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.
Jack I'm Mellow
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sailin' in the sky
Just blow some gage
I'm on a rampage
Jack, I'm mellow
I'm so high and so dry
I'm way up in the sky
And I'm so right
Jack, I'm mellow
I'm going to put my nickel in a slot machine
And play my solid sender
I'm going to strut, peck and Suzie-Q
'Cause I'm on a bender
I'm so high and so dry
I'm sailin' in the sky
I got my roach 'round
And I can't come down
Jack, I'm mellow
I'm so high and so dry
I'm sailin' in the sky
Just blow some gage
I'm on a rampage
Jack, I'm mellow
I'm so high and so dry
I'm way up in the sky
The world seems light
And I'm so right
Jack, I'm mellow
I'm going to put my nickel in a slot machine
And play my solid sender
I'm going to strut, peck and Suzie-Q
Have alone a bender
I'm so high and so dry
I'm sailin' in the sky
I got my roach around
And I can't come down
Jack, I'm mellow
The lyrics to "Jack I'm Mellow" by Asleep At The Wheel depict a state of being high or intoxicated. The repeated phrase "I'm so high and so dry, I'm sailin' in the sky" emphasizes this sense of elevation and detachment from reality. The singer is experiencing the effects of consuming marijuana, as indicated by the lines "Just blow some gage, I'm on a rampage" and "I got my roach 'round, and I can't come down." The use of the word "gage" is a slang term for cannabis.
The lyrics also convey a feeling of euphoria and contentment associated with being under the influence. The singer sees the world as light, and everything feels right: "The world seems light, and I'm so right." This suggests that in this altered state, the troubles and worries of the world fade away, and the singer finds solace and peace.
The song also references gambling with lines such as "I'm going to put my nickel in a slot machine, and play my solid sender." This could be interpreted as the singer seeking more excitement and thrill while being high, further emphasizing their altered mental state.
Overall, "Jack I'm Mellow" portrays a carefree and ecstatic perspective that comes with being high, celebrating the sensations of being elevated and disconnected from reality.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so high and so dry
I'm feeling euphoric and carefree
I'm way up in the sky
I feel like I'm floating above everything
The world seems light
Everything feels easy and positive
And I'm so right
I have a sense of self-assuredness
Jack, I'm mellow
I am completely relaxed and content
I'm going to put my nickel in a slot machine
I want to take a chance and try my luck
And play my solid sender
I want to engage in something exciting and energetic
I'm going to strut, peck and Suzie-Q
I want to dance and have a great time
Have alone a bender
To indulge in excess and revel in pleasure
I got my roach 'round
I have a partially smoked marijuana joint
And I can't come down
I don't want this feeling to end
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: House, Gundy
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.