I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail

I’m Just a Country Song with Country Girl Dr. D & Blu Waters

When you face a challenge, do you hang on for the ride or simply give up, no matter the danger of a worst-case outcome?

This week's song was released in December 1964 by country music band Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Buck once said he got the idea for the song because he heard a slogan for Esso (gas station): "Put a tiger in your tank.”

In the song, he’s dating a woman who is dragging him through life and running him absolutely ragged. He knows it’s going to end poorly but is helpless to stop it. What would you do if you were in the same situation?

“I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail” describes what it's like to associate with something so powerful and potentially dangerous, and yet somehow you have to solve the difficult problem as there's no way to let go of that tail. The phrase derives from the Chinese proverb, “He who rides the tiger is afraid to dismount.”

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

“To be ourselves exiles us from others. And yet to comply with what others want causes us to be exiled from ourselves.” - Darlene Chambers

In This Episode:

- What sparked Buck Owens to write the song “I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail”?

- Have you ever had a “tiger” relationship that you were afraid to let go of for fear that the outcome would be worse than hanging on for dear life?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 9 (“The Dance”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong