Tommy James Reveals Meaning Behind Iconic 1971 Hit 'Draggin' The Line'

Tommy James reflected on the seemingly non-sensical lyrics in his iconic 1971 hit, "Draggin' the Line."

The Tommy James & the Shondells frontman detailed how he ended up in the studio to record the song, which would unofficially inspire the Chili's "Baby Back Rib" jingle decades later.

"I just wanted it to rhyme!" the rocker commented on the Tuesday (June 9) episode of the Professor of Rock podcast, when asked about the lyric "My dog Sam eats purple flowers, ain't got much, but what we got's ours."

"It's like, what did that mean, Tom?" the musician mused, joking "it's drugs" when explaining how fans mistakenly thought it referred to a drug reference.

"Draggin' the Line" was the first solo song by James, and his biggest hit, after the Shondells split in 1970. Ultimately reaching the No. 4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, it inspired numerous cover versions, including a notable 1999 cover by R.E.M.

Listen to the full episode above.