When I was first approached to write in this blog, I was told I should review “old people stuff.” I was taken a little aback by this. I do not consider
myself “old” in any way; heck, I’m just 28 years old. When I asked what he meant by this, he said I should review old music and tv shows. Yes, I do
appreciate classic entertainment and in many ways it set the standard for what we have today. Also, there are many examples that the classics are just
better than what’s being produced now.
The first song I decided to review is Draggin’ the Line by Tommy James, released in 1971. It was James’ biggest solo hit after breaking up with the
Shondells, peaking at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts and remained in the top 40 for 11 weeks. It can be classified as “psychedelic rock” and
it’s one of those songs that easily identified on the first couple of notes on the bass guitar. The line “of hugging a tree when you get near it” puts
you right in that era and apparently the term “tree hugger” was derived from this song.
My criteria for liking a song is simple. It has to have a good beat and melody. Something that I can whistle or hum to and makes me feel good. The
lyrics are usually secondary. However, reading the lyrics of “Draggin’ the Line” does have me wondering what the heck the song is about. Here are the
lyrics:
Makin' a living the old hard way
Takin' and giving by day by day
I dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
My dog Sam eats purple flowers
We ain't got much but what we got's ours
We dig snow and rain and 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)
Loving the free and feelin' spirit
Of huggin' a tree when you get near it
Diggin' the snow and rain and 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)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line).....
Several theories have arose about the meaning of the song, including that it’s about cocaine use. Not satisfied with that answer, I went to songfacts.com where they did an interview
with Tommy James:
"Draggin' the Line" just meant working every day. Nothing really very mysterious about it.
Huh…
Well, enjoy the un-mysterious song:
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