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 Lucky Old Sun
Asleep At The Wheel Lyrics
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But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver linin'
Lift me to paradise
Show me that river
Take me across and wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Up in the mornin' out on the job,
Work like the devil for my pay
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Good Lawd above, can't you know I'm pinin'
Tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver linin'
Lift me to paradise
Show me that river
Take me across and wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Asleep At The Wheel's song "That Lucky Old Sun" tells the story of a hardworking man who is struggling to keep up with his responsibilities. The man wakes up early every morning and works tirelessly throughout the day just to make ends meet for his family. Despite his efforts, the man feels like he's not getting anywhere, while the sun has it easy, spending its day lazily rolling around in heaven.
The man pleads with the Lord above to bring him some relief from his struggles. He longs to be taken away to paradise, where he can be free from his troubles and worries. In contrast to the man's problems, the song presents an idyllic image of heaven, where the sun is carefree and does nothing but roll around all day.
The lyrics of "That Lucky Old Sun" express the universal human desire for an easier life, free of the burdens of work and responsibility. The imagery of the sun rolling around in heaven adds to the song's wistful tone, underscoring the unfairness of life's sometimes difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Up in the mornin' out on the job, work like the devil for my pay
I wake up early and put in a hard day's work to earn my living.
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
The sun has an enviable life with no responsibilities, free to move through the sky without a care.
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
I work hard every day to provide for my family, putting in long hours and sacrificing my own comfort.
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
Meanwhile, the sun has no responsibilities and enjoys a life of leisure.
Good Lawd above, can't you know I'm pinin' Tears all in my eyes
I'm feeling sad and overwhelmed, with tears in my eyes.
Send down that cloud with a silver linin' Lift me to paradise
I'm praying for a stroke of good luck or an escape from my troubles.
Show me that river
I long to see a peaceful, calming river.
Take me across and wash all my troubles away Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
I wish for a carefree life, like the sun, where I can avoid all responsibility and simply enjoy myself.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Beasley Smith, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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