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.
Dublin Blues
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
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At the chili parlor bar, Drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas
And not carin' where you are
But here I am in Dublin, mmhmm
Rollin' cigarettes, Holdin' back and chokin' back
The shakes with every breath
So Forgive me all my anger
There's no need to forgive me
For thinkin' what I thought
I loved you from the git go
And I'll love you till I die
I loved you on the Spanish steps
The day you said goodbye
I am just a poor boy, mmhmm
Work's my middle name
If money was a reason, I would not be the same
I'll stand up and be counted, mmhmmm
I'll face up to the truth
I'll walk away from trouble, But I can't walk away from you
So Forgive me all my anger
Forgive me all my faults
There's no need to forgive me, For thinkin' what I thought
I loved you from the git go
And I'll love you till I die
I loved you on the Spanish steps
The day you said goodbye
I have been to Fort Worth, mmhmm
And I have been to Spain
And I have been to proud, To come in out of the rain
I have seen the David, mmhmm
I've seen the Mona Lisa too
And I have heard Doc WatsonPlay Columbus Stockade Blues
So Forgive me all my anger
Forgive me all my faults
There's no need to forgive me
For thinkin' what I thought
I loved you from the git go,
And I'll love you till I die
I loved you on the Spanish steps
The day you said goodbye
Well I wish I was in Austin, mmhmm
In a chili parlor bar
Drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas
And not carin' where you are
The lyrics of Asleep At The Wheel's song "Dublin Blues" convey a sense of longing and nostalgia. The singer expresses a deep desire to be in Austin, specifically at a chili parlor bar, enjoying Mad Dog Margaritas and not caring about the whereabouts of their loved one. However, they find themselves in Dublin, rolling cigarettes and struggling to overcome the emotional turmoil they feel with each breath.
The lyrics speak of forgiveness and reflection, as the singer asks for forgiveness for their anger and faults. They acknowledge that there is no need for forgiveness for their thoughts, as they have loved their partner from the very beginning and will continue to do so until death. The mention of the Spanish steps symbolizes a significant moment in their relationship, the day their partner said goodbye.
The second verse delves into the singer's identity and work ethic. They describe themselves as a "poor boy" with work as their middle name, implying that they are hardworking and dedicated. Money does not define them, as they would remain the same regardless. They assert their willingness to face the truth and walk away from trouble, but they cannot walk away from their feelings for their loved one.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on their experiences of traveling to different places, such as Fort Worth and Spain. They emphasize their pride in not seeking shelter from the rain, suggesting a stubbornness or refusal to give in. They mention iconic artworks like the David and the Mona Lisa, highlighting their appreciation for culture and beauty. Lastly, they mention Doc Watson, a renowned folk musician, playing the song "Columbus Stockade Blues," showcasing their love for music and the impact it has had on their life.
Overall, "Dublin Blues" portrays a yearning for a different time and place, while also exploring themes of forgiveness, self-identity, and the enduring power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I wish I was in Austin, mmhmm
I long to be in Austin, not caring where you are.
At the chili parlor bar, Drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas
At a bar in Austin, enjoying Mad Dog Margaritas.
And not carin' where you are
I don't care about your current whereabouts.
But here I am in Dublin, mmhmm
However, I find myself in Dublin.
Rollin' cigarettes, Holdin' back and chokin' back, The shakes with every breath
Feeling anxious and struggling to control my emotions while rolling cigarettes.
So Forgive me all my anger
Please forgive me for the anger I may have shown.
Forgive me all my faults
Please forgive me for all my mistakes and shortcomings.
There's no need to forgive me, For thinkin' what I thought
But there's no need to forgive me for my thoughts and feelings.
I loved you from the git go
I loved you right from the start.
And I'll love you till I die
And I will continue to love you until the day I die.
I loved you on the Spanish steps
I loved you while we were on the Spanish steps.
The day you said goodbye
But that love ended when you said goodbye.
I am just a poor boy, mmhmm
I am simply a financially struggling person.
Work's my middle name
I am used to working hard.
If money was a reason, I would not be the same
If wealth determined my worth, I wouldn't be who I am.
I'll stand up and be counted, mmhmmm
I will proudly assert myself and make my presence known.
I'll face up to the truth
I will confront and accept the truth.
I'll walk away from trouble, But I can't walk away from you
I can avoid problems, but I cannot escape my feelings for you.
I have been to Fort Worth, mmhmm
I have visited Fort Worth.
And I have been to Spain
I have traveled to Spain.
And I have been to proud, To come in out of the rain
I have been too stubborn to seek shelter from the rain.
I have seen the David, mmhmm
I have witnessed the statue of David.
I've seen the Mona Lisa too
I have also seen the famous painting of Mona Lisa.
And I have heard Doc Watson
I have listened to Doc Watson's music.
Play Columbus Stockade Blues
Specifically, I have heard Doc Watson perform Columbus Stockade Blues.
Well I wish I was in Austin, mmhmm
Again, I wish to be in Austin.
In a chili parlor bar
Specifically, at a bar in Austin known for its chili.
Drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas
Enjoying Mad Dog Margaritas at this bar.
And not carin' where you are
Once again, not concerned about your current location.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Guy Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
The issue with search on Firefox is now resolved.
Ben - Moderator
Sorry about that Eddie - we will resolve this very soon. In the meantime you should still be able to paste a search into the search box. I'll update you here.
Eddie
With the new setup my firefox browser will not allow typing in the search area.
Steve Bohn
How about we all agree Guy Clark was one of the most prolific songwriters ever, and this rendition by Asleep at the Wheel is a beautiful tribute to an amazing songwriter and wonderful, giving person that left us too soon. Life is too short to argue over these details especially when you consider the times we live in. Music is one of the few things we can all share and help lift us up. Sing it Ray! and here’s to you making a speedy and complete recovery, hope to see you back on the road soon.
Grady Bird
I second that! May Guy rest in eternal happiness and peace. He might be trading licks with Doc, Merle, and Richard right now!
Keith Edwards
Your 100% right my brother, Guy Clark is one of my all time favorites, This world needs Him , and All these famous Icons we no longer have . True Americans, that we all reach back to and listen
Author & Poet C.L. Brown
I'm so in love with this song. I've heard several covers and this by far is the one
Annette Bailey
One of my all-time favorites, performed beautifully here. Thanks for posting. Annette
John Farley
Love this song so much. Been a while since it gave me chills though! Thanks for that.
Josie Dejaer
Not a country music fan, But, liking this song...Thank you Devin :)