LaBeef stands 6' 7" tall and was given the nickname "Sleepy" from the appearance of his eyes. Born in Arkansas, he was raised on a melon farm and moved to Houston when he was 18. There, he sang gospel music on local radio and put together a bar band to play venues as well as radio programs such as the Houston Jamboree and Louisiana Hayride.
In the 1950s, as the rockabilly component of rock-n-roll became evident, LaBeef began recording singles in the genre; his first, "I'm Through", was issued on Starday Records in 1957. In 1964, he moved to Nashville and moved to a more solidly country style, recording singles for Columbia Records. His first genuine hit was 1968's "Every Day", which peaked at No. 73 on the U.S. Billboard Country charts. After moving to Plantation Records in 1969, he scored a second hit in 1971 with "Blackland Farmer", which charted at No. 67. Around this time LaBeef also starred in the horror movie The Exotic Ones. LaBeef transferred to Sun Records in the 1970s and continued releasing albums and touring widely; his popularity flagged in America but rose in Europe. The 1980s saw him sign to Rounder Records, where he released albums into the 1990s. In January 2012, LaBeef traveled to Nashville to record a film a live concert and record in historic RCA Studio B, all produced by noted bassist Dave Pomeroy. A documentary/concert DVD, Sleepy LaBeef Rides Again and soundtrack CD was released in 2013 by Earwave Records.
His last performance was in September 2019.
I'll be there
Sleepy LaBeef Lyrics
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Ain't no breeze big enough to slow me
Never have seen a river that's too wide
There ain't no jail tight enough to lock me
Ain't no man big enough to stop me
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
Love me, if you're ever going to love me
There ain't no chains strong enough to hold me
Ain't no breeze big enough to slow me
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
There ain't no rope stout enough to bind me
Look for me, honey, you will find me
Any old time, get ready with your charm
I'll be there ready and a-waiting
There won't be any hesitating
I'll be there if you ever want me in your arms
Love me, if you're ever going to love me
Never have seen a road too rough to ride
There ain't no chain strong enough to hold me
Ain't no breeze big enough to slow me
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
The verses of Sleepy LaBeef's song "I'll Be There" evoke a sense of wanderlust and a yearning for freedom. The lyrics convey a strong message of self-reliance and determination in the face of adversity. The singer sings about the futility of trying to hold him back or contain his spirit, insisting that he will always be there for his loved one when they need him.
The opening lines "There ain't no chains strong enough to hold me/ Ain't no breeze big enough to slow me" are a metaphor for the singer's unwavering determination to follow his own path, regardless of any obstacles in his way. He highlights the idea that he has a deep sense of purpose and is constantly seeking new challenges. These lines are then followed up with "Never have seen a river that's too wide/ There ain't no jail tight enough to lock me," which further emphasizes the idea that he is unstoppable, and nothing can hold him back from achieving what he wants in life.
The chorus "Love me, if you're ever going to love me/ Never have seen a road too rough to ride" is a plea for his loved one to accept him for who he is, and to join him on his journey. He insists that he will always be there for her if she needs him, even if the road is difficult or challenging. In the last verse, the singer speaks directly to his loved one, assuring her that she can count on him, and that he will be ready and waiting whenever she needs him.
Overall, "I'll Be There" is a song that celebrates the human spirit, and the all-consuming desire for freedom and self-determination. The lyrics are a call to arms for anyone feeling stuck or constrained, reminding them that they have the power to break free and carve their own path in life.
Line by Line Meaning
There ain't no chains strong enough to hold me
No obstacle or challenge is powerful enough to stop me.
Ain't no breeze big enough to slow me
Even the toughest circumstances won't slow me down.
Never have seen a river that's too wide
I have yet to encounter a hurdle that I cannot overcome.
There ain't no jail tight enough to lock me
No captivity can prevent me from achieving my goal.
Ain't no man big enough to stop me
No one is powerful enough to stand in the way of my aspirations.
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
I am always there for you when you need me.
Love me, if you're ever going to love me
If you're going to love me, do it now.
Never have seen a road too rough to ride
I am capable of enduring even the most difficult journeys.
There ain't no chains strong enough to hold me
I am unstoppable and unbreakable.
Ain't no breeze big enough to slow me
I am undeterred by any obstacles in my path.
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
You can always count on me to be there for you.
There ain't no rope stout enough to bind me
No force can limit me.
Look for me, honey, you will find me
I am always available and accessible to you.
Any old time, get ready with your charm
Anytime you need me, just be ready to ask.
I'll be there ready and a-waiting
I am always prepared and will be waiting for you.
There won't be any hesitating
I won't hesitate to come to you if you need me.
I'll be there if you ever want me in your arms
I am always here to hold and comfort you when you need me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Price, Rusty Gabbard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind