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.
A Dollar Short And A Day Late
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
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I've got a good reason for drinking all this beer
It seems my bills are rising at an awful rapid rate
Cause I'm a dollar short and a day late
This cadillac you see me in I won't be driving long
The repossession men will soon be here and gone
Checkbooks and calenders, I just can't keep them straight
Dollar short and a day late
I tried to change my luck but it seems to be my fate
No money when my honey wants to go out on a date
I'm a dollar short and a day late
Bartender that's my story, I hope you sympathize
Tell me what I owe you I sure won't be surprised
I'm gonna pay you someday but you're gonna have to wait
Cause I'm a dollar short and a day late
Dollar short and a day late
I tried to change my luck but it seems to be my fate
No money when my honey wants to go out on a date
I'm a dollar short and a day late
The lyrics of Asleep at the Wheel's song "A Dollar Short And A Day Late" tell the story of a man who finds himself in a bar because of his financial struggles. He drinks beer to cope with his problems, and he has a good reason for doing so - his bills are increasing at an alarming pace. He owns a Cadillac, but he won't be driving it for much longer as the repossession men will soon take it away. The man is disorganized, unable to keep his checkbooks and calendars straight. Therefore, he finds himself continuously falling short and being late on his payments.
Throughout the song, the man repeats the phrase "Dollar short and a day late" as a way of expressing his financial struggles. He tries to change his luck, but it always seems to be his fate. He can't afford to take his honey out on a date, but he hopes that the bartender will understand his situation and let him pay later. The man's words convey sadness and desperation, as his situation seems hopeless.
Overall, this song reminds us of the struggles that many people face when dealing with financial problems. It is relatable, and the lyrics convey a sense of despair that many people can understand. The melody is upbeat, but the lyrics are sad, creating an emotional contrast that further emphasizes the song's message.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sitting in this bar and if you wonder why I'm here
I am here in this bar for a particular reason, and I will tell you
I've got a good reason for drinking all this beer
I am drinking beer because of financial hardships
It seems my bills are rising at an awful rapid rate
My bills are accumulating faster than I can pay them
Cause I'm a dollar short and a day late
I never have enough money and am always late to pay bills
This Cadillac you see me in I won't be driving long
I will soon lose the Cadillac to the repossession men
The repossession men will soon be here and gone
They will come and take possession of my car, then leave
Checkbooks and calendars, I just can't keep them straight
It is difficult for me to keep track of my finances and time
I'm just a dollar short and a day late
I am always lacking the funds and paying bills past the due date
No money when my honey wants to go out on a date
I cannot afford to take my significant other out
Bartender that's my story, I hope you sympathize
I am telling the bartender my financial struggles, hoping for understanding
Tell me what I owe you I sure won't be surprised
I am asking the bartender for my tab and expecting it to be high
I'm gonna pay you someday but you're gonna have to wait
I will pay the bartender eventually but not right now
Dollar short and a day late
I am always lacking the funds and paying bills past the due date
I tried to change my luck but it seems to be my fate
I have attempted to improve my finances, but it always ends the same
Writer(s): Leroy Preston, Kevin Farrell, Ray Benson
Contributed by Grace W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.