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.
Pencil Full of Lead
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
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I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
So much more than I needed before
I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
Oh, now it's getting hotter, oh, it's only getting sweeter
I got legs on my chair and a head full of hair
I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's gonna bring me down
Oh, no, oh
Oh no, oh no, nothin's gonna bring me down
I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I got most of the means and scripts for the scenes
I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I got a fair bit of chat but better than that
Food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's going to bring me down
Oh, nothin', oh, nothin'
Nothing's going to bring me down, oh
But best of all I've got my baby
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, ooh
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no
The lyrics of "Pencil Full of Lead" by Asleep At The Wheel depict a joyful and content outlook on life, celebrating the abundance of simple pleasures and necessities that the singer possesses. The imagery of having a bedsheet, pillow, pencil, water, buttons, sails, coat, and boat conveys a sense of gratitude for the basic comforts and possessions that sustain them physically and mentally. This opening verse sets the tone of appreciation for the small things that bring fulfillment.
As the lyrics progress, the singer continues to list the various possessions and aspects of their life that bring them satisfaction and contentment. From money in the meter and a heater, to legs on a chair and a head full of hair, the song emphasizes the feeling of being well-equipped and comfortable in one's own space. The mention of having food, books, socks, and security with a locked door reinforces a sense of completeness and security in life.
The upbeat and lively tempo of the song reflects the singer's upbeat attitude towards life, as they mention having a guitar, tires on a car, means to pursue their ambitions, and the company of loved ones. The lyrics also suggest a sense of creative fulfillment, with references to scripts for scenes and a fair bit of chat, indicating a sense of purpose and engagement in their pursuits. This section emphasizes a sense of empowerment and confidence in facing life's challenges.
The repeated refrain of "But best of all, I've got my baby" highlights the ultimate source of joy and strength for the singer. The love and companionship of their partner brings them immense happiness and serves as a beacon of positivity amid any obstacles or troubles. The final verses emphasize the singer's deep appreciation for their partner, expressing gratitude for having someone so wonderful in their life and asserting that nothing can bring them down as long as they have their beloved by their side. Ultimately, the song encapsulates a message of resilience, gratitude, and the transformative power of love in overcoming adversity.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paolo Giovanni Nutini
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.