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.
House of Blue Lights
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To a knocked out shack on the edge of town
There's an eight beat combo that just won't quit
Keep walkin' 'til you see a blue light lit
Fall in there and we'll see some sights
At the house of blue lights
There's fryers and broilers and Detroit barbecue ribs
Is when they serve you all those fine eight beats
You'll want to spend the rest of your brights
Down at the house, the house of blue lights
We'll have a time and we'll cut some rug
While we dig those tunes like they should be dug
It's a real home comin' for all the "Cats"
Just trilly down a path of welcome mats
Fall in there and we'll see some sights
At the house of blue lights
There's fryers and broilers and Detroit barbecue ribs
But the treat of the treats
Is when they serve you all those fine eight beats
You'll want to spend the rest of your brights
Down at the house, the house of blue lights
The song "House of Blue Lights" by Asleep At The Wheel is about a popular nightclub on the edge of town where people gather to dance and have a good time. The lyrics encourage the listener to lace up their boots and make their way to the club, and once there, to enjoy the tasty food and listen to the music of the eight beat combo that never stops playing.
The combination of fryers and broilers and Detroit barbecue ribs promise to satisfy the listener's cravings, but the real treat of the night is the pulsating rhythm and beats of the band. The song brings together the love of music and good food, and encourages everyone to come together and dance the night away.
The repetition of the phrase "fall in there and we'll see some sights" suggests that the singer is urging the listener to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the nightclub, to get lost in the music, and embrace the experience. The song is a celebration of life, laughter, and good times, and encourages everyone to shake off their worries and join in the fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Lace up your boots and we'll broom on down
Get ready to head out and go to the House of Blue Lights
To a knocked out shack on the edge of town
The House of Blue Lights is a small, shabby building located on the outskirts of town
There's an eight beat combo that just won't quit
The House of Blue Lights has a band playing an upbeat, rhythmical style of music
Keep walkin' 'til you see a blue light lit
Follow the path until you see a bright blue light shining
Fall in there and we'll see some sights
Once you arrive, you'll have a fun and memorable experience
At the house of blue lights
This is the name of the establishment
There's fryers and broilers and Detroit barbecue ribs
The House of Blue Lights serves a variety of food including popular dishes like Detroit-style barbecue ribs
But the treat of the treats
The highlight of the menu
Is when they serve you all those fine eight beats
The real treat is the excellent music played by the house band
You'll want to spend the rest of your brights
You'll have so much fun at the House of Blue Lights that you'll want to stay there all night
Down at the house, the house of blue lights
This is the catchy refrain that repeats throughout the song
We'll have a time and we'll cut some rug
We'll enjoy ourselves and dance
While we dig those tunes like they should be dug
We'll appreciate and enjoy the music to its fullest
It's a real home comin' for all the 'Cats'
The House of Blue Lights is a welcoming and familiar place for its regular patrons
Just trilly down a path of welcome mats
The entrance to the House of Blue Lights is clearly marked and inviting
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DON RAYE, FREDDIE SLACK
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.
fish doctor
This group should be on every ones bucket list of things to see before they die. They are amazing.
Casey Wyatt
When I was a young girl my mom my brother and I were traveling through West Texas and the House of Blue Lights came on for the very first time and I have loved that song ever since thank you for posting this
J.W. Gauntt
you're very welcome
Greg Cavin
Big Band meets Country Music...LOVE IT!!!!
Reginald Jones
My toes are tappin' and my mouth is flappin'! About how cool,this song is!
blueridger28
What a cool band!
Tim Tully
Love it!!! Thank you, J.W.