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.
Don't Let Go
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't let go, Don't let go
Come on, baby, it's time to rock
Don't let go, Don't let go
I'm so happy I got you here
Don't let go, Don't let go
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear
Don't let go, Don't let go
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so, Just hold me tight
Don't let go!
Thunder, lightening, wind and rain
Don't let go, Don't let go
Love is stormin' inside my brain
Don't let go, Don't let go
I'm so eager, I'm nearly dyin'
Don't let go, Don't let go
You've been keepin' your lips from mine
Oo-wee, This feelin's killin' me
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so, Just hold me tight
Don't let go!
Hound dog barkin' up side the hill
Don't let go, Don't let go
Love is draggin' him thru the mill
Don't let go, Don't let go
If it wasn't for havin' you
Don't let go, Don't let go
I'd be barkin' and howlin' too
Oo-wee, This feelin's killin' me
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so, Just hold me tight
Don't let go!
One day, baby, you'll quit me yet
Don't let go, Don't let go
I'll be cryin' and soakin' wet
Don't let go, Don't let go
One thing, baby, I'll never stand
Don't let go, Don't let go
Your lips kissin' some other man
Oo-wee, This feelin's killin' me
Ah shucks, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so, Just hold me tight
Don't let go!
Just hold me tight, Don't let go!
Asleep At The Wheel's song Don't Let Go is an upbeat and fun rock and roll tune that expresses the pure passion and enthusiasm of the singer for his partner. The song begins with the sound of a whistle, setting the tone for what is to come - a rollicking, exuberant celebration of love. The singer urges his partner to hold him tight and not let go, expressing his joy at having her near him with the lyrics "I'm so happy I got you here, keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear." He goes on to describe the intensity of his love with the phrase "love is stormin' inside my brain," and equates his emotions to a thunderstorm with lyrics like "thunder, lightning, wind and rain."
The second half of the song continues with this theme of passion and intensity, as the singer describes how he would be "barkin' and howlin'" if he didn't have his partner with him. He also expresses his fear of losing her, saying "one day, baby, you'll quit me yet," and promising that he will never stand for the thought of her with another man. The refrain of "don't let go, don't let go" throughout the song reinforces this idea, urging his partner to hold onto him and their love.
Overall, the song is a joyful and energetic celebration of love, conveying the singer's deep devotion and desire for his partner. It is a classic example of the rock and roll genre, characterized by its driving beat, catchy melody, and passionate lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Hear that whistle, it's ten o'clock
The train has just pulled into the station; let’s seize the day and not waste a moment.
Come on, baby, it's time to rock
Let us enjoy the moment to its fullest by dancing wildly to the rhythm.
I'm so happy I got you here
I cherish your presence and I am grateful for your willingness to accompany me on this journey.
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear
Your company infuses happiness in me and evokes a constant smile on my face.
Thunder, lightening, wind and rain
A tempest is brewing up a storm; nevertheless, this should not dampen our spirits.
Love is stormin' inside my brain
The power of love is so strong that it is encompassing and overwhelming my thoughts and emotions.
You've been keepin' your lips from mine
I yearn to kiss you passionately, although you seem to be hesitant.
Hound dog barkin' up side the hill
The dog's incessant barking is a reminder that we should pursue our dreams relentlessly and tenaciously.
If it wasn't for havin' you
Without your love, I would be lost and directionless in this world, like the barking dog on the hill.
One day, baby, you'll quit me yet
I am fearful that you might leave me someday, and I dread the thought of being alone without you.
One thing, baby, I'll never stand
I cannot even bear the thought of you kissing someone else, as the mere idea of it is unbearable.
Just hold me tight, Don't let go!
I want to feel the warmth of your embrace and the comfort of your love; hence, please do not ever let me go.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JESSE ALBERT STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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