They met in 1950 while playing with Tommy Magness and the Tennessee Buddies. During this time period, they played frequently at different venues such as the El-Tenedore Skating Rink in southern Virginia. The first records that Don and Red made together were with Tommy Magness in 1951 for Federal Records, a subsidiary of King Records.
Later in 1951, Don and Red left Magnus to play with Toby Stroud in Wheeling, West Virginia on radio station WWVA (AM). Soon after this, Don and Red reformed a band that Don had started some years before: The Tennessee Cut-Ups.
In 1952, Reno and Smiley and the Tennessee Cut-Ups made their first recordings for King Records. Among this session was one of the band's most famous gospel songs, "I'm Using My Bible for a Roadmap" which was written by Don Reno in 1950. The sales of this record reportedly saved King Records from bankruptcy. Don Reno, Red Smiley and the Tennessee Cut-Ups continued recording for King Records but did no live performances until the mid-1950s which is now known to most Reno and Smiley fans as the beginning of their "Glory Years" which lasted until they disbanded in 1964.
At this time, Don began traveling with Benny Martin and Red formed a band called the Bluegrass Cut-Ups which continued to perform on a television program that Don and Red did together for many years. When Red retired in the late 1960s, Jim Eanes acquired the band renaming it "The Shenandoah Cutups". It wasn't until 1970 or '71 that Don and Red began performing together again, and that time was short-lived as Red died in 1972 at the age of 46 due to complications with diabetes. Don continued to perform with his sons Don Wayne and Dale along with Bill Harrell until his death in 1984 at the age of 58. In 1992, Don Reno and Red Smiley were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor.
I Want To Know
Reno & Smiley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It said to love you through eternity
Not knowing that you were another's bride
I vowed I'd always be close by your side
[Chorus:]
You know I love you and I always will
I know you're married but I love you still
You broke a heart dear that would die for you
I'd give this world dear to belong to you
The game is over and I know I've lost
My broken heart will have to pay the cost
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Reno & Smiley's song "I Know You're Married" tell a story of unrequited love. The singer, upon meeting the subject of the song, falls in love with her and vows to always be by her side. However, it is soon revealed that she is married, and the singer's heart is broken. Despite this, the singer still loves her and will continue to do so.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful, conveying the pain of loving someone who cannot return your feelings. The use of repetition in the chorus of "I know you're married but I love you still" emphasizes the singer's love and devotion to someone who will never be theirs.
Overall, the song highlights the bittersweet nature of love and the heartache that can come from falling for someone who is unavailable.
Line by Line Meaning
The day I met you my heart spoke to me
When I first met you, my heart told me that I was meant to love you forever.
It said to love you through eternity
My heart urged me to love you for all of time.
Not knowing that you were another's bride
I was unaware that you were already married to someone else.
I vowed I'd always be close by your side
I promised to always stay near you and support you, regardless of the circumstances.
You know I love you and I always will
I want you to be aware that, despite your marital status, I am deeply in love with you, and I always will be.
I know you're married but I love you still
Although I understand that you are already wed to someone else, my love for you remains unchanged.
You broke a heart dear that would die for you
You have shattered the heart of someone who was willing to do anything for your sake.
I'd give this world dear to belong to you
I would willingly sacrifice everything I have if it meant being with you.
The game is over and I know I've lost
I realize that my pursuit of you has come to an end, and I have not succeeded in winning your heart.
My broken heart will have to pay the cost
My heart is shattered, and I will suffer the consequences of my failed attempts to win your affection.
You know I love you and I always will
Once again, I want you to be aware that my love for you is unwavering, regardless of the outcome.
I know you're married but I love you still
Despite the fact that you are already wed to someone else, I continue to hold on to my love for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DON RENO, MACK MAGAHA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paulwilson6260
One of the greatest groups of all time...
@nathanwallace9627
Wonderful !!!