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.
Way Down Texas Way
Asleep at the Wheel Lyrics
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Ain't nobody around this town that's gonna miss me anyway
This ol' money making taking all the time I have to play
Mama hush your mouth I'm headin' south Way down Texas way
Way down Texas way they play good music every night
And the dance hall rings with laughter till the early morning light
When them cowboys get through pickin' there's not much that's left to say
Ah Texas fiddles
The road of life is paved with good intentions I am told
So I best be on my way now or I may not ever go
Ain't no need to be a beggin'' me to stay just one more day
This ol' wild goose is cuttin' loose way down Texas way
Way down Texas way they play fiddle music every night
And the dance hall rings with laughter till the early morning light
When them cowboys get through pickin' there's not much that's left to say
You can really have a good time sugar way down Texas way
Way down Texas way
The lyrics to Asleep At The Wheel's "Way Down Texas Way" describe the singer's decision to leave town and head to Texas in search of a good time. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer bidding farewell to his friends and family, suggesting that no one will miss him since he's always working to make money. He tells his mother to "hush your mouth" as he heads south to Texas.
In the chorus, the singer paints a picture of the vibrant music scene in Texas. He describes how every night, the dance halls are filled with good music, laughter, and cowboys "pickin'". He encourages everyone to have a good time "way down Texas way", where the fiddles and the good times never stop.
The second verse continues the theme of the singer's journey, as he explains that he's leaving town before he loses the resolve to leave at all. He again encourages his friends not to try to convince him to stay, as he's set on his course. The chorus repeats, with the singer elaborating on the joy of the music and atmosphere in Texas.
Overall, the lyrics speak to the pull of Texas culture and the desire to escape the humdrum of everyday life. The singer seeks a good time in a place that he knows will deliver, free from the constraints of daily obligations.
Line by Line Meaning
Adios, goodbye amigos I am leaving you today
I am saying goodbye to my friends today and leaving this town.
Ain't nobody around this town that's gonna miss me anyway
Nobody in this town will miss me when I leave.
This ol' money making taking all the time I have to play
I am too busy making money to have any time for fun.
Mama hush your mouth I'm headin' south Way down Texas way
I am going to Texas and my mother should not try to stop me.
Way down Texas way they play good music every night
In Texas, there is good music played every night.
And the dance hall rings with laughter till the early morning light
People in the dance hall have a lot of fun and laugh until morning.
When them cowboys get through pickin' there's not much that's left to say
After the cowboys finish playing music, there is not much left to do or say.
But you can really have a good time honey way down Texas way
You can have a really good time in Texas.
Ah Texas fiddles
This line is just an exclamation to acknowledge the importance of fiddles in Texas music.
The road of life is paved with good intentions I am told
People say that life is full of good intentions, but it is still important to follow through with them.
So I best be on my way now or I may not ever go
I should leave now, or I may never get the chance to go to Texas.
Ain't no need to be a beggin'' me to stay just one more day
There is no need to beg me to stay for one more day.
This ol' wild goose is cuttin' loose way down Texas way
I am leaving for Texas, and I am free like a wild goose.
You can really have a good time sugar way down Texas way
You can have a really good time in Texas.
Way down Texas way they play fiddle music every night
In Texas, fiddle music is played every night.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BILLY JOE SHAVER
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.