I've Got a Tiger by the Tail
Buck Owens
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I've got a tiger by the tail, it's plain to see; I won't be much when you get through' with me Well, I'm a losing weight and a turnin' mighty pale Looks like I've got a tiger by the tail Well, I thought the day I met you, you were meek as a lamb; Just the kind to fit my dreams and plans But now, the pace we're livin' takes the wind from my sails And it looks like I've got a tiger by the tail I've got a tiger by the tail, it's plain to see; I won't be much when you get through' with me Well,I'm a losing weight and a turnin' mighty pale Looks like I've got a tiger by the tail Well, ev'ry night you drag me where the bright lights are found; There ain't no way to slow you down I'm as 'bout as helpless as a leaf in a gale; And it looks like I've got a tiger by the tail I've got a tiger by the tail, it's plain to see; I won't be much when you get through' with me Well, I'm a losing weight and a turnin' mighty pale Looks like I've got a tiger by the tail
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Harlan Howard, Buck Owens
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, LEGACY OF HARLAN PERRY HOWARD, LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Music Genre"I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" is considered a classic in the genre of country and western music.
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Release YearThe song was released in 1965.
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Album"I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" is also the title track of the Buck Owens album of the same name.
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Chart PerformanceThe song hit number 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart in March 1965.
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SongwritersBuck Owens co-wrote "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" with his longtime collaborator, Harlan Howard.
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LongevityDespite being released over 50 years ago, the song remains one of Buck Owens' most well-known tracks.
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Recognition'I've Got a Tiger by the Tail' became Buck Owens' signature song and helped cement his legacy in country music.
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Cultural ImpactThe term "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" became a popular catchphrase in the 1960s, thanks to this song.
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PerformanceBuck Owens and his band, the Buckaroos, performed the song live on television on multiple shows, including the Ed Sullivan Show.
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InspirationThe song lyrics were inspired by an advertisement for Esso gasoline with a similar catchphrase "Put a tiger in your tank".
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail," including country legends like George Jones and Charley Pride.
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Legend's PickThe song is one of country music superstar Garth Brooks' all-time favorite songs. He has often mentioned Buck Owens as a major influence on his own music.
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Crossover HitThe song also crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Film Appearance"I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" was also featured in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, which starred John Travolta.
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LegacyBuck Owens' performance style on "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" and his other hits of the 1960s helped pave the way for the Bakersfield sound, a rawer, more electric-infused style of country music.
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Citation
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"I've Got a Tiger by the Tail Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/190000/Buck+Owens/I%27ve+Got+a+Tiger+by+the+Tail>.
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