About The Song
“I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” was written by Buck Owens and Harlan Howard and recorded by Buck Owens and His Buckaroos. It was released in December 1964 as a single on Capitol Records, later included on the album of the same name in March 1965. The song became Owens’ sixth No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, holding the top spot for five weeks, and reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was recorded in Hollywood, produced by Ken Nelson. The track features Owens’ twangy vocals and Don Rich’s distinctive Telecaster guitar, embodying the Bakersfield sound. The upbeat tempo and lively arrangement, including drums and steel guitar, run approximately 2:14.
The lyrics depict a man caught in a wild, uncontrollable romance, with lines like “I’ve got a tiger by the tail, it’s plain to see.” The narrative humorously compares his lover’s fiery nature to a tiger, suggesting he’s losing weight and vitality, yet unable to let go, reflecting a playful take on love’s challenges.
The recording marked a peak in Owens’ career, showcasing the Bakersfield sound’s influence against Nashville’s polished style. Inspired by an Esso gas station slogan “Put a tiger in your tank,” the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Upon release, “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” drove the album to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 43 on the Pop Albums chart. Its success solidified Owens’ status as a country music icon.
In 1965, Dave Berry used “I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail” as the B-side of his single “Little Things” and the single reached number 5 in the UK Singles Chart.
Waylon Jennings covered the song and included it on his album Waylon Sings Ol’_Harlan which was released by RCA Records in 1967.
New Riders of the Purple Sage covered the song at live gigs during the early 70s. A rare recording can be found on Bear’s Sonic Journals: Dawn of the New Riders of the Purple Sage (released 2020).
Video
Lyric
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-turning mighty pale
Looks like I’ve got a tiger by the tailWell, 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 tailI’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-turning mighty pale
Looks like I’ve got a tiger by the tailWell, every night you drag me where the bright lights are found
There ain’t no way to slow you down
I’m a-bout as helpless as a leaf in a gale
And it looks like I’ve got a tiger by the tailI’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-turning mighty pale
Looks like I’ve got a tiger by the tail
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