😎
Phil C
So true.