Merle was in prison when Johnny Cash came to the prison to perform. Merle decided he wanted to be a singer. I think this song was inspired by that time in prison.
Another song with lyrics about hoping freight trains. Merle Haggard went to prison for armed robbery. He was in the audience during one of Johnny Cash's legendary prison concerts, either Folsom or San Quentin, I don't recall which off the top of my head. It inspired him to pursue a career in music when he got out. When you're ready for more from Merle Haggard, also check out "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive", "Okie From Muskogee", "Tulare Dust", and "Workin' Man Blues".
In 1957 he was convicted of burglary, and, after a failed attempt to escape from a county jail, Haggard "turned twenty-one" in California's San Quentin State Prison. Paroled in 1960, he earned a reputation in the blossoming Bakersfield music industry.
True song. I'm sure the comments have informed you about Merle. He was a great singer/songwriter. He sang to the working men. He had a crush on Dolly Parton at the time & wrote a song about it that became a hit. "Always wanting you." He also had a hit with "Kentucky gambler," which Dolly Parton wrote. It's amazing to see/hear who wrote certain songs. So many great songwriters. God gave me the gift of writing poetry, but not able to make them into songs. Sure wish l could do that. I love how these talented people can do what they do with words & music. I'd love to sit down with Donna Fargo, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Harlan Howard, Bill Anderson, Johnny Cash & so many others to ask questions!
I'm an old man, now, but grew up listening to Country Music when all the legends were still playing on the radio. Haggard, Jennings, Nelson, Cash, Williams, Cline, Pride, and so many more. Back then, I took it for granted. Today, I look at this stuff they're trying to pass off as Country and I realize that I grew up in a blessed generation. Haggard was among my favorites. His "MISERY AND GIN" ua-cam.com/video/J60F0x7C2FQ/v-deo.html is phenomenal. And Waylon Jennings, of course. If you'd like to hear a song that I think is the epitome of what real Country sounds like, check out Waylon's "WURLITZER PRIZE" ua-cam.com/video/ysbqVwVqDIE/v-deo.html .
Hi, Ace. I was introduced to this song by the graceful dead, it was one of the regulars in their set list for decades. They played it a bit faster,a bit more rock, but totally true to the heart of the song. Thanks for reminding me of the roots of the song. Heart and soul, man!
Yes, we can all relate to Merle Haggard songs. I thought your reaction was spot on. You might also enjoy Vince Gill's tribute to Merle Haggard, "A World Without Haggard". I've never heard a reaction to it before. On second thought maybe that's one you should enjoy on your own.
Since you are on a country journey, try Patty Loveless, "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" live version. ua-cam.com/video/1n57WBtvtC4/v-deo.html. She was one of the harmony singers on the Vince Gill song "Go Rest High" you did couple days ago. Last October, elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rolling Stone named her one of the best 200 singers of all time.
The perfect country song is You Never Even Called Me by My Name by David Allen Cole. It has to be cause he said so in the song. You’ll really enjoy it.
There is a fascinating stigma around country music being "songs about mama", which this song is in part responsible for (due to its immense popularity), but when you actually listen to this song he's taking responsibility for his own actions and owning them. Somehow in all of that the social collective took away the wrong message. In a similar vein, Hank Williams is regularly referenced in party/good time songs but most of Hank's songs were either gospel, or else were tear-jerkers. It's so interesting to me how we do that.
Merle was in prison when Johnny Cash came to the prison to perform. Merle decided he wanted to be a singer. I think this song was inspired by that time in prison.
👆
merle haggard. fightin side of me. workin man blues many more
“Three chords and the truth -- that's what a country song is.” ~ Willie Nelson
Another song with lyrics about hoping freight trains. Merle Haggard went to prison for armed robbery. He was in the audience during one of Johnny Cash's legendary prison concerts, either Folsom or San Quentin, I don't recall which off the top of my head. It inspired him to pursue a career in music when he got out. When you're ready for more from Merle Haggard, also check out "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive", "Okie From Muskogee", "Tulare Dust", and "Workin' Man Blues".
"The Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised" by Johnny Paycheck goes good with this one!
In 1957 he was convicted of burglary, and, after a failed attempt to escape from a county jail, Haggard "turned twenty-one" in California's San Quentin State Prison. Paroled in 1960, he earned a reputation in the blossoming Bakersfield music industry.
Merle was famous for doing impersonations of other country stars like Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, and Buck Owens.
True song. I'm sure the comments have informed you about Merle. He was a great singer/songwriter. He sang to the working men. He had a crush on Dolly Parton at the time & wrote a song about it that became a hit. "Always wanting you."
He also had a hit with "Kentucky gambler," which Dolly Parton wrote. It's amazing to see/hear who wrote certain songs. So many great songwriters. God gave me the gift of writing poetry, but not able to make them into songs. Sure wish l could do that. I love how these talented people can do what they do with words & music. I'd love to sit down with Donna Fargo, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Harlan Howard,
Bill Anderson,
Johnny Cash & so many others to ask questions!
I'm an old man, now, but grew up listening to Country Music when all the legends were still playing on the radio. Haggard, Jennings, Nelson, Cash, Williams, Cline, Pride, and so many more. Back then, I took it for granted. Today, I look at this stuff they're trying to pass off as Country and I realize that I grew up in a blessed generation. Haggard was among my favorites. His "MISERY AND GIN" ua-cam.com/video/J60F0x7C2FQ/v-deo.html is phenomenal. And Waylon Jennings, of course. If you'd like to hear a song that I think is the epitome of what real Country sounds like, check out Waylon's "WURLITZER PRIZE" ua-cam.com/video/ysbqVwVqDIE/v-deo.html .
“ Bull’s-eye” you hit it right on the button about merle haggard!!!😘😘👍👍
Hi, Ace. I was introduced to this song by the graceful dead, it was one of the regulars in their set list for decades. They played it a bit faster,a bit more rock, but totally true to the heart of the song. Thanks for reminding me of the roots of the song. Heart and soul, man!
Sing Me Back Home is another prison song about a man on death row.
Real country.
There is a video of him singing this with his mama in the audience
I live in a small town outside of Nashville! I have a cushion on my sofa that says momma tried! Hahaha
Yes, that’s an autobiographical song, and a true story.
Short song, but very serious song. Peace, Love!!
Yes, we can all relate to Merle Haggard songs. I thought your reaction was spot on. You might also enjoy Vince Gill's tribute to Merle Haggard, "A World Without Haggard". I've never heard a reaction to it before. On second thought maybe that's one you should enjoy on your own.
LoL, you said country music leaves you with a Feeling. That made me think of the B.J. Thomas song "Hooked on a Feeling" ...
The Girl with far away eyes-I consider this country even though it's The Rolling Stones .Great reactions
Since you are on a country journey, try Patty Loveless, "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" live version. ua-cam.com/video/1n57WBtvtC4/v-deo.html. She was one of the harmony singers on the Vince Gill song "Go Rest High" you did couple days ago. Last October, elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rolling Stone named her one of the best 200 singers of all time.
Keith Richards said Merle was one of the best guitarists he'd ever heard.
That's what I'm hoping reactors realize is that they can really relate if they give it a shot.
I grew up on Merle ❤
Country music is "3 chords and the truth"
JOHN DENVER. THANK GOD I'M A COUNTRY BOY.
From what I read Johnny Cash met Merle Haggard in prison
There's an old saying about country music...3 cords and the truth
Try Johnny Paycheck "The Only Hell My Momma Ever Raised". Great song along the same line.
He was actually in prison when he met Jonny Cash...
Try, If We Make It Through December.
Sing me back home is another prison song ...heart breaking.
Try " Sing Me Back Home "
Don't know if it's based on a true story or not perhaps another commenter will offer me instruction ✌️❤️
Way too short, but so great!
He sounds a lot like Glen Campbell in this one.
Classic country is good stuff. That stuff they call 'country' today is just cornball light pop music.
The perfect country song is You Never Even Called Me by My Name by David Allen Cole. It has to be cause he said so in the song. You’ll really enjoy it.
There is a fascinating stigma around country music being "songs about mama", which this song is in part responsible for (due to its immense popularity), but when you actually listen to this song he's taking responsibility for his own actions and owning them. Somehow in all of that the social collective took away the wrong message. In a similar vein, Hank Williams is regularly referenced in party/good time songs but most of Hank's songs were either gospel, or else were tear-jerkers. It's so interesting to me how we do that.