We recently lost one of the greatest country music artists. Merle Haggard, 79, died with family and friends surrounding him. His son, Ben Haggard, posted on Facebook:
There are a few of Merle Haggard’s songs that just about everyone knows and if you don’t know a Merle Haggard song, are you even Texan?
"Mama Tried"
"Mama Tried" is the famous rebel song everyone knows Haggard by. It is his No. 1 song, written about his serving time in prison for burglary. This song brings out the rebel side in us all. It’s definitely my go-to song for riding around in my Jeep with the top off and my hair blowing in the wind.
"Okie from Muskogee"
"Okie from Muskogee" is almost irrelevant to most of our lives, unless you are from Muskogee, OK. Even then you may find it offensive, but the tune is so catchy that you find yourself listening to it over and over again. It was inspired when Haggard and his bandmates were driving through Oklahoma and saw a sign for Muskogee, OK. One of the band members made a joke about the name of the town, “I bet they don’t smoke marijuana,” and the rest is history. The song hit number one and is Haggard’s second overall hit.
"Workin’ Man Blues"
For all of the workaholics out there, "Workin’ Man Blues," is a song that you can relate to. The name itself is self-explanatory. It is almost an inspiring song. If you are ever down in the count about going to work or while you’re at work, just play this song. It’ll make time fly because you will either be listening to the words so closely and relating it to your life or you will be laughing at the fact that this song is No. 5 on Haggard's the top hits.
"The Fightin’ Side of Me"
Tired of people talking bad about our great country we live in? This is a great song to release that anger. In Haggard's No. 6 top hit, he takes out his frustrations of the negativity aimed at these great United States of America. The song was aimed towards Vietnam protesters that made its way into the limelight and became one controversial recording. Anything with politics is controversial, right?
"I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink"
With this great No. 8 hit, Haggard wrote one of the greatest drinking songs there has been. Going through a breakup? “Just stay here and drink.” Tired of your job? “Just stay here and drink?” Don’t want to leave your house? You know what’s coming next…“I think I’ll just stay here and drink.” It is such a catchy song. Now it’s in my head.
And last, but certainly not least, one of his greatest that is held near and dear to many hearts:
"Silver Wings"
Written in mourning, "Silver Wings" was not one of Haggard's No. 1 hits, but has definitely been among many of his most popular. Aaron Watson did a cover of the song and it may have been almost as good as when Merle first sang the song. The song is a tearful, joyful song about the passing of a loved one. As hard as it is to say goodbye, Silver Wings has helped many get through the mourning process. I can testify.
Haggard had many great hits throughout his life time. To lose this man is losing a piece of real country music. Most Texas country artists are inspired by Merle Haggard, as he is among the greatest country music artists of all time. We should remember him and keep his family, friends and the ones that he so greatly influenced in our thoughts and prayers.
