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.
Cotton Eyed Joe
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you remember, don't you know
Daddy worked a man they called Cotton-Eyed Joe
Daddy worked a man they called Cotton-Eyed Joe
Had not have been for Cotton-Eyed Joe
I'd have been married a long time ago
I'd have been married a long time ago
Down in the cotton patch down below
Everybody's singing the Cotton-Eyed Joe
Everybody's doing the Cotton-Eyed Joe
Had not have been for Cotton-Eyed Joe
I'd have been married a long time ago
I'd have been married a long time ago
Knew a girl lives down below
Used to go to see her but I don't know more
Used to go to see her but I don't know more
Had not have been for Cotton-Eyed Joe
I'd have been married a long time ago
I'd have been married a long time ago
Grab your fiddle and rosin up the bow
Gonna play music everywhere we go
Gonna play a song they call Cotton-Eyed Joe
Had not have been for Cotton-Eyed Joe
I'd have been married a long time ago
I'd have been married a long time ago
The song Cotton-Eyed Joe by Asleep at the Wheel tells the story of a man whose father worked with a man named Cotton-Eyed Joe. The singer says that if it hadn't been for Cotton-Eyed Joe, he would have been married a long time ago, and then repeats this line throughout the song. He describes going down to the cotton patch where everyone is singing and doing the Cotton-Eyed Joe dance. The singer also mentions a girl he used to see down below, but he doesn't see her anymore.
The song is an example of a traditional American folk song that has been passed down through generations. It has a lively and catchy tune that is often played at square dances and other social events. The lyrics themselves are somewhat mysterious, as it's unclear exactly who or what Cotton-Eyed Joe refers to. Some believe it may be a reference to a sexually transmitted disease or a type of plantation worker. Others think it may have been a popular dance of the time. Regardless of its origin, the song has remained a beloved part of American culture, and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, Cotton-Eyed Joe now
Introducing the song, Cotton-Eyed Joe
Don't you remember, don't you know
Asking if the listener remembers or knows of Cotton-Eyed Joe
Daddy worked a man they called Cotton-Eyed Joe
Referring to a man nicknamed Cotton-Eyed Joe, whom the singer's father worked for
Had not have been for Cotton-Eyed Joe
I'd have been married a long time ago
I'd have been married a long time ago
Acknowledging that if it weren't for Cotton-Eyed Joe, the artist would have been married earlier
Down in the cotton patch down below
Describing a location where Cotton-Eyed Joe is well known, likely in the South
Everybody's singing the Cotton-Eyed Joe
Everybody's doing the Cotton-Eyed Joe
Observing that Cotton-Eyed Joe is a popular dance and song in the area
Knew a girl lives down below
Used to go to see her but I don't know more
Used to go to see her but I don't know more
Referencing a girl who used to live in the area and whom the singer used to visit, but does not any longer
Grab your fiddle and rosin up the bow
Gonna play music everywhere we go
Gonna play a song they call Cotton-Eyed Joe
Encouraging the audience to grab an instrument and play music, specifically the song Cotton-Eyed Joe, wherever they are going
Had not have been for Cotton-Eyed Joe
I'd have been married a long time ago
I'd have been married a long time ago
Reiterating that if it weren't for Cotton-Eyed Joe, the artist would have been married earlier
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Van Dyke Parks, Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@suzannepowell6721
An 800 year old Scottish song that's had the lyrics changed several times and reintroduced with a modified slip-jig back in the 1970s. Love it.
@honestj820
Hello how are you doing…?
@Sdority905
What's the name of the original Scottish song?
@TheTrumpReaper
😳 800 years old??
@victoria4155
This band is phenomenal and that guy really plays the fiddle well.
@mrbeastman59
He is no longer with the band
@elibrown8116
Better version