Unveiling the Tale: The Origins of Merle Haggard’s Chart-Topping Anthem, “Someday When Things Are Good“
Merle Haggard (#1, 1984)
Immerse yourself in the captivating story that lies behind the creation of one of Merle Haggard’s most beloved songs, “Someday When Things Are Good.” Crafted by his wife, Leona Williams, this heartfelt melody not only chronicles their tumultuous relationship but also illuminates the power of dreams and resilience.
While their marriage encountered its fair share of challenges, Merle Haggard never hesitated to lend an ear to Leona’s musical creations. Mind you, she only graced him with the ones that she deemed worthy of his golden voice. Long before their union, Leona held Merle in high regard, idolizing his extraordinary singing prowess. It had always been her dream to have one of her compositions find a place in his repertoire.
As time marched on, Merle recognized Leona’s talent and decided to include several of her masterpieces in his discography. Two of these remarkable collaborations, “You Take Me For Granted” and “Someday When Things Are Good,” skyrocketed to the number one spot on Billboard’s country chart. Interestingly, both songs drew inspiration from the intricate tapestry of their own relationship.
During a period of immense frustration, Williams penned the lyrics of “Someday When Things Are Good.” Their once harmonious marriage had transformed into an arduous endeavor. Nevertheless, Leona resolved to accept the reality she found herself in, albeit contemplating leaving Haggard on multiple occasions. However, she ultimately chose to stay, determined to make the best of their less-than-ideal circumstances.
Persistently, the thought persisted in her mind, whispering, “Someday when things are good, I’m going to walk away.” Leona kept a pen and notepad in the sanctuary of their bathroom, where she sought solace from the strains of life. It was within those intimate moments that the words of “Someday When Things Are Good” began to materialize on paper. Although some sources suggest that Merle may have co-written this emotionally charged piece, it was, in fact, a solo endeavor by Leona.
With the completion of her heartfelt composition, Leona summoned the courage to share it with Haggard. It happened to be a day when their relationship sailed on calmer seas. Yet, trepidation gripped her as she pondered playing the song, fearing that he would discern the underlying meaning entwined within the lyrics. The extent to which Haggard comprehended the song’s intimate ties to their own lives remains unknown. However, one thing was certain—Merle fell head over heels for “Someday When Things Are Good” and promptly earmarked it for an upcoming session at Nashville’s esteemed Woodland Sound Studio. Fate had more in store for this recording session, as it also birthed another sensational number one hit, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” in February of 1984.
Shortly after these events unfolded, the unbearable circumstances surrounding their marriage left Leona with no choice but to turn the poignant lyrics of her creation into a reality. She took her own song to heart and filed for divorce. Fast forward one year, and “Someday When Things Are Good” conquered the coveted number one position on Billboard’s country singles chart, marking June 9, 1984, as a defining moment in Leona’s career. In the following years, she found love again, marrying Dave Kirby, a former member of Haggard’s band, The Strangers. Leona eventually returned to her roots in Vienna, Missouri, occasionally gracing the stage in Branson. In 2008, she immortalized her connection to Merle Haggard by recording the album “Leona Williams Sings Merle Haggard,” a testament to their shared musical journey.
The captivating story behind Merle Haggard’s “Someday When Things Are Good” speaks to the power of love, dreams, and the indomitable spirit of an artist. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, music has the remarkable ability to transcend personal struggles and touch the hearts of millions.
Artist: Merle Haggard
Released: 1983
Album: That’s the Way Love Goes
Lyrics
Someday when things are good
I’m gonna leave you
I can’t seem to go
When things are bad
I’ll be one more love
That you can dream about
And one more man
That you can say you’ve had
You’ll always be the kind
To dream of yeasterday
And the way of life
I never understood
And someday soon I’ll be
Just one more memory
And you’ll call my name when things
Are not so good
Someday when things are good
I’m gonna leave you
I can’t seem to go
When things are bad
I’ll be one more love
That you can dream about
And one more man
That you can say you’ve had
