Merle Haggard Best Songs10 min read

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Merle Haggard is one of the most influential country singers of all time. He has written and recorded dozens of hits that have become standards in the genre. While it is impossible to choose just 10 of his best songs, we’ve tried to compile a list that represents the range and depth of his repertoire.

1. "Okie from Muskogee" – This song was Haggard’s first big hit, and it became an anthem for the red-state America of the late 1960s. It paints a nostalgic picture of a simpler time and place, when people could be proud to be "Okies" and traditional values held sway.

2. "Sing Me Back Home" – This Grammy-nominated ballad was written in response to the executions of political activists Cesar Chavez and Robert Kennedy. It’s a moving elegy to the lost innocence of America, and Haggard’s powerful vocals make it one of his most memorable songs.

3. "Mama Tried" – This ode to a hard-working mother has become one of Haggard’s signature tunes. It’s a rollicking country-rock number that tells the story of a young man who’s done his best to avoid following in his mom’s footsteps, only to find that he can’t escape her influence.

4. "I’m a Lonesome Fugitive" – This song was also made into a popular TV show starring David Jansen. It’s the story of a man on the run from the law, and the loneliness and desperation that comes with a life on the run.

5. "The Fightin’ Side of Me" – A response to the anti-war movement of the early 1970s, this song is a patriotic anthem that celebrates America’s fighting spirit. It’s become one of Haggard’s most popular live numbers and is sure to get a crowd fired up.

6. "Silver Wings" – This ballad is one of Haggard’s most beautiful and evocative tunes. It’s the story of a man who’s made peace with the fact that his time on earth is coming to an end, and he takes solace in the memories of his past.

7. "Workin’ Man Blues" – This song is the ultimate tribute to the American working man. It’s a honky-tonk anthem that celebrates the simple pleasures of a life spent working hard and playing by the rules.

8. "Footlights" – This song is a heartbreaking account of a man who’s lost everything he’s ever loved. It’s a powerful reminder that even the stars can fall from grace, and it’s one of Haggard’s most emotional performances.

9. "The Bottle Let Me Down" – This song tells the story of a man who’s lost his way and turned to alcohol for comfort. It’s a sad and introspective look at the effects of alcoholism, and it’s one of Haggard’s most personal songs.

10. "I’m a One- Woman Man" – This song is a declaration of love and devotion to the woman who’s been there for him through thick and thin. It’s a classic country love song that’s sure to make any woman feel special.

What is Merle Haggard’s most famous song?

Merle Haggard is an American country music artist who has been performing since the early 1960s. He is known for his unique voice and for writing many hit songs, including "Okie from Muskogee" and "Mama Tried". However, his most famous song is probably "Sing Me Back Home", which was released in 1968.

The song is about a prisoner who is released from prison and returns to his home town. He is happy to be reunited with his family, but he can’t help feeling nostalgic for the life he left behind. The song reflects the feelings of many people who have been incarcerated, and it has become a classic country song.

Merle Haggard has performed "Sing Me Back Home" many times over the years, and it has become one of his most popular songs. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, and it remains a popular choice for country music fans today.

What was Merle Haggard’s number one song?

Merle Haggard was a country music singer and songwriter. He was born on April 6, 1937, and died on April 6, 2016. He was known for his country music hits, including "Okie from Muskogee" and "Mama Tried".

Merle Haggard’s number one song was "I’m a Lonesome Fugitive". The song was released in 1967 and reached the top of the country music charts. The song was written by Haggard and Bonnie Owens.

How many top ten hits did Merle Haggard have?

Merle Haggard was one of the most successful country music singers of all time. He had a total of 38 top ten hits on the country music charts. His first top ten hit was "Sing a Sad Song" in 1962, and his last was "It’s All in the Game" in 1988. He had six number one hits on the country charts, including "Okie from Muskogee" and "Mama Tried".

What was Merle Haggard’s first number one hit?

Merle Haggard had a long and successful career in country music, with dozens of number one hits. But what was his first number one hit?

Haggard’s first number one hit was "I’m a Lonesome Fugitive," which was released in 1967. The song spent four weeks at the top of the charts and was the beginning of a long and successful career for Haggard.

"I’m a Lonesome Fugitive" is a classic country song, with Haggard’s trademark twangy vocals and mournful lyrics. The song tells the story of a man on the run, who is tired of life on the run and longs for a home and a family.

The song was a huge hit for Haggard, and helped to establish him as one of the biggest stars in country music. It’s a must-listen for any fans of classic country music.

Who is the most popular old country singer?

The most popular old country singer is undoubtedly Willie Nelson. He has been performing country music for more than 60 years and has released more than 70 albums. His music is based on traditional country and Western swing, and he has been a major influence on subsequent country music performers.

Nelson began his musical career in the early 1950s, playing country music in the Texas honky tonks. In the 1960s, he achieved mainstream success with his recordings of songs such as "Hello Walls" and "Crazy." He continued to release successful albums in the 1970s and 1980s, and in the 1990s he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nelson’s popularity has remained strong in the 21st century, and he continues to tour and release new music.

Nelson is not the only popular old country singer, of course. Other singers who continue to enjoy success in the genre include Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Merle Haggard. However, Nelson is by far the most popular of this group, and it is safe to say that he is the king of old country music.

What Tom Waits best song?

There are so many amazing Tom Waits songs that it’s hard to choose just one as his best. With a career spanning more than four decades, Waits has written and recorded some of the most unique and haunting music out there. His gravelly voice and dark, jazz-infused songs are a perfect match for his often morbid lyrics.

One of Waits’ most well-known songs is "I’m Waiting for the Man" from his debut album, "Closing Time." The song is a classic tale of drug addiction, and Waits’ vocals and piano playing give it a truly haunting feel.

Another Waits classic is "Bone Machine," from his 1992 album of the same name. The song is dark and aggressive, with Waits singing about murder and death. "Bone Machine" was one of the first songs Waits wrote in his new, harder-edged style, and it set the tone for the rest of the album.

"Alice" is a beautiful ballad from Waits’ 1992 album, "Blood Money." The song tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a man who turns out to be a vampire. "Alice" is one of Waits’ most romantic songs, and its haunting melody is unforgettable.

"I Don’t Wanna Grow Up" is a light-hearted song from Waits’ 1995 album, "Bone Machine." The song is a nostalgic look at childhood, and its catchy melody and happy-go-lucky lyrics are a departure from Waits’ usual dark style.

"Black Market Baby" is a upbeat song from Waits’ 1996 album, "Mule Variations." The song is about a criminal who falls in love with a woman he can’t have. "Black Market Baby" is one of Waits’ most danceable songs, and its funky groove will have you tapping your feet in no time.

"God’s Away on Business" is a dark and powerful song from Waits’ 2002 album, "Blood Money." The song is about a man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for wealth and power. "God’s Away on Business" is one of Waits’ most intense songs, and its driving beat and spooky lyrics will send shivers down your spine.

"Misery Is the River of the World" is a sad and beautiful song from Waits’ 2002 album, "Blood Money." The song is about a man who is haunted by the memories of his past. "Misery Is the River of the World" is one of Waits’ most haunting songs, and its sad melody will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.

"The Part Where I Cry" is a heartbreaking song from Waits’ 2004 album, "Real Gone." The song is about a man who is struggling to deal with the death of his wife. "The Part Where I Cry" is one of Waits’ most emotional songs, and its raw lyrics will touch your heart.

"Take It with Me" is a beautiful ballad from Waits’ 2006 album, "Orphans." The song is about a man who is dying and wants to take his memories with him. "Take It with Me" is one of Waits’ most heartbreaking songs, and its beautiful melody will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.

"Walking Spanish" is a fun, upbeat song from Waits’ 2006 album, "Orphans." The song is about a man who is in love with a woman he can’t have. "Walking Spanish" is one of Waits’ most danceable songs,

What song sat at #1 the longest?

What song has sat at number one the longest? That’s a difficult question to answer because the answer changes all the time. But, according to the website, Acclaimed Music, the song “Happy Birthday” is the song that has held the number one spot the longest.

The song was written by two people, sisters Patty and Mildred J. Hill, and was first published in 1893. But, the song didn’t become popular until 1935 when it was used in a movie. And, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the song became the most popular song in the world.

Since it was first published, the song has held the number one spot for a total of 18 years. That’s more than any other song in history. And, it doesn’t look like the song is going to be dethroned any time soon.