When Johnny Cash was dying in the hospital, Merle got a white lab coat and snuck in long after visiting hours were over. Johnny asked him why he'd do something so crazy, and Merle simply replied "because you're my friend, and I love you."
Merle had his wild side and his demons, but he was a generous and kind soul. He paid for his choices as a young man, almost three years in San Quentin. But, he saw Johnny Cash play live when Hag was an inmate, and he knew exactly what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. It's an amazing story, I wish Hollywood would make the Merle Haggard story. He is hands down the most gifted country music singer; best songwriter, best singer and one heck of a guitar/fiddle player. He left seven children on this earth and they loved their Daddy, he was a good man!
I believe when he performed this song for the first time live that his mom was in the audience and he sang it for her. I love his song Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Star too! ❤
I retired from a prison. Whenever a young lifer turned 21 I had this song stuck in my head all day, and it was with heavy heart. There are many faces and names that represent this song. God bless them.
It’s amazing to me that in 2021 I can watch a very intelligent dude on the TH-cam dissect a very impactful song I listened to in the early 70s on every am dial on the radio. Haggard was a genius in his time.
One of my favorite Merle songs is “I think I’ll just stay here and drink “. It’s a great song, but to me, the instrumental side is what gets me going. Great song all around!
Merle was talking to Johnny Cash once and said something about being at the show at San Quentin prison when Johnny played there, and Johnny, misunderstanding him said, "Merle I don't remember you playing on those shows." And Merle explained to him that he was there in the audience.
Merle was a great talent... his music was often simple, but just as often more complex than most country singers of his time, or any time, for that matter. His was an enormous contribution to American music.
I lived at Merle’s house in the 60’s, he came home from fishing on the Kern River one bright sunny day. He immediately sat down at the kitchen table and played this song, he said he had written it that morning.
This is the best version to react to. This is the first video I watched of Merle and I fell in love. He's my absolute favorite singer and I can never listen to enough of him.
His anthem Okie from Muskogee' during the Vietnam war was transformational. Today I started lovng you again is chilling. And Silver Wings is as beautiful as it gets.
Merle haggard was awesome. An awesome singer with his own voice. Beautiful voice. He could also impersonate Marty robbins, buck Owens, Hank snow, and Johnny cash great!
It don't get any better than Merle. This man was a treasure. The working man's singer, hints the song Working Man Blue, just one of his around 800 songs I believe which somewhere around 600 he wrote. If you was to start listening to his portfolio of songs you will find your life in there somewhere the good the bad the sad and the happy. This man could tell your life story because some how he could feel and or had experience most of the songs that he wrote. Great reaction to the Hag. You my friend are becoming one of my favorite YTer's. I can tell you love music all kinds of music. In that since you remind me of me. If its sets the mood makes you feel like your in on it, then the jondra is just a game cause the blues, rock, R&B, rapp, country or what ever the label is can make you forget for that amount of time the world around you. And you can imagine what the writer and singer is trying convey.
I never heard The Hag stuttered. I did see him on The Glen Campbell Show doing impressions complete with facial expressions. He was spot on with them. He did Buck, Cash, Marty Robbins,and Hank Snow. It was impressive." Sing me back home " has always been a favorite of mine.Thank you for all your fun reactions.❤
Merle Haggard is LEGEND. He is on the Mount Rushmore of Country music. You can't go wrong with the Haggard. Today I Started Loving You Again, Kern River. Anything Merle
I could listen to your voice all day. Great job. My dear old dad could be vicious and I inherited some of it but breaking my momma's heart was a no go. Thank you for posting this. Makes me feel good inside.
When I saw Merle Haggard, it was at the Santa Cruz fairgrounds some 40 years ago. The opening performer was John Prine who played solo. Merle had 38 No.1 hits and I think he played them all that day. His first number one hit was The Fugitive. I suggest you start there.
One of the greatest performers he was in prison when he met Johnny Cash . And he was not doing life but when he got out .John Cash had spoken to him in prison about his future and he said when you get out give me a call , He held that phone number , when he got out he took that train headed East to Tennesee, and he calle John up and said well I am here in Nashville. John gave him a place to wait and went to see him they talked and played and played and talked then Johnny Cash became his first promoter. And yes he was awesome and soon became one of the Nashville top 10. I remember the first time I ever heard him think it was 71 or 72. Fell in love with his voice before I ever saw him and what a handsome man he was. Whew.
This song is about a man who messed up royally, but owns his mistakes. That is the first step to walking away from the life. FIrst though, he owns it. It isn't someone else's fault. It is his. That is how a man deals with it.
@@MistyCunard I didn't intend to say that this revelation is necessarily gender specific. I used the gender male because it was written and sung by a man. Everybody must grow and behave like a man or a woman. As my sister says "Gotta pull up your big girl panties and get to it!"
Glad you picked an early one 'cause if you love Merle Haggard you loved him older with his voice not so smooth too, but this was a perfect first listen choice.
There's no comparing today's country with REAL COUNTRY. Merle had a beautiful voice. Their music was put together without the help of electronic makeup.
Such awesome childhood memories of waking up for school, my dad pickin' away at his guitar, singing along to this while I made breakfast for my brothers and I. This song will forever hold a special spot in my heart.
Merle was the man. You need to check out "the way I am", "sing me back home", "are the good times really over for good", that's the way love goes ", and my favorite memory". And he has many many more amazing songs. What a voice, what a songwriter and you should here him impersonate other singers. Merle was definitely the man. The okie from Muskogee, the working man.
My daughter has a rebellious spirit and this is one of her favorite songs. Anytime it comes in she just laughs, looks at me and starts singing along. Yes she knows every word. My kids grew up listening to Merle.
Truly one of the OG of the outlaw country movement. He wouldn't play by the establishments rule n did it his own way. Prolific song writer and performer.
Mama did raise ol boy with self accountability which is a beautiful thing that leads to repentance & salvation what a blessing he Learned from his mama
My Mother just passed away on the 4th of July of this year and I think of this song many times. I was raised listening to this style of country music and yes I did some things too that hurt those that I loved but Momma Tried.
I'm not the biggest fan of country music but what's good is good. Maybe because I was a single dad and know these kind of struggles the first time I heard this song it went straight to my heart. Must have listened to it a dozen times. Turned me on to more country music. The struggles, the triumphs and the wisdom told by these storytellers are sometimes second to none. Love all your Roy Clark videos too! Check out his Hee Haw partner Buck Owens. Glenn Campbell, he could play some guitar also.
Are the good times really over for good, that's his best song & could not be more true today.... Because the way things are going in this country....they are
I grew up listening to country music and there are so many artists that I have fond memories of - Merle Haggard foremost among them. You've played two of my favorites (that I know of so far), but give a listen to If We Make It Through December, Okie From Muskogee, Branded Man, Workin' Man Blues, Fightin' Side of Me, Hungry Eyes, Silver Wings, Are the Good Times Really Over For Good, and his duet with Willie Nelson, Pancho and Lefty. I appreciate your reactions. You have a very calming demeanor and a love for music that shows through. Keep up the great work. Thank you.
When Johnny Cash was dying in the hospital, Merle got a white lab coat and snuck in long after visiting hours were over. Johnny asked him why he'd do something so crazy, and Merle simply replied "because you're my friend, and I love you."
Really? That makes me happy.❤️❤️
They say Merle Haggard lived everything Johnny Cash got credit for.
🥲
Merle had his wild side and his demons, but he was a generous and kind soul. He paid for his choices as a young man, almost three years in San Quentin. But, he saw Johnny Cash play live when Hag was an inmate, and he knew exactly what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. It's an amazing story, I wish Hollywood would make the Merle Haggard story. He is hands down the most gifted country music singer; best songwriter, best singer and one heck of a guitar/fiddle player. He left seven children on this earth and they loved their Daddy, he was a good man!
Mike drop 👍❤️🌹🥰💕
I believe when he performed this song for the first time live that his mom was in the audience and he sang it for her. I love his song Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Star too! ❤
He was on San Quentin Prison when Johnny Cash played there. It inspired him that playing music could be his way out of his criminal
I was actually going to point this out, because this song always makes me think of that story.
@@Kdog4660 was gonna point this out too. Good job guys
FACTS!!!
Merle Haggard spent three years in San Quentin Prison from 1957 through 1960. Johnny Cash didnt play in San Quentin until February1969.
@@steves.6519
Wrong he first played San Quentin prison in January 1959
Merle is one of the country GOATS, brother. Known as 'The working man's poet'. His amount of #1 hits is staggering! Great reaction!
Amen Merle Haggard was a treasure!
Absolutely!!
‘The poet of the common man’
I retired from a prison. Whenever a young lifer turned 21 I had this song stuck in my head all day, and it was with heavy heart. There are many faces and names that represent this song. God bless them.
@greg renn That's brutal. God Bless You as well Brother. 🙏🏻
Beautifully said, thanks for sharing.
Merle Haggard actually did turned 21 in prison
“Sing Me Back Home” is another great song by Merle.
That one gives me chills almost every time. Top 10 best country songs of all time.
Silver Wings is a beautiful song.
Its All In The Movies is another favorite...love that little sax solo..
One of my all time favorite songs. My kids loved Merle.
My favorite
The Legend, The Voice…Merle brought me to your channel.
Merle, Johnny, Waylon, Willie, Kris, Hank Jr., Charlie, J Paycheck Outlaw Country. The best kind of Country.
If I could like that twice I would
Billy joe shaver has a spot on that list too.
You also forgot CASH!! My personal favorite.
@@Elmogrl71 You see Johnny correct?
What a list my friend
It’s amazing to me that in 2021 I can watch a very intelligent dude on the TH-cam dissect a very impactful song I listened to in the early 70s on every am dial on the radio. Haggard was a genius in his time.
Merle has so many great songs. One of my favorites is "If We Make It Through December".
Everything's gonna be alright I know. ; )
That’s also my favorite Merle song.
That songs the shit👍
Im so glad you said this, I feel like that song is super underrated
Version on Merle Haggard's greatest hits is THE BEST !
If We Make It Through December is a great Merle Haggard song.
Two of my favorite Merle songs are The Farmers Daughter and Daddy Frank the Guitar Man. Both amazing stories and masterfully written.
Merle Haggard was the greatest songwriter in history and a great singer as well
One of my favorite Merle songs is “I think I’ll just stay here and drink “. It’s a great song, but to me, the instrumental side is what gets me going. Great song all around!
He was the best of the best great voice and awesome story teller.
Merle Haggard was top shelf
Merle was talking to Johnny Cash once and said something about being at the show at San Quentin prison when Johnny played there, and Johnny, misunderstanding him said, "Merle I don't remember you playing on those shows." And Merle explained to him that he was there in the audience.
Merle was a great talent... his music was often simple, but just as often more complex than most country singers of his time, or any time, for that matter. His was an enormous contribution to American music.
I lived at Merle’s house in the 60’s, he came home from fishing on the Kern River one bright sunny day. He immediately sat down at the kitchen table and played this song, he said he had written it that morning.
This is the best version to react to. This is the first video I watched of Merle and I fell in love. He's my absolute favorite singer and I can never listen to enough of him.
Swinging Doors. One of my favorite.
The way I am is an amazing Merle tune.
His anthem Okie from Muskogee' during the Vietnam war was transformational. Today I started lovng you again is chilling. And Silver Wings is as beautiful as it gets.
Merle is the greatest country music artist of all time. Can’t change my mind.
I couldn't agree more 💯
Merle haggard was awesome. An awesome singer with his own voice. Beautiful voice. He could also impersonate Marty robbins, buck Owens, Hank snow, and Johnny cash great!
The working man’s poet! A genuine song with a genuine story from a genuinely nice guy!
It don't get any better than Merle. This man was a treasure. The working man's singer, hints the song Working Man Blue, just one of his around 800 songs I believe which somewhere around 600 he wrote. If you was to start listening to his portfolio of songs you will find your life in there somewhere the good the bad the sad and the happy. This man could tell your life story because some how he could feel and or had experience most of the songs that he wrote. Great reaction to the Hag. You my friend are becoming one of my favorite YTer's. I can tell you love music all kinds of music. In that since you remind me of me. If its sets the mood makes you feel like your in on it, then the jondra is just a game cause the blues, rock, R&B, rapp, country or what ever the label is can make you forget for that amount of time the world around you. And you can imagine what the writer and singer is trying convey.
"Today I Started Loving You Again", "Ramblin' Fever" and "The Farmer's Daughter" would be good Merle Haggard songs to continue this journey.
I never heard The Hag stuttered. I did see him on The Glen Campbell Show doing impressions complete with facial expressions. He was spot on with them. He did Buck, Cash, Marty Robbins,and Hank Snow. It was impressive." Sing me back home " has always been a favorite of mine.Thank you for all your fun reactions.❤
I caught that on you tube. He was so good, i thought he was lip syncn. But no, that was his actual impersonations. Amazing.
Misery and Gin ... Not one of Merle's most popular songs but definitely one of my top 5
Man...there’s so many, including ‘Misery and Gin’ that are at the time, the top five. All it takes is a listen to another and that list changes.
One of my favorite country music singers/songwriters. He is a legend.
He is my favorite. Such a great voice! Thats what real country sounds like.
“Mama Tried” is my favorite Merle Haggard song. “The Fightin’ Side of Me” is another one of my favorites.
I always loved Merle Haggard.
It doesn't get much better than this. This is possibly the best country song of all.
Your mother did a beautiful job. I watch you consistently your intelligence and insight are wonderful .Smart man.🤍💯
Merle Haggard is LEGEND. He is on the Mount Rushmore of Country music.
You can't go wrong with the Haggard.
Today I Started Loving You Again, Kern River. Anything Merle
I have to say, in my memory never so much individual enjoyment in watching another listen to a song. Thanks
Merl was a good story teller song writer,actually lived what he wrote.
I always thought he sang the way we lived. He could have been one of us.
Considered by many to be the Best Ever!! He had over 50 #1 Songs!!
Love your comments and reactions as usual. To me he was one of the best male vocalist in country. My dad's favorite
The greatest country music artist to ever walk this earth!
I could listen to your voice all day. Great job.
My dear old dad could be vicious and I inherited some of it but breaking my momma's heart was a no go. Thank you for posting this. Makes me feel good inside.
I've often heard this song, but this is the first time I ever saw Merle Hagard as a young man. Cool!
My favorite song by ol Merle Haggard. Thank you sir for doing this video
My grandparents played all this amazing music while we were growing up. Love those memories💕
Sing Me Back Home, Swinging Doors, Footlights, Are The Good Times Really Over For Good, are a few of his great hits.
When I saw Merle Haggard, it was at the Santa Cruz fairgrounds some 40 years ago. The opening performer was John Prine who played solo. Merle had 38 No.1 hits and I think he played them all that day. His first number one hit was The Fugitive. I suggest you start there.
I'm a brit and I love Merle, this was the 1st video of yours ive been recommended and I've subscribed
One of the greatest performers he was in prison when he met Johnny Cash . And he was not doing life but when he got out .John Cash had spoken to him in prison about his future and he said when you get out give me a call , He held that phone number , when he got out he took that train headed East to Tennesee, and he calle John up and said well I am here in Nashville. John gave him a place to wait and went to see him they talked and played and played and talked then Johnny Cash became his first promoter. And yes he was awesome and soon became one of the Nashville top 10. I remember the first time I ever heard him think it was 71 or 72. Fell in love with his voice before I ever saw him and what a handsome man he was. Whew.
This song is about a man who messed up royally, but owns his mistakes. That is the first step to walking away from the life. FIrst though, he owns it. It isn't someone else's fault. It is his. That is how a man deals with it.
I’m not a man but you hit the nail on the head!!!
@@MistyCunard I didn't intend to say that this revelation is necessarily gender specific. I used the gender male because it was written and sung by a man. Everybody must grow and behave like a man or a woman. As my sister says "Gotta pull up your big girl panties and get to it!"
Juana Boynkin I get it 😘😘. In my young years I messed up royally, but only because I was a stubborn smart ass that thought I knew it all.
*"If We Make It Through December",* is a similar "story song" by Merle Haggard, and my favorite song of his.
Glad you picked an early one 'cause if you love Merle Haggard you loved him older with his voice not so smooth too, but this was a perfect first listen choice.
Short sweet beautiful song. Some of us came a hair's breadth from living it and it resonates.
Merle Haggard was one of our greats and it's so sad that we've lost them but we're losing a lot of our greats these days.
There's no comparing today's country with REAL COUNTRY. Merle had a beautiful voice. Their music was put together without the help of electronic makeup.
Such awesome childhood memories of waking up for school, my dad pickin' away at his guitar, singing along to this while I made breakfast for my brothers and I. This song will forever hold a special spot in my heart.
One of my favs....happy you reacted to this classic and that you enjoyed the song👍
Sing me back home is another Merle Haggard masterpiece. You won't regret it. 👍
Merle was the man. You need to check out "the way I am", "sing me back home", "are the good times really over for good", that's the way love goes ", and my favorite memory". And he has many many more amazing songs. What a voice, what a songwriter and you should here him impersonate other singers. Merle was definitely the man. The okie from Muskogee, the working man.
My daughter has a rebellious spirit and this is one of her favorite songs. Anytime it comes in she just laughs, looks at me and starts singing along. Yes she knows every word. My kids grew up listening to Merle.
Truly one of the OG of the outlaw country movement. He wouldn't play by the establishments rule n did it his own way. Prolific song writer and performer.
Been a true die hard Merle Haggard fan since I was 3. Rip The Hag! Love your channel!
You're such a thoughtful dude Mr. Boyd, love your reactions.
Mama did raise ol boy with self accountability which is a beautiful thing that leads to repentance & salvation what a blessing he Learned from his mama
Merle’s voice is melodic and beautiful in this performance, especially. His voice is laid gently over the music.
Great music and great musical talent transcend all of our perceived differences.
Merle is my all time favorite, I was lucky enough to get to see him live twice.
I'm a momma's boy for real too! I'm glad I usually listen to her. Miss her so much.
Discover the greats, Merle. He is the greatest songwriter In Americana
My Mother just passed away on the 4th of July of this year and I think of this song many times. I was raised listening to this style of country music and yes I did some things too that hurt those that I loved but Momma Tried.
You gotta hear "Are the Good Times Really Over" and "My Favorite Memory" ❤❤
His voice is incredible! One of the best ever! He has a lot of wonderful songs.
Mama’s Hungry Eyes needs to be your next listen from Haggard.
One of the best song writers of his time.
MrLboyd: "The overall tone of his voice is absolutely amazing".
Commenters: So is yours MrLboyd...so is yours.
One of my favorite artists. Frankly, his voice at that age sounds smoother.
Merle had so many great songs. I'll suggest two of my favorites. "Daddy Frank" and "Leonard"
Was Leonard about Tom T Hall?
@@Phil.The.Lumberjack I don't think so, but I'm not really sure. Tom T Hall was a great singer/songwriter.
@@lefty3141591 had to google. It was about Tommy Collins. I guess his biggest hit was If you ain’t loving you ain’t living.
No, Tommy Collins was an early Bakersfield star compiling several hits in the 50s and 60s. Tommy's real name was Leonard Sipes.
This man and the way he talks the energy he explodes with makes me love every minute.
I like your reaction, and he has so many wonderful songs.
The excitement on your face by 1:00 in, just... Voila! C'est la vie, et cetera...
Was very fortunate to get to see Merle in concert.
The story behind the song and Merle is amazing too. Great song in every way
Great review hands down ❤️ Merle is one of my all time favorites, always has been , always will be please do more Merle Haggard reactions
I absolutely loved watching how this song resided with you. I agree completely when you say that this song can represent many people, myself included
"Silver Wings" one of my all time favorites of his.
Merle is one of the greatest!
He is an amazing songwriter and singer
He was a Legend.... Watch anything you'll enjoy it.
He's got his momma's love in his eyes, that's the best reaction😊
I'm not the biggest fan of country music but what's good is good. Maybe because I was a single dad and know these kind of struggles the first time I heard this song it went straight to my heart. Must have listened to it a dozen times. Turned me on to more country music. The struggles, the triumphs and the wisdom told by these storytellers are sometimes second to none. Love all your Roy Clark videos too! Check out his Hee Haw partner Buck Owens. Glenn Campbell, he could play some guitar also.
I love you voice and your speech so proper no valger word's
Are the good times really over for good, that's his best song & could not be more true today.... Because the way things are going in this country....they are
I grew up a few miles away from where Merle Haggard was born and raised Honest outlaw Lamont California
Merle haggards music is full of gems. If you’re in pain, Merle has a song about it. Saw him about a year before he died, still sounded great.
Merle haggard is also a hell of a voice impressionist
Good ole Merle! Saw him 3 times! Great!
I grew up listening to country music and there are so many artists that I have fond memories of - Merle Haggard foremost among them. You've played two of my favorites (that I know of so far), but give a listen to If We Make It Through December, Okie From Muskogee, Branded Man, Workin' Man Blues, Fightin' Side of Me, Hungry Eyes, Silver Wings, Are the Good Times Really Over For Good, and his duet with Willie Nelson, Pancho and Lefty. I appreciate your reactions. You have a very calming demeanor and a love for music that shows through. Keep up the great work. Thank you.