The main difference between Merle Haggard and everyone else is that Merle Haggard is the greatest country singing star that ever was. For all time. That's all there is to it.
I play his songs every time I pick up my guitar, and this new generation never heard these songs and then I explain who MERLE HAGGARD is and move on to CONWAY TWITTY and MARTY ROBBINS, CANT BELIEVE I'VE BEEN SINGING MOST OF THESE SONGS FOR 40 YEARS?
He is such a talented songwriter. Anyone cannot just write a song, you have to live it, and Merle sings & writes from experience. A legend in our time. He was pardoned by Ronald Reagan, then Gov of CA.
@@grime5652 do time in the penitentiary and you would feel his pain like I do through this song..and trust me everyone knows where you've been and though we paid our debt we owed them we still have a number tied to our name for life
My number was 27768, and I served time for house breaking, assault and theft. Now I live a quite life, and barely leave my house. I’m hoping one day to start working again. So I can live a good honest life. No excuses I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I drove away the people who cared for me the most.
@@grime5652 I walked out supposedly free of my debt to society years ago and haven't reoffended since but everybody knows I've been in prison and they won't let my secret go untold nor forgotten no matter how far I go or how long it's been and I'm still serving time
Every where i go travel The marks follows me,, and the THE TITLE SAY IT ALL merle is the real deal. I mean nothing but this song is my life even though I'm not that "BRANDED"
Music has lost a truly great man today. Merle was the total package, he was a singer, a songwriter and a brilliant instrumentalist. He would never let the music executives push him around. And as a result His music was always great. They don't make men like Merle Haggard anymore. This is a devastating loss for his family friends and his fans. RIP Merle
Merle did something differently. The Haggard camp knew they were on to something when "Okie from Muskogee" and "The Fightin' Side of Me" came out. Everywhere they went, every show, "Okie" did more than prompt enthusiastic applause. There was an unanticipated adulation racing through the crowds now, standing ovations that went on and on and sometimes left the audience and the band members alike teary-eyed. Merle had somehow stumbled upon a song that expressed previously deep fears, spoke out loud, gripes and anxieties otherwise only whispered, and now people were using his song, were using "him," to connect themselves to these larger concerns and to one another. He connected with the silent majority in society, the man trying to be a good Dad, a good worker, a good husband, a loyal American. However, they all knew some things were wrong in our country and our politicians were not taking care of the issues as they should have. He spoke for us all, to us all. He was, and shall be a part of the average American, doing his best and trying to make it in a world that is not always fair. This was 1969, a difficult time in American history. I was a young 10 year old kid then and was watching it all happen. I definitely connected with Merle's music and I was hooked. I always will be. Pray for our nation people. It is headed in the wrong direction.
It occurred to me how come he sounds so good: he's the greatest country singing star that ever was. That's all there is to it. That's simply all there is to it. The Strangers are brilliant, of course, too.
He had the best raw ability but something about Waylon in his prime, ie mid 70s was unbeatable in my opinion. Merle sounded almost the same his entire life and as far as longevity and classic country, hands down Merles the Goat
My farmer dads favorite. Mine too. Played fighting side of me at my marine corps dad's funeral. My dad was buried with his cowboy boots and listening to Merle haggard
When I think of Merle Haggard, one word comes to mind: REAL. Just real. Real goodlooking, real talent, and just for REAL!!! No one comes close. Love you always Merle. Rest easy..............
please do me favor i am a vivid fun of merle haggard i've been searching of his songs entitled NO REASON TO QUIT but it was the song if willy nelson to appear on the screen also the song entitled I COULD HAVE BEEN GONE WRONG please post it as these songs are my favorite thank you..
Music like this is what shows the meaning of a good man who just made a mistake in life , and went on to be loved by millions for his music and forgotten about his past...Not all men and women who have served time are bad people WE are just the onea who got caught or the ones that didnt have a grip on life at the time..As for me, ive learned that ive done wrong in my life and im not happy about my past, if i can change it i would, but i cant so i live the life as a branded man in this song and still living a normal life..going to work everyday giving myself a new branded term.......A WORKING MAN FOR HIS FAMILY....
When Country music was real. When it was ACTUALLY music! My favorite country artist ever, thanks to my Dad for playing it when I was growing up. Thanks Merle for the wonderful stories and MUSIC!
kimberly you are so wright about that.we been listing to country music all my life at 72 yrs old we still love it glad some-body else has got good taste in good music.
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days…
I've been to the Preston School of Industry and San Quentin State Prison where you served time, Merle. I've seen those ugly bars and those punishing walls. They could not hold your talent, and your talent set you free. By knowing this, your music is all the sweeter to my ears. Thank you for your extraordinary artistry, rest in peace dear brother!
@@birgittaedstrand8754 His sentence was crazy - not fair and certainly not justice. If he could break out that many times from so many different places, maybe you should all look at what keep people inside the bars - how about a teenager getting a little help, maybe teach them a trade, that old man headed for the electric chair changed this kid's life -- it really didn't take much. Shame on our prison system.
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days.
I am 66 and growing up with him being so big all the time the truth is---we actually became numb to it and did not realize how good he was and that we were watching history take place.. Now you look back and go wow no wonder he was so big.
When I was a kid, my dad had this Merle Haggard record. To this day I remember sitting there and listening to that strong honest beautiful voice singing lyrics that were so real and heartfelt. I will remember this song until I die. In real life Merle had a prison record, so these lyrics are not just the fake twangy country lyrics of today. They meant something, and listening to him he made you feel it deep inside your soul. RIP Merle, thank you for your songs. You are no longer a branded man, and may God's warmth bring you out of the cold.
I suppose I'm a very sappy person but when I listen to Merle sing I just cry like a baby. What an amazing singer / Songwriter. I'll Merle. RIP Mr. Haggard 😢 I will always miss you
These lyrics hold so much truth. Once in prison you're branded for life and that's pretty sad for those trying to go straight. They paid their dept to society and the playing field should be even with the house but it isn't not by a long shot.
wow grew up listening to country music, my mom was a country gal, once we got some land she raised a cow named 'Betsy ' her pet she raised from little.
I had Normans Fender Pedal steel .. the one in this clip... Got from a friend that got it from Tigar Bell many years back.. tigar was a child prodigy and played in merls band when he was like 6 nice to see it again thanks for the post
He is so good and I love his songs. Back in the day, he was really good looking as well, or I think so. Love you Merle ~ Country isn't country like it was back in the day.
Good looking -- he was truly handsome, those eyes, that mouth - holy moly he was beyond handsome - sexy and charming - he seemed to love us as much as we loved him. Ben has to learn some things from his father. Ben isn't that great looking, generic, average, but lacks personality and charm - got to have that along with a great sining voice and a brilliant guitarist which he certainly is - just lacks that connection with his audience. He seems cool and aloof.
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days…
He definitely exemplified the qualifications for the what was and still remembered. Held as standard by. Those who know and calls and resonates in the ears of anyone who wore their true self on the sleeve and that includes the rock bottom of the heart. Pain of enduring life and love it's not not too difficult to see why he is regarded as amongst the all time greats. That is to have embraced the greater collective spirit.to strike the universal Chord that carries on and continues to resonate with the next generation.
Merle was my Dad's favorite! Grew up with his albums! I changed the records and sat on back porch singing with my Dad! Miss him so very much! But he left me many memories!
Still got a live album of his I bought c.1972 when I was 15 a long long time ago. His songs were real about real events, real stories. Still amazing to this day.
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days…
MERLE,HANK,WAYLON, GEORGE, JOHNNY, CONWAY ETC. ETC. ARE ALL UP THERE SINGING WITH THE ANGELS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN TILL WE ALL GET TO SEE THEM AGAIN AND HEAR THEM SING 😇🌹😎✌🤟💖
My dad liked Merle Haggard also. I think he really liked Lonesome Fugitive. His favorite song by Crystal Gayle was Don't Make My Brown Eyes Blue. I lost my dad in 1997. I sure do miss him. I'd really like to talk to him again.
Miss my Dad, too! Merle was my Dad's favorite! Sang with him many nights on back porch, while my Mom cooked dinner! We were father and daughter and friends because of music!
Country singers today will never match this man
💯
Amen
Bonnie owens is a huge part of why this song is soo good.
The main difference between Merle Haggard and everyone else is that Merle Haggard is the greatest country singing star that ever was. For all time. That's all there is to it.
Yes, he was a giant among the rest of us.
@@oceancrosby4578 😁😁😁wtwewwwqw5wq3qq32222wt
Got news for ya pal, he was what you say he was, but he was also a mean drunk!
I like your attitude.
AND JAMEY JOHNSON ALSO IMHO
You were the KING 😢😢🎶❤️
I play his songs every time I pick up my guitar, and this new generation never heard these songs and then I explain who MERLE HAGGARD is and move on to CONWAY TWITTY and MARTY ROBBINS, CANT BELIEVE I'VE BEEN SINGING MOST OF THESE SONGS FOR 40 YEARS?
He is such a talented songwriter. Anyone cannot just write a song, you have to live it, and Merle sings & writes from experience. A legend in our time. He was pardoned by Ronald Reagan, then Gov of CA.
Still listening to this in 2021 brilliant bring back the real music
Merle Haggard was the Real Deal!!!!! He had 41 Number 1 hits!!! That's amazing in anyone's book!
My dad used to love this song God rest his soul never really got to know him but this was his song
Ladies and gentlemen this is the definition of a Natural, God given talent to its core
Love merle best country singer everx
You got that right
Best country ARTIST of all time in my opinion.
I agree 100%!! He's dearly missed
right behind Waylon of course
#2 to Waylon
Absolutely.
Dave Coe
None can compare today!!! Merle was the BEST!!
America is an exceptional nation ...here is proof 🎅
People are sad that Merle and so many country stars have passed but I say we are the lucky ones who can listen to these legends.
I stand in awe of him. Merle was the greatest Country singer I've ever heard
The best voice in country music forever.
Merle is the Best singer of country songs to ever come down the Pike. R.I.P. Hag.
any man who has done time can relate to this song and only merle can sing it with conviction
Charles England I might not be able to sing it with conviction. However that doesn’t stop me now I’m a branded man🍻
@@grime5652 do time in the penitentiary and you would feel his pain like I do through this song..and trust me everyone knows where you've been and though we paid our debt we owed them we still have a number tied to our name for life
K Roper I have served time in her majesty prison on serval occasions. That’s not who I am anymore.
My number was 27768, and I served time for house breaking, assault and theft. Now I live a quite life, and barely leave my house. I’m hoping one day to start working again. So I can live a good honest life. No excuses I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I drove away the people who cared for me the most.
@@grime5652 I walked out supposedly free of my debt to society years ago and haven't reoffended since but everybody knows I've been in prison and they won't let my secret go untold nor forgotten no matter how far I go or how long it's been and I'm still serving time
I first heard this song while in prison. I can so relate. It's my story
Every where i go travel The marks follows me,, and the THE TITLE SAY IT ALL merle is the real deal. I mean nothing but this song is my life even though I'm not that "BRANDED"
there will never be be no body who can even come near the vocals that man had one hell of a singer.one of the best.
Music has lost a truly great man today. Merle was the total package, he was a singer, a songwriter and a brilliant instrumentalist. He would never let the music executives push him around. And as a result His music was always great. They don't make men like Merle Haggard anymore. This is a devastating loss for his family friends and his fans. RIP Merle
It would be so nice if we had so that country today the way it was entend to be sung.what a shame it has turn out to be today .
I agree ☝️
Merle did something differently. The Haggard camp knew they were on to something when "Okie from Muskogee" and "The Fightin' Side of Me" came out. Everywhere they went, every show, "Okie" did more than prompt enthusiastic applause. There was an unanticipated adulation racing through the crowds now, standing ovations that went on and on and sometimes left the audience and the band members alike teary-eyed. Merle had somehow stumbled upon a song that expressed previously deep fears, spoke out loud, gripes and anxieties otherwise only whispered, and now people were using his song, were using "him," to connect themselves to these larger concerns and to one another. He connected with the silent majority in society, the man trying to be a good Dad, a good worker, a good husband, a loyal American. However, they all knew some things were wrong in our country and our politicians were not taking care of the issues as they should have. He spoke for us all, to us all. He was, and shall be a part of the average American, doing his best and trying to make it in a world that is not always fair. This was 1969, a difficult time in American history. I was a young 10 year old kid then and was watching it all happen. I definitely connected with Merle's music and I was hooked. I always will be. Pray for our nation people. It is headed in the wrong direction.
Merle is just so incredibly Real! People singing today just don’t understand what being Real is!
Merle Haggard was a real singer he could bring it May GOD rest is soul
It occurred to me how come he sounds so good: he's the greatest country singing star that ever was. That's all there is to it. That's simply all there is to it. The Strangers are brilliant, of course, too.
#2 to Waylon
He had the best raw ability but something about Waylon in his prime, ie mid 70s was unbeatable in my opinion. Merle sounded almost the same his entire life and as far as longevity and classic country, hands down Merles the Goat
This is one MAN who took no BS from anyone. He lived his songs...RIP Mr. Haggard
Brilliant
I agree my favorite singer
My farmer dads favorite. Mine too. Played fighting side of me at my marine corps dad's funeral. My dad was buried with his cowboy boots and listening to Merle haggard
The very best country musician that has ever been!!!!
When I think of Merle Haggard, one word comes to mind: REAL. Just real. Real goodlooking, real talent, and just for REAL!!! No one comes close. Love you always Merle. Rest easy..............
He really had a voice my favorite for sure
You said it!!!!
True that 👍
You're forgetting a guy they called Waylon
@@TrumpDesantis-zm3kg Nay, Waylon's great but Merle was and still is a giant among us.
I don't remember a single song of Merle's that I did not like!
country & western music , not to be confused with pop country music , thanks for all the great songs RIP merle
Country music now days is too full of pop stars.
I don't like it when somebody runs down my country music.
omg, merle haggard was a total narc dude!!!
please do me favor i am a vivid fun of merle haggard i've been searching of his songs entitled NO REASON TO QUIT but it was the song if willy nelson to appear on the screen also the song entitled I COULD HAVE BEEN GONE WRONG please post it as these songs are my favorite thank you..
Country music now days is aimmed at young girls who like to drink corn, smoke dope, attend cock fights, drop acid, back sliders tractor pulls, etc.
Music like this is what shows the meaning of a good man who just made a mistake in life , and went on to be loved by millions for his music and forgotten about his past...Not all men and women who have served time are bad people WE are just the onea who got caught or the ones that didnt have a grip on life at the time..As for me, ive learned that ive done wrong in my life and im not happy about my past, if i can change it i would, but i cant so i live the life as a branded man in this song and still living a normal life..going to work everyday giving myself a new branded term.......A WORKING MAN FOR HIS FAMILY....
There is no one better
When Country music was real. When it was ACTUALLY music! My favorite country artist ever, thanks to my Dad for playing it when I was growing up. Thanks Merle for the wonderful stories and MUSIC!
kimberly you are so wright about that.we been listing to country music all my life at 72 yrs old we still love it glad some-body else has got good taste in good music.
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days…
I've been to the Preston School of Industry and San Quentin State Prison where you served time, Merle. I've seen those ugly bars and those punishing walls. They could not hold your talent, and your talent set you free. By knowing this, your music is all the sweeter to my ears. Thank you for your extraordinary artistry, rest in peace dear brother!
William Sanacore sweet answere
@@birgittaedstrand8754 His sentence was crazy - not fair and certainly not justice. If he could break out that many times from so many different places, maybe you should all look at what keep people inside the bars - how about a teenager getting a little help, maybe teach them a trade, that old man headed for the electric chair changed this kid's life -- it really didn't take much. Shame on our prison system.
One of the Best Country singers and song writers ever in my time!! Miss him! RIP Merle.......
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days.
I am 66 and growing up with him being so big all the time the truth is---we actually became numb to it and did not realize how good he was and that we were watching history take place.. Now you look back and go wow no wonder he was so big.
When I was a kid, my dad had this Merle Haggard record. To this day I remember sitting there and listening to that strong honest beautiful voice singing lyrics that were so real and heartfelt. I will remember this song until I die. In real life Merle had a prison record, so these lyrics are not just the fake twangy country lyrics of today. They meant something, and listening to him he made you feel it deep inside your soul. RIP Merle, thank you for your songs. You are no longer a branded man, and may God's warmth bring you out of the cold.
Thank you Merle for making life a little easier with your songs. YOU ARE THE BEST.
One of the top five country artists great singer good song
Man, I can really hear the Bakersfield influence here in the cadence. The strangers were super crisp in this performance. What a machine.
I hear it to its very strong when hes at the part out in the cold
No-one will ever be able to fill his boots~
Dale Riggs not entirely true his sons are doing a good Job
census counter
Except his sons
One of the very best. He was a gift for your ears. The words the music were perfection. It took you their.⭐🇺🇸
I have loved Merle since I was a kid! He is so missed, but his sons have his voice!
I suppose I'm a very sappy person but when I listen to Merle sing I just cry like a baby. What an amazing singer / Songwriter. I'll Merle. RIP Mr. Haggard
😢 I will always miss you
You can’t say enough about Merle Haggard. Great song writer with a velvet voice. The best.
I listen to Merle everyday
Love his songs love hi voice the bestxx
this is my life.when i was in prison,i would listen to these songs and it helped me thru
These lyrics hold so much truth. Once in prison you're branded for life and that's pretty sad for those trying to go straight. They paid their dept to society and the playing field should be even with the house but it isn't not by a long shot.
Pure solid gold country music performed by the one others followed vocally but there’s only one “Hag”. Thanks for sharing this!
You never forget your number or standing up for 4 o'clock count or getting in every line you see
This is a perfect live performance! Good lord, Merle and the Strangers were untouchable
wow grew up listening to country music, my mom was a country gal, once we got some land she raised a cow named 'Betsy ' her pet she raised from little.
I had Normans Fender Pedal steel .. the one in this clip... Got from a friend that got it from Tigar Bell many years back.. tigar was a child prodigy and played in merls band when he was like 6 nice to see it again thanks for the post
Wonderful best ever country singer.
A country sound by one of the nice gentlemen of country, life dealt him a few rough years but it didn't harden him !!!
2017. Still missing you - will forever miss you - one and only Merle Haggard. Thank you for the music. x
2024 Still missing you
I grew up listening to music, And Merle is and always will be a great musician
Merle you are missed by us country fans. R.I.P
Awesome Song this is my favorite video of the Hag i wish i could have seen him in concert❤
He is so good and I love his songs. Back in the day, he was really good looking as well, or I think so. Love you Merle ~ Country isn't country like it was back in the day.
I'm sure lllllllllllllll
Good looking -- he was truly handsome, those eyes, that mouth - holy moly he was beyond handsome - sexy and charming - he seemed to love us as much as we loved him. Ben has to learn some things from his father. Ben isn't that great looking, generic, average, but lacks personality and charm - got to have that along with a great sining voice and a brilliant guitarist which he certainly is - just lacks that connection with his audience. He seems cool and aloof.
The Hagg is my man. The best of all the rest.
Merle Haggard fan !!! love all his songs. He's one of a kind.
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days…
I love Merle's songs.... You sing out out your heart and soul and you will remain as the greatest country music legend! RIP!
Merle HAGGARD is one of best in country music. And Hank Sr Conway Waylon. The list goes on
That vocal,the tone , and the clean, clear notes he holds.one of a kind pipes.We all miss the Hag.R.I.P.
The songs of the bakersfield sound.I grew up with him and the beach boys.now california has lost a son,she cries.r.i.p. the hag!!!
He definitely exemplified the qualifications for the what was and still remembered. Held as standard by. Those who know and calls and resonates in the ears of anyone who wore their true self on the sleeve and that includes the rock bottom of the heart. Pain of enduring life and love it's not not too difficult to see why he is regarded as amongst the all time greats.
That is to have embraced the greater collective spirit.to strike the universal
Chord that carries on and continues to resonate with the next generation.
Merle was my Dad's favorite! Grew up with his albums! I changed the records and sat on back porch singing with my Dad! Miss him so very much! But he left me many memories!
Love this song, remember when I first came out, reminds me of a simpler time, RIP Merle Haggard , thinking about you Charles Ray
Still got a live album of his I bought c.1972 when I was 15 a long long time ago. His songs were real about real events, real stories. Still amazing to this day.
He is the best there ever been no body can keep up the music today sucks miss you
he was real, pure country music with a remarkable talent and personality
Merle is the greatest. But Bonnie Owens? Well underrated. Its clearly her and him here. Great version of this song by the way. Thank you.
True Country music. One of a kind.
soul man Merle eternal. Cheers from Vancouver B.C.
Three chords and the truth! Great tunes!
I m a branded man myself. The rcmp always have a watch on me but I have a good life now and a baby daughter
That bass guitar really adds to it.
What a poet!
Merle wrote and sang songs that expressed his feelings. Lived a genuine life and told all about it . . .
What a voice!
l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days…
Merle Haggard is my favourite singer, his songs tell a story.
I come here every weekend
He was such a handsome guy too.
R.I.P. Mr. Merle Haggard...
Handsome an very talented man.
My favorite country singer!
MERLE,HANK,WAYLON, GEORGE, JOHNNY, CONWAY ETC. ETC. ARE ALL UP THERE SINGING WITH THE ANGELS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN TILL WE ALL GET TO SEE THEM AGAIN AND HEAR THEM SING 😇🌹😎✌🤟💖
He was a great singer and very good looking in his day
His voice is so good back then.
I love this song.
My Dad's favorite! I used to play all of Merle's records on Dad's record player and then sit outside on bavk porch and sing with my Dad!
My dad liked Merle Haggard also. I think he really liked Lonesome Fugitive. His favorite song by Crystal Gayle was Don't Make My Brown Eyes Blue. I lost my dad in 1997. I sure do miss him. I'd really like to talk to him again.
That’s the power of music you get to remember love one and that memory will never die thank you for sharing.
Dad died in 2015! I still miss him, I was a Daddy's girl! Loved all these songs growing up!
Miss my Dad, too! Merle was my Dad's favorite! Sang with him many nights on back porch, while my Mom cooked dinner! We were father and daughter and friends because of music!
You are so true about that one mel and I love you for that ,RIP .
Merle you will always live on in our hearts!
Amen! My Dad loved him, listened to all his songs, love this one!
He knew how to sing right in the mask with great resonance and timing. As good as the great tenor opera stars but adapted for country
Best of the best. RIP MERLE HAGGARD
This is so good. I'm new to Merle Haggard, but i'm deep in now!!
Real country music with no bullshit'!!!!
Merle could always hold his head up high and be proud of he was..R.I.P.
Keep them letters nd cards coming 😮 today Facebook and Twitter handles........funny how the world changes but the good music don't...❤ branded man.