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.
Cherokee Maiden
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That is where I met my little Cherokee maid
Memories of our night of love still linger yet
And I know I never will forget
My little Cherokee maiden, I love you so
Even thought we're far apart
I know I'll never be tradin' my love for her
Someday day I'll take a trip back to the Cherokee strip
And I'll carry her away with me and
Straight as the arrow flies we'll ride to paradise
My sweet little chickadee, my little Cherokee maiden and me
One night when the moon was bright on a moonlit plain
That is where I met my little Cherokee maid
Memories of our night of love still linger yet
And I know I never will forget
My little Cherokee maiden, I love you so
Even thought we're far apart
I know I'll never be tradin' my love for her
For anybody else's heart
Someday day I'll take a trip back to the Cherokee strip
And I'll carry her away with me and
Straight as the arrow flies we'll ride to paradise
My sweet little chickadee, my little Cherokee maiden and me
The lyrics to "Cherokee Maiden" by Asleep at the Wheel tell the story of a love affair between the singer and a Cherokee woman. The song takes place on a moonlit plain where the singer meets the Cherokee maiden. They spend the night together, and the memories of their love still linger with the singer. Despite being far apart from the love of his life, the singer pledges his love to her and promises never to trade it for anyone else's heart. He dreams of taking a trip back to the Cherokee strip and carrying her away with him to paradise. He describes their journey as being "straight as the arrow flies," suggesting a strong bond and a clear path forward. The song's title, "Cherokee Maiden," reinforces the admiration and love the singer has for the woman.
The lyrics of "Cherokee Maiden" capture feelings of longing, devotion, and hope. The singer's vivid descriptions of the moonlit plain and his love for the Cherokee maiden create a sense of nostalgia and romanticism. The song's use of imagery, such as the straight arrow, highlights the singer's commitment to their love and his determination to be reunited with his love. The melancholic tone of the song suggests that the singer is yearning to be with his love once again but doesn't know when or if the dream will come true.
Line by Line Meaning
One night when the moon was bright on a moonlit plain
I met my love on a clear and bright night in a place surrounded by the light of the moon.
That is where I met my little Cherokee maid
That exact moment is where I first laid eyes on my beloved Native American woman.
Memories of our night of love still linger yet
The thoughts of our passionate night together still remain fresh and vivid in my mind.
And I know I never will forget
I am certain that these incredible moments we shared will never be forgotten by me.
My little Cherokee maiden, I love you so
My adoration and love for this special Cherokee woman is beyond any other relationship I have ever had.
Even thought we're far apart
Although we are physically distant from one another,
I know I'll never be tradin' my love for her
I am confident that I would never trade my love for her with anyone else.
For anybody else's heart
My heart solely belongs to her, and nobody else can claim it.
Someday day I'll take a trip back to the Cherokee strip
I plan to visit the area where I met this special woman, the Cherokee strip, one day.
And I'll carry her away with me and
I will take her with me and not leave her behind when I visit the Cherokee strip.
Straight as the arrow flies we'll ride to paradise
We will journey together on a path that is clear and direct, leading us to a blissful paradise.
My sweet little chickadee, my little Cherokee maiden and me
This endearing term of endearment expresses my love for her, as I envision our future together as two souls united in love.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., OREE MUSIC
Written by: CINDY WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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Jody Wilke
I'm so glad to hear, that Ray Benson is doing much better, after he tested positive for the Corona Virus! He's a true treasure--love him and Asleep At the Wheel!😊⛪
Jody Wilke
I love this song, this group, and getting to see all of these country stars in one video!! Too bad Merle Haggard isn't with us anymore--but. it's great seeing him here😊
Dan Downey
The best Wheel album ever! So many great talents brought in... Ray really produced a winner!
ltcis
Ray Benson is probably my all-time favorite transplanted Texan. God bless him and Asleep At the Wheel for keeping Western Swing alive and kicking butt!
Jud Powell
him and Jerry Jeff Walker
jamie wesson
listen to the guy who played for bob wills hes as good
Helene Larson
AMEN! NOBODY sounds as good as he does!