I've Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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.
|
Release YearThe song was released in 1965.
|
Album"I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" is also the title track of the Buck Owens album of the same name.
|
Chart PerformanceThe song hit number 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart in March 1965.
|
SongwritersBuck Owens co-wrote "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" with his longtime collaborator, Harlan Howard.
|
LongevityDespite being released over 50 years ago, the song remains one of Buck Owens' most well-known tracks.
|
Recognition'I've Got a Tiger by the Tail' became Buck Owens' signature song and helped cement his legacy in country music.
|
Cultural ImpactThe term "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" became a popular catchphrase in the 1960s, thanks to this song.
|
PerformanceBuck Owens and his band, the Buckaroos, performed the song live on television on multiple shows, including the Ed Sullivan Show.
|
InspirationThe song lyrics were inspired by an advertisement for Esso gasoline with a similar catchphrase "Put a tiger in your tank".
|
Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail," including country legends like George Jones and Charley Pride.
|
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.
|
Crossover HitThe song also crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
|
Film Appearance"I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" was also featured in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, which starred John Travolta.
|
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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"I've Got a Tiger By the Tail Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 9 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/29289135/Buck+Owens/I%27ve+Got+a+Tiger+By+the+Tail>.
Discuss the I've Got a Tiger By the Tail Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In