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.
Drivin' Nails In My Coffin
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He said that he and I were through
I started out drinking for pastime
Driving nails in my coffin over you
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Ever since the day that we parted
I've been so sad and so blue
I'm always thinking of you, love
And I just can't quit drinking that old booze
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Driving those nails over you
You turned me down, you don't want me
There's nothing now I can lose
I'm just driving those nails in my coffin
And worrying, my darling, over you
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Driving those nails over you
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
I'm just driving nails in my coffin
Driving those nails over you
Yes, I'm driving those nails over you
The lyrics of "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" by Asleep at the Wheel is a sad song about a man's heartbreak over losing his sweetheart. In the first verse, he sings about how he is so lonely now that she's gone, and he started drinking to cope with the loss. The chorus, "I'm just driving nails in my coffin, Every time I drink a bottle of booze, I'm just driving nails in my coffin, Driving those nails over you," showcases his pain and how he's essentially contributing to his own self-destruction by drinking.
The second verse is about how he can't seem to get over his ex-lover; he's always sad and blue and can't seem to stop thinking about her. He keeps drinking more and more to try and forget her, but it seems to be causing him more harm than good. He sings about how she turned him down and doesn't want him anymore, but it still eats away at him. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song emphasizes the man's pain and struggles with alcoholism as a result of heartbreak.
Overall, the song portrays a melancholic tone, highlighting the destructive nature of heartbreak and the unhealthy coping mechanisms it can lead to such as drinking.
Line by Line Meaning
My sweetheart is gone and I'm so lonely
Since my significant other left me, I'm now feeling desolate.
He said that he and I were through
My partner broke the news to me that our relationship had ended.
I started out drinking for pastime
I began drinking as a way to pass the time.
Driving nails in my coffin over you
I drink myself into a stupor to help deal with the pain of losing you.
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
Whenever I consume alcohol, the feeling of loneliness intensifies.
Ever since the day that we parted
Since the moment we separated, I've been melancholy.
I've been so sad and so blue
I'm deeply distressed and in a state of despair.
And I just can't quit drinking that old booze
I haven't been able to break free from drinking alcohol to cope with the pain of losing you.
You turned me down, you don't want me
You declined my romantic advances, and have shown no interest in continuing a relationship with me.
There's nothing now I can lose
Since we're no longer together, I have nothing left to lose.
And worrying, my darling, over you
I'm still deeply concerned about you, even though we're not together anymore.
Yes, I'm driving those nails over you
My drinking problem is a direct result of the heartache you caused me.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Irby
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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