 Released in December 1964 (just weeks after he had recorded it), "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" was Owens' and the Buckaroos sixth No.1 hit on the "Billboard magazine" Hot Country Singles chart in February 1965.The song is Owens' and the Buckaroos biggest hit (and only top-40 hit) on the "Billboard" Hot 100, where it peaked at No.