In 1963, he renamed the rest of the band "The Shondells", after one of James's idols, guitarist Troy Shondell. Later in 1963, they recorded the Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich-penned song "Hanky Panky" (originally by The Raindrops), which failed to chart. The Shondells disbanded thereafter, until James reformed them early 1966 with Gray, Vale, Rosman and Lucia. Their first single was a re-recording of "Hanky Panky", which surprisingly became a national number one hit in June 1966. At first, Tommy James and his Shondells played straightforward rock and roll (as their first hit proves) but soon became involved in the budding bubblegum pop musical movement. One of their main songwriters these days was Ritchie Cordell who gave them the hits "I Think We're Alone Now" (later a hit for dance pop idol Tiffany and power pop rockers The Rubinoos as well) and "Mirage" in 1967. The former hit, labeled by one critic as the "bubblegum apotheosis", has had major airplay for decades and decades.
From 1968, the group members additional tried themselves as songwriters, with James and Lucia penning the psychedelic pop/rock classic "Crimson and Clover". The song was also completely recorded and mixed by the two of them, with James taking over vocal duties and playing all instruments, and it featured the then remarkable use of electronic gadgetry such as vocoders and phasers. Further hits included "Crystal Blue Persuasion", "Sweet Cherry Wine", and "Mony Mony" (1968). That last song was written by James (together with Vale) with allegedly inspired by the sign for prominent bank Mutual Of New York that hung outside his office window, the track receiving major airplay for quite a while and spawning off a successful Billy Idol version in the 80s.
The band took in major inspiration from contemporary bubblegum music and spirited pop rock as well as psychedelia, James finding himself intrigued by his growing spirituality and eventually dabbling in Christian rock music as well. The group carried on with constant success until early 1970, when James became exhausted from the strenuous touring and decided to drop out. His four bandmates carried on for a short while under the name of Hog Heaven but disbanded soon afterwards.
James launched a solo career in 1971. He created one major hit in "Draggin' the Line" (and "Three Times In Love," a #1 Adult Contemporary single in 1980), taking things at a smoother pace in his older days. He's undertaken well-received live tours for decades as well.
In October 2007, Tommy James and the original Shondells reunited in a New Jersey studio to record once again. The entire band has performed off and on for a while since then. For more information, see:
http://www.tommyjames.com/
Note that their name appears as "Tommy James and the Shondells" on their 1966 debut album 'Hanky Panky' and elsewhere, with the use of an ampersand coming in later. They're officially classified as 'Pop-Rock' with respect to the Roulette Records label R/SR-25336.
Draggin' the Line
Tommy James & The Shondells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Takin' and givin' by day by day
I dig snow and rain and the bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
My dog, Sam, eats purple flowers
Ain't got much, but what we got's ours
We dig snow and rain and the bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I feel fine, I'm talkin' 'bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time, I'm gettin' the good sign
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Lovin' the free and feelin' spirit
Of hugging a tree, when you get near it
Diggin' the snow and rain and the bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I feel fine I'm talkin' 'bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time I'm gettin' the good sign
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line) la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line) la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line) la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line) la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line) la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line) la-la-la-la-la-la-la
The song "Draggin' the Line" by Tommy James & The Shondells is about living a simple, contented life. It describes how the singer is able to make a living through hard work and is happy with what he has. The lyrics mention how he enjoys being close to nature and is at peace with himself. The phrase "draggin' the line" is repeated throughout the song and is a metaphor for the simple and steady pace of life he lives. The line "I feel fine, I'm talking about peace of mind" emphasizes the contentment he feels with his life.
The lyrics also mention the singer's dog Sam who eats purple flowers, which could be interpreted as a symbol of finding beauty in the unusual or unexpected. The overall message of the song is to appreciate the simple things in life and find happiness in what one already has.
In terms of musical style, the song features a blend of rock and pop with a catchy melody and rhythm. The chorus is particularly memorable with its repeated "draggin' the line" refrain.
Line by Line Meaning
Makin' a livin' the old, hard way
I am working hard to make a living and provide for myself and others.
Takin' and givin' by day by day
I am taking what I need and giving what I can each day.
I dig snow and rain and the bright sunshine, Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I appreciate and enjoy all types of weather and am simply taking life as it comes, one day at a time.
My dog, Sam, eats purple flowers
I have a dog named Sam who eats purple flowers. Despite this quirk, we still love him for who he is.
Ain't got much, but what we got's ours
We may not have a lot, but what we do have is ours and we are grateful for it.
I feel fine, I'm talkin' 'bout peace of mind
I am content with my life and have a sense of inner peace.
I'm gonna take my time, I'm gettin' the good sign
I am going to take my time and wait for the right opportunities to come my way.
Lovin' the free and feelin' spirit
I enjoy the freedom and the feeling of being connected to all things around me.
Of hugging a tree, when you get near it
I find peace and comfort from being close to nature and hugging trees.
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I am taking life at my own pace and not rushing through it.
la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
These are nonsensical sounds that do not carry any specific meaning.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Robert King, Tommy James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos
I'm a railroad conductor. I listen to this song every time I have to take a train out of town. I'm dragging the line for real.
@daveshockwave8098
You really are dragging the line man. Whats the longest train have you run?
@LS030
Trains forever 😊
@helengraff9840
I'm 72 and still can't get enough of the oldies! Cause , baby, there might be snow on my roof but there's still plenty of fire in the furnace!!
@lindatrainor1650
I am 62 yrs old and I loved Tommy James.
@darrellpampel4030
I wonder how many of us fantasized about being a music star ?
@BIGDINKMAN
Born in 76. My hippy parents pushed me on this. Thank you parents.
@knoweyes
I am 64 and definitely dragging the line. I LOVED this band when I was just a kid and still do!
@ginelleday5412
I'm a tad older but love this song. Still listen to them today.
@Kevin-zg9we
I'm 34 and this is the sh**