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.
Sugarfoot Rag
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Meet my baby and tell her the news
I bet my bundle on a swayback nag
And I came home winner with a plenty of swag
One foot, two foot slew foot drag
Swing your honey to the sugarfoot rag
Do a little jig and a zig and a zag
Well, I got a big jug of cinder and a bottle of wine
One's for my honey and the other is mine
Sip on the cider and sip on the wine
They both sip together and a have a good time
One foot, two foot slew foot drag
Swing your honey to the sugarfoot rag
Do a little jig and a zig and a zag
And listen to the steel guitar as they play that sugarfoot rag
I'm gonna spend all my money and a git on a jag
Swing my honey to the sugarfoot rag
Walk right up and stomp on the floor
And swing up the middle with a shoofly four
One foot, two foot slew foot drag
Swing your honey to the sugarfoot rag
Do a little jig and a zig and a zag
And listen to Jerry, he's gonna play you that sugarfoot rag
Do a little jig and a zig and a zag
And that's the way you play that sugarfoot rag
The lyrics of "Sugarfoot Rag" by Asleep At The Wheel revolve around the excitement of a man winning a bet on a horse race and using his winnings to have a good time with his girlfriend. The opening lines establish the tone of the song, as the singer prepares to go out and celebrate with his sweetheart. The mention of the "sycamore" implies that he is getting dressed up for the occasion.
The next verse describes how the man won big at the horse race, which is referenced with the term "swag." The rest of the song is about dancing and having fun with his girlfriend. The "sugarfoot rag" refers to a style of dance, and the lyrics encourage listeners to join in and dance along. The repeated lyrics "one foot, two foot slew foot drag" mimic dance instructions, urging the listener to follow along.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm gonna get out my sycamore and shine up my shoes
I am going to prepare myself to go out and impress my sweetheart
Meet my baby and tell her the news
I will meet my beloved and share some exciting news with her
I bet my bundle on a swayback nag
I made a wager on a horse that was not expected to win
And I came home winner with a plenty of swag
Luckily, my horse won and I have a lot of winnings to show off
One foot, two foot slew foot drag
Let's dance and have some fun
Swing your honey to the sugarfoot rag
Dance with your partner to this lively tune
Do a little jig and a zig and a zag
Add some variations to your dance moves to keep things interesting
And listen to the fiddles as they play that sugarfoot rag
Enjoy the beautiful melody played by the fiddles
Well, I got a big jug of cinder and a bottle of wine
I have brought some drinks for myself and my sweetheart to enjoy
One's for my honey and the other is mine
I have divided the drinks between us
Sip on the cider and sip on the wine
Let's slowly sip our drinks and savor the taste
They both sip together and a have a good time
We are having a lovely time together
I'm gonna spend all my money and a git on a jag
I plan to spend all my money on buying an expensive car
Walk right up and stomp on the floor
Stamp your feet on the floor and feel the beat of the music
And swing up the middle with a shoofly four
Dance with your partner in the middle and perform a popular step
And listen to Jerry, he's gonna play you that sugarfoot rag
Enjoy the lively guitar playing by Jerry
Do a little jig and a zig and a zag
Add some variations to your dance moves and enjoy the music
And that's the way you play that sugarfoot rag
That's how you dance to this playful tune
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HANK GARLAND, GEORGE VAUGHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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