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.
Swingin' Silent Night
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Round young virgin mother and child holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night holy night shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar heavenly hosts sing hallelujah
Christ the Saviour is born Christ the Saviour is born
The song "Swingin' Silent Nite" by Asleep At The Wheel is a jazz-inspired rendition of the classic Christmas carol "Silent Night, Holy Night." The lyrics are the same as in the original song, but the arrangement and melody are transformed into a swinging and upbeat jazz tune.
The first verse describes the peaceful and serene scene of the night when Jesus was born. The "round young virgin mother and child" refers to Mary and baby Jesus, who are depicted as innocent, pure, and vulnerable. The phrase "holy infant so tender and mild" further highlights the gentle and fragile nature of the baby. The repeated phrase "sleep in heavenly peace" serves as a wish for a calm and restful sleep for the baby and a message of hope and comfort to listeners.
In the second verse, the focus shifts to the shepherds who witnessed the birth of Jesus. The phrase "shepherds quake at the sight" suggests a mixture of fear and awe that the shepherds experience when they see the angels announcing the birth of Christ. The phrase "glories stream from heaven afar" refers to the heavenly light that illuminated the sky and announced the arrival of the Messiah. The chorus "Christ the Saviour is born" declares the central message of the Christmas story and celebrates the miracle of the Incarnation.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent night holy night all is calm all is bright
The peaceful and calm night is filled with brightness and holiness.
Round young virgin mother and child holy infant so tender and mild
The young mother and her child, who is holy and gentle, are surrounded by a serene atmosphere.
Sleep in heavenly peace sleep in heavenly peace
They sleep peacefully in the heavenly ambience.
Silent night holy night shepherds quake at the sight
The shepherds tremble in awe at the sight of this holy night.
Glories stream from heaven afar heavenly hosts sing hallelujah
Divine glories emanate from the distant heavens and angelic beings sing praises to God.
Christ the Saviour is born Christ the Saviour is born
It is confirmed that the Saviour, Jesus Christ, has been born on this holy night.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
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Ben - Moderator
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Eddie
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