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.
Blowin
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
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Don't you dare take that boat out to sea
For the high seas are runnin' you will sure enough be done in
If you dare take that boat out to sea
Cause out there in the gulf the wind is blowin' like a bandit
And I'm talkin' bout a hurricane and your riggin' will not stand it
There's an ill wind a blowin' you better get back to your moorin'
You better take a weather warnin' you'll be shark bait in the mornin'
If you dare take that boat out to sea
You better give up on that shrimpin' you just might come home a limpin'
If you dare take that boat out to sea
You better not make one more drag you're gonna wind up in a bag
If you dare take that boat out to sea
Cause out there in the gulf the wind is blowin' like a bandit
And I'm talkin' bout a hurricane and your riggin' will not stand it
Lawdy mercy land of goshen shades of gray out on the ocean
Don't you dare take that boat out to sea
For the high seas are runnin' you will sure enough be done in
If you dare take that boat out to sea
The opening lines of the song "Blowin' Like A Bandit" by Asleep At The Wheel are a warning to sailors about the dangers that lie ahead at sea. The singer warns against sailing out into the Gulf of Mexico because of the rough weather conditions, which could lead them into trouble. The first verse highlights the precarious nature of the ocean with "shades of gray out on the ocean" and the uncertainty that lies ahead. The singer then goes ahead to urge the sailors not to risk taking their boat out to sea as they will be done in if they dare to do so.
The chorus of the song explains why the sailors should not venture out at sea. The wind is described as "blowin' like a bandit" which is a phrase used to describe a strong forceful wind. The danger is increased by the hurricane, which can destroy the rigging of the boat. The singer reinforces this warning by urging the sailors to return to their mooring and obtain a weather warning because there is an ill wind blowing. If the sailors do not heed this warning, they risk becoming shark bait in the morning.
The last verse of the song conveys the message that shrimping is not worth the risk of going out to sea. The singer warns that the boat would be damaged, and the fishermen might end up in a bag if they attempt to go out to sea. The lyricist uses shades of gray to describe the color of the ocean, which alludes to the danger that lies within the waters. The song serves as a warning and reminder of the uncontrollable power of nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Lawdy mercy land of goshen shades of gray out on the ocean
Oh my goodness, there are dark clouds out on the ocean
Don't you dare take that boat out to sea
It's dangerous to sail into the storm
For the high seas are runnin' you will sure enough be done in
The waves are too high and dangerous to handle
Cause out there in the gulf the wind is blowin' like a bandit
The wind is so strong and destructive like a bandit
And I'm talkin' bout a hurricane and your riggin' will not stand it
The hurricane is so powerful that your equipment won't withstand it
There's an ill wind a blowin' you better get back to your moorin'
A dangerous wind is blowing, so you should return to safety
You better take a weather warnin' you'll be shark bait in the mornin'
If you're not careful, you'll be in danger, and the sharks will attack
You better give up on that shrimpin' you just might come home a limpin'
You should stop shrimping, or you'll be injured or hurt
You better not make one more drag you're gonna wind up in a bag
If you don't stop fishing, you'll end up dead
Lawdy mercy land of goshen shades of gray out on the ocean
Oh my goodness, there are dark clouds out on the ocean
Don't you dare take that boat out to sea
It's dangerous to sail into the storm
For the high seas are runnin' you will sure enough be done in
The waves are too high and dangerous to handle
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GUY CLARK
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.