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.
That's What I Like 'Bout The South
Asleep At The Wheel Lyrics
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Let's go see my dear old mama
Fryin' eggs and cookin' hammy
That's what I like 'bout the South
She's got baked ribs and candied yams
Sugar-cured Virginia hams
Basement full of those berry jams
Ham hocks and turnip greens
Hog jolls and butter beans
Mardi Gras down in New Orleans
That's what I like 'bout the South
Down where the trees grow tall
Where everybody says y'all
Walk on in with that Southern drawl
And that's what I like about the South
Here comes old Parson with all the news
Box back coat and button shoes
All paid up with his union dues
That's what I like 'bout the South
Did I tell you about the place called Doo-wah-diddy?
But it ain't no town and it ain't no city
It's awful small but it's mighty pretty
Doo-wah-diddy
Well, I'm not here to criticize
I'm not here to sympathize
But don't tell me them no good lies
'Cause a lyin' gal like you can devise
Every time I pass your door
You act like you don't want me no more
You just raise your head and sigh
Well I'm gonna trackin' right on by
That's what I like 'bout the South
Asleep At The Wheel's song "That's What I Like 'Bout The South" is a tribute to the South and its unique culture. The opening lines of the song invite the listener to travel to Alabama and visit the singer's mother, who is famous for her home-cooked meals of fried eggs, ham, and other southern delicacies. The song praises the southern cuisine, including dishes like baked ribs, candied yams, and sugar-cured Virginia hams. It also highlights the tradition of home preserving, with references to berry jams stored in the basement.
The chorus celebrates the broader southern culture and includes references to classic southern dishes like ham hocks and turnip greens, as well as the famous Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. The song invokes a nostalgic vision of the South, with its towering trees, warm and welcoming people who use the colloquial greeting "y'all" and the famous southern drawl. The bridge introduces a character named Parson, who represents the region's close-knit communities, where everyone knows everyone else's business.
In the final verse, the song takes a detour from its nostalgic and celebratory tone, with the singer addressing a deceptive lover. The lyrics imply that they are not interested in wasting time on someone who is dishonest and not interested in being with them. Overall, the song celebrates the unique traditions and culture of the South.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's go down to Alabama
I think we should visit the state of Alabama.
Let's go see my dear old mama
We should go pay a visit to my mother.
Fryin' eggs and cookin' hammy
She's cooking up some traditional Southern breakfast foods.
That's what I like 'bout the South
This is just one of the things that makes the South special.
She's got baked ribs and candied yams
She's also making some delicious dinner foods.
Sugar-cured Virginia hams
This is a specific type of ham cured in Virginia.
Basement full of those berry jams
She has a large selection of homemade berry jams stored in her basement.
And that's what I like about the South
Just another example of what makes the South so great.
Ham hocks and turnip greens
These are classic Southern foods.
Hog jolls and butter beans
More traditional Southern cuisine.
Mardi Gras down in New Orleans
A famous festival held in New Orleans.
That's what I like 'bout the South
Again, just highlighting the unique cultural experiences the South has to offer.
Down where the trees grow tall
Describing the scenery of the South.
Where everybody says y'all
A common Southern phrase.
Walk on in with that Southern drawl
Being accepted and welcomed with the Southern accent.
And that's what I like about the South
Overall, the culture and people of the South are what makes it great.
Here comes old Parson with all the news
A religious figure in the community who always has the latest news.
Box back coat and button shoes
Outfit worn by the Parson.
All paid up with his union dues
Parson is a union member and his dues show he is active in the group.
That's what I like 'bout the South
These small town, community aspects are unique to the South.
Did I tell you about the place called Doo-wah-diddy?
Have I mentioned this unique, small town?
But it ain't no town and it ain't no city
Despite not being classified as either, it still has charm.
It's awful small but it's mighty pretty
Though tiny, it's a visually appealing place.
Doo-wah-diddy
Name of the small town or community.
Well, I'm not here to criticize
I don't want to be negative or judgmental.
I'm not here to sympathize
Nor do I want to simply agree for the sake of it.
But don't tell me them no good lies
I don't appreciate being lied to or told falsehoods.
'Cause a lyin' gal like you can devise
If someone is willing to lie once, they could do it again.
Every time I pass your door
This could be a neighbor or someone known in town.
You act like you don't want me no more
The person is giving off the impression they no longer want to associate with the singer.
You just raise your head and sigh
They express this through a simple gesture, a subtle but effective nonverbal cue.
Well I'm gonna trackin' right on by
The singer decides to move on and not linger on this negativity.
That's what I like 'bout the South
Finally, a reminder that despite life's occasional problems, there is still much to appreciate and love about the South.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ANDY RAZAF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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