Steel Guitar Rag
Merle Travis Lyrics


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Been runnin' around, seen many a town,
and maybe you'll find I'm the kind of guy that brags.
But listen to me and see if you don't agree
No melody rolls like that old steel guitar rag

And when they slide that thing, along those strings
It sounds so dogone heavenly, you can hear the Angels sing
And when you stomp your feet, your heart will beat,
A rhythm to the old steel guitar rag

You may be kind choosy, 'bout the kind of songs you hear,
You maybe like them blusey, makes you cry right in your beer,




But if you want a song that's bound to dry away your tears,
Make happy your soul with that old steel guitar rag.

Overall Meaning

"Steel Guitar Rag" by Merle Travis is a classic country-western song that highlights the unique sound of the steel guitar. The song speaks of the singer's experience traveling from town to town, bragging about his musical taste, and ultimately, acknowledging that no other music genre can match up to the melodies produced by a steel guitar. The song's lyrics carry a sense of joy and appreciation for the unique sound of the steel guitar and its ability to move people.


The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the sound produced by the steel guitar, with lines such as "And when they slide that thing, along those strings, it sounds so doggone heavenly, you can hear the Angels sing." This particular verse captures the essence of the steel guitar and its ability to produce a sound that feels as if it's coming from the heavens. The songwriters also acknowledge that while some people may prefer other music genres, there's no denying that the old steel guitar rag has a special place in the hearts of many.


In summary, "Steel Guitar Rag" pays homage to the sound of the steel guitar, its unique ability to produce melodies that touch the soul, and its special place in the world of country-western music.


Line by Line Meaning

Been runnin' around, seen many a town,
I have traveled to many different places.


and maybe you'll find I'm the kind of guy that brags.
I might come across as arrogant.


But listen to me and see if you don't agree
Hear me out and you'll understand.


No melody rolls like that old steel guitar rag
This particular song is unique and special.


And when they slide that thing, along those strings
When the steel guitar is played in a certain way.


It sounds so doggone heavenly, you can hear the Angels sing
The sound is absolutely beautiful and heavenly.


And when you stomp your feet, your heart will beat,
The rhythm will become part of you.


A rhythm to the old steel guitar rag
The rhythm is unique to this song.


You may be kind choosy, 'bout the kind of songs you hear,
You might have preferences for certain types of music.


You maybe like them blusey, makes you cry right in your beer,
You may enjoy emotional bluesy music that brings you to tears.


But if you want a song that's bound to dry away your tears,
If you want a song that will make you feel happy.


Make happy your soul with that old steel guitar rag.
Listen to this song and enjoy the uplifting feeling it brings.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MC AULIFFE, LEON, STONE, CLIFFIE G, TRAVIS, MERLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

TheJonaco

Western swing meets the hills of Kentucky! Merle was one of the unsung guitar geniuses of the 20th century, whose distinctive finger picking inspired everyone from Chet Atkins to The Everly Brothers and many, many more. He wrote great American country standards:"Sixteen Tons", "Divorce Me C.O.D.", and my all-time favorite C&W novelty hit: "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! [That Cigarette!]". My mom (a 50-year smoker who thankfully quit 20 years ago) remembers the Phil Harris version, but Tex Williams (who really came from Downstate Illinois) owned it.
He appeared and sang as a guitar-playing GI in the great Oscar-winner "From Here To Eternity".
He was the first country star to plug in, and his own model was adapted into the classic Fender Telecaster. He won a Grammy at 62 with an "Atkins-Travis" duet LP. He was even a cartoonist who designed his own covers! Not bad for a poor, self-taught miner's son. I plan to check out Merle's other records- 14 Top 10 C&W hits from 1946-55, plus- of course- Tennessee Ernie's mega-hit. This guy was, indeed, a genius- he drank more than a little yet still made it to 70. Fun fact: When Syd Nathan, the gruff cigar-chomping character who ran King Records in Cincinnati, launched his "label for the little guys" (meaning black and "hillbilly" folks), Merle and a colleague from Cincy's powerhouse WLW Radio became King's very first act. They had to use a pseudonym because Powel Crosley (radios, appliances, tiny cars, the Cincinnati Reds and more) prohibited his musicians to record under their own names. Yet roots-country fans know what Merle sounded like in two notes!

TonyBuemi

Good info on Merle..

TheThunderbird63

That guitar and trumpet solo...oh my god. I think I've heard it before as bumper music on NPR, or some sort of PBS show.

TonyBuemi

Merle great.. One of the 50s giants

Roman

This is like if Hank Williams was from New Orleans

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