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Does Merle Haggard Speak for America?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by KenH, Oct 15, 2007.

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  1. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

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    Does Merle Haggard Speak for America?

    By Joe Klein

    Merle Haggard has always had his guitar hardwired to the gutbucket pulse of Middle America. Back in the Vietnam era, he seemed the essence of a historic political migration: white males fleeing the feminized, antiwar, politically correct Democratic Party. He was your basic Reagan Democrat, fully loaded with a resonant, iron-edged voice and the ability to write razor lyrics that stuck in the mind and the craw. His brilliant anthem—Okie from Muskogee—became a rallying cry for those who were disgusted by the "hippies out in San Francisco" smoking marijuana and burning draft cards. His next patriotic volley had this chorus: "When they're runnin' down my country, man, you're walkin' on the fightin' side of me."

    - rest at www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1670184,00.html?cnn=yes
     
    #1 KenH, Oct 15, 2007
  2. mcdirector

    mcdirector Active Member

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    Well! Isn't that interesting . . . .
     
    #2 mcdirector, Oct 15, 2007
  3. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    Once again, Merle is dead on!

    I loved a lot of his songs, but Mama Tried has to be my all time favorite. As for Okie, I never really cared for it.

    The first thing I remember knowing,
    Was a lonesome whistle blowing,
    And a young un's dream of growing up to ride;
    On a freight train leaving town,
    Not knowing where I'm bound,
    No-one could change my mind but Mama tried.
    One and only rebel child,
    From a family, meek and mild:
    My Mama seemed to know what lay in store.
    Despite all my Sunday learning,
    Towards the bad, I kept on turning.
    'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore.

    And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole.
    No-one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried.
    Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading, I denied.
    That leaves only me to blame 'cos Mama tried.

    Instrumental break.

    Dear old Daddy, rest his soul,
    Left my Mom a heavy load;
    She tried so very hard to fill his shoes.
    Working hours without rest,
    Wanted me to have the best.
    She tried to raise me right but I refused.

    And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole.
    No-one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried.
    Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading, I denied.
    That leaves only me to blame 'cos Mama tried.
     
    #3 Magnetic Poles, Oct 15, 2007
  4. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

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    "You're Walking on the Fightin' Side of Me" is one of my all time favorite Merle Haggard songs. :thumbs:

    I like "Mama Tried" and "Okie From Muskogee" as well.
     
    #4 KenH, Oct 15, 2007
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