Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard – Okie From Muskogee

Please scroll down for the music video. It is at the end of the article! 👇👇

About The Song

In the annals of country music, there are few songs that have captured the zeitgeist of a nation quite like “Okie from Muskogee” by Merle Haggard. Released in 1969, at the height of the Vietnam War and the burgeoning counterculture movement, the song struck a chord with both its unabashed patriotism and its honest portrayal of small-town life in America.

Haggard, a native of Oklahoma, was no stranger to the hardships of life. He had spent time in prison as a young man, and his music often reflected the struggles of the working class and the disenfranchised. However, “Okie from Muskogee” was a different kind of song. It was a declaration of pride in his heritage and his way of life, a defiant stand against the perceived excesses of the counterculture.

The song’s lyrics are simple and direct, painting a picture of a small-town America where people are proud of their country, respect the flag, and believe in hard work and family values. Haggard sings of his love for his hometown of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and his pride in being an “Okie”. He also takes aim at the anti-war protesters and the “hippies” of the day, accusing them of disrespecting the country and its values.

“Okie from Muskogee” was a controversial song when it was first released, and it remains so today. Some people see it as a bigoted and closed-minded anthem, while others view it as a celebration of patriotism and traditional values. However, there is no doubt that the song is a powerful and important piece of American music history. It is a snapshot of a time of great social and political upheaval, and it offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a man who was deeply proud of his country and his way of life.

“Okie from Muskogee” is a song that has stood the test of time. It is still played on country radio today, and it has been covered by a wide variety of artists, from Willie Nelson to Garth Brooks. The song is a reminder of the power of music to connect with people on a deep emotional level, and it is a testament to Merle Haggard’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest songwriters and singers in American history.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68cbjlLFl4U

Lyric

We don’t smoke marijuana in MuskogeeWe don’t take our trips on LSDWe don’t burn our draft cards down on Main StreetWe like livin’ right, and bein’ free
We don’t make a party out of lovin’We like holdin’ hands and pitchin’ wooWe don’t let our hair grow long and shaggyLike the hippies out in San Francisco do
I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee,A place where even squares can have a ballWe still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
Leather boots are still in style for manly footwearBeads and Roman sandals won’t be seenFootball’s still the roughest thing on campusAnd the kids here still respect the college dean
WAnd I’m proud to be an Okie from MuskogeeA place where even squares can have a ball.We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouseAnd white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of allIn Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA.
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