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.
Bob Wills Is Still The King
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where you tip your hats to the ladies and the rose of San Antone
I grew up on music that we called western swing
It don't matter who's in Austin,Bob Wills is still the king
Lord i can still remember,the way things were back then
In spite of all the hard times,i'd live it all again
To hear the Texas playboys and Tommy Duncan sing
You can hear the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville Tennessee
It's the home of country music,on that we all agree
But when you cross that ol' Red River hoss that just don't mean a thing
Cause' once you're down in Texas,Bob Wills is still the king
Well if you ain't never been there then i guess you ain't been told
That you just can't live in Texas unless you got a lot of soul
It's the home of Willie Nelson,the home of western swing
He'll be the first to tell you,Bob Wills is still the king
Asleep at the Wheel's song "Bob Wills Is Still The King" is an ode to the legacy of Western swing music and the iconic bandleader Bob Wills. The first verse describes the honky-tonk bars in Texas as the singer's second home, where he tips his hat to the ladies and enjoys the music of Western swing, a uniquely Texas genre. The chorus proudly asserts that no matter who is in Austin, Bob Wills is still the king, emphasizing the lasting impact of Wills and his music on the state of Texas and the world of Western swing.
The second verse reflects on the singer's memories of earlier times and the enduring appeal of Western swing music. Despite hard times, the singer would do it all again just to hear the Texas Playboys and Tommy Duncan sing, demonstrating the power and emotional impact of the music. The bridge of the song contrasts the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, a beloved institution of country music, with the enduring legacy of Bob Wills in Texas.
The final verse directly addresses those who have never been to Texas, claiming that having soul is a prerequisite for living in the state. Willie Nelson, another iconic Texan musician, is mentioned as an example of the deep connection between Texas and Western swing music. He affirms the continued importance of Bob Wills in the state's musical heritage.
Overall, "Bob Wills Is Still The King" can be interpreted as a celebration of Texas and Western swing music, paying tribute to Bob Wills as a central figure in that legacy.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the honky-tonks in Texas were my natural second home
I spent a lot of time in the honky-tonks in Texas, it felt like it was where I truly belonged.
Where you tip your hats to the ladies and the rose of San Antone
In those honky-tonks, it was a sign of respect to tip your hat to the ladies, especially the rose of San Antone.
I grew up on music that we called western swing
The music I grew up listening to and playing was western swing.
It don't matter who's in Austin,Bob Wills is still the king
No matter who is in charge in the state capital of Austin, Bob Wills is still considered the king of the western swing genre.
Lord i can still remember,the way things were back then
I can vividly recall how things used to be in the past.
In spite of all the hard times,i'd live it all again
Despite the hardships, I would still choose to relive those moments.
To hear the Texas playboys and Tommy Duncan sing
Listening to the Texas playboys and Tommy Duncan singing is a special experience.
Makes me proud to be from Texas where Bob Wills is still the king
It makes me feel proud to come from Texas where Bob Wills is still recognized as the king of western swing.
You can hear the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville Tennessee
It's possible to hear the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
It's the home of country music,on that we all agree
Everyone agrees that Nashville, Tennessee is the home of country music.
But when you cross that ol' Red River hoss that just don't mean a thing
However, when you cross the Red River into Texas, that statement loses its significance.
Cause' once you're down in Texas,Bob Wills is still the king
Once you're in Texas, it's understood that Bob Wills is still the king of western swing.
Well if you ain't never been there then i guess you ain't been told
If you've never been to Texas, then you probably don't know this fact.
That you just can't live in Texas unless you got a lot of soul
To truly live and thrive in Texas, you need to have a lot of soul.
It's the home of Willie Nelson,the home of western swing
Texas is where Willie Nelson hails from, and it's also the home of western swing music.
He'll be the first to tell you,Bob Wills is still the king
Willie Nelson himself will be the first to tell you that even he recognizes Bob Wills as the king of western swing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WAYLON JENNINGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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