In the 1980s Russell made four albums credited to the Tom Russell Band. These featured Andrew Hardin and accordionist Fats Kaplin.
In the 1990s Russell made a number of solo albums, collaborated with blues singer Barrence Whitfield on two albums, and also recorded an acoustic album mixing original material with his favorite cowboy-themed songs. His albums include several guest appearances from other folk, country, and Americana artists, such as Chris Gaffney and Dave Alvin. His song "Outbound Plane", co-written with Nanci Griffith, became a Top Ten country hit for Suzy Bogguss. His most significant album from this period is the 1999 folk opera, The Man From God Knows Where.
His more recent albums include "Blood and Candle Smoke" (2009) and "Mesabi" (2011).
Muhammad Ali
Tom Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fought my way out to see another day
Seven to one odds against ol' Sonny Liston
Took my title from me but I kept on my mission
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
You know you've got me dancing
I'm the champion of the ring
You know my name
Is Muhammad Ali
No George Foreman ever called me a quitter
No Viet Cong ever called me a nigger
Threw my gold medal in the Ohio river
I won for the land of the free. Bumaye
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
You know you've got me dancing
I'm the champion of the ring
You know my name
Is Muhammad Ali
Yes my mind is free and all your love I'll never forget
Yes in time you'll see
I am the most beautiful
I am the most beautiful fighter yet
I know my destination and I know the truth
Yes I am the Louisville Lip that you've been talking to
All my life I've been dancing, like a rooster I will sing
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
You know you've got me dancing
I'm the world champion of the ring
You know my name
Is Muhammad Ali
Tom Russell's song "Muhammad Ali" is an admiration tribute to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who was born Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. The song describes Ali's incredible journey in the boxing world, from overcoming the odds against the formidable Sonny Liston to becoming a legend in the sport. Despite losing his title, Ali kept his mission alive, and the song emphasizes his determination and strength of character. The lyrics give readers a deep insight into Ali's life, specifically his beliefs, such as his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War and his unwavering devotion to his community and his country.
Throughout the song, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" is repeated, which is both a reference to Ali's famous words and a nod to his fighting style. The song also emphasizes Ali's accomplishments in and out of the ring, as he was not only the greatest boxer of his time but also a determined and vocal civil rights icon.
Overall, the message of the song is about Ali's ability to inspire and unify people across all walks of life, citing him as not only a boxing legend but also a global icon who promoted kindness and compassion worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
From Louisville Kentucky name of Cassius Clay
I hail from Louisville Kentucky and my name was originally Cassius Clay
Fought my way out to see another day
I fought my way through life and survived
Seven to one odds against ol' Sonny Liston
I had a low chance of winning against Sonny Liston, the odds were seven to one
Took my title from me but I kept on my mission
Though Sonny Liston took my title away from me, I continued with my purpose
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
My fighting style involves floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee
You know you've got me dancing
My fighting style is like dancing
I'm the champion of the ring
I'm the world champion in boxing
You know my name
My name is Muhammad Ali
No George Foreman ever called me a quitter
George Foreman never called me a quitter because I never gave up
No Viet Cong ever called me a nigger
The Viet Cong never called me a n****r because I stood up for myself
Threw my gold medal in the Ohio river
I threw my gold medal in the Ohio river to protest segregation and discrimination
I won for the land of the free. Bumaye
I won for the land of the free and cheered Bumaye to appreciate my victory
Yes my mind is free and all your love I'll never forget
My mind is free and I will never forget the love and support I received
Yes in time you'll see
In time, everyone will realize
I am the most beautiful
I am the most beautiful fighter out there
I am the most beautiful fighter yet
I am the most beautiful fighter ever born
I know my destination and I know the truth
I know where I'm headed and I know what's right
Yes I am the Louisville Lip that you've been talking to
Yes, I'm the talkative person from Louisville whom you've been conversing with
All my life I've been dancing, like a rooster I will sing
My whole life, I've been dancing, and I'll keep on dancing and singing like a rooster
You know my name
My name is Muhammad Ali
I'm the world champion of the ring
I'm the champion of the boxing ring worldwide
Contributed by Isabella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.