The Tale Behind Merle Haggard’s “A Place To Fall Apart”
Merle Haggard & Janie Fricke (#1, 1985)
Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the intriguing story behind one of Merle Haggard’s most profound songs, “A Place To Fall Apart.” This timeless melody, penned by a collaboration between Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Freddy Powers, etched its mark in history when it debuted on Billboard’s country singles chart on that fateful Saturday, October 27, 1984. As fate would have it, Alabama’s infectious hit, “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band),” reigned at the coveted #1 spot during this momentous occasion. Meanwhile, Epic Records seized the opportunity to celebrate Merle Haggard’s illustrious career with a three-hour extravaganza titled “The Merle Haggard Story,” his first network radio special in a decade.
But let’s delve into the origins of “A Place To Fall Apart” and the chain of events that birthed this lyrical masterpiece. The journey commenced with an idea sparked by songwriter Freddy Powers while cruising through the vibrant streets of Austin, Texas, alongside the legendary Willie Nelson. Brimming with creative energy, they toyed with a few initial lines, sowing the seeds of inspiration.
The next link in the chain materialized during a bus trip that yielded another Haggard classic, “Let’s Chase Each Other Around The Room” (a story we’ve previously explored here on Classic Country Music Stories). Merle Haggard and Freddy Powers found themselves at the iconic Opryland Hotel in Nashville, immersed in the aftermath of Haggard’s recent separation from Leona Williams. Seeking closure and desperate to convey his emotions to her, Haggard turned to Freddy and confessed his longing to craft “one more little song” that would expel her from his thoughts once and for all.
Powers, ever the sage, proposed a radical approach. Instead of relying on melodies and rhymes, he suggested that Haggard pour his heart out in a heartfelt letter, laying bare everything he yearned to express. And so, the first line of Haggard’s poignant note read, “Leona, I’ll probably never see you eye-to-eye again,” a phrase that would become the poignant opening line of “A Place To Fall Apart.”
Merle Haggard fondly recalls that the song was birthed directly from the very letter, infusing it with an unmistakable authenticity that could never be contrived. The lyrics pulsated with raw emotion, an unfiltered glimpse into Haggard’s reality.
With the letter serving its purpose, a symbolic act took place as Haggard and Powers set it ablaze, releasing the weight of the past with a shared chuckle.
Recording sessions for both “A Place To Fall Apart” and “Natural High” took place at the esteemed Eleven-Eleven Sound studio in Nashville. Janie Fricke, a vocal powerhouse, lent her immense talent as a supporting artist. Producer Ray Baker reminisces that it was Haggard’s brainchild to bring Fricke in at the eleventh hour for some poignant overdubs. However, Haggard urged Fricke to embrace her instincts, encouraging her to “ad-lib” and let her heart guide her. With her eyes closed, Fricke embarked on an emotional journey, delivering a heartfelt performance that transcended scripted harmonies.
On February 2, 1985, “A Place To Fall Apart” soared to the pinnacle of Billboard’s country singles chart, etching Merle Haggard’s name in the annals of musical history once again.
Now, armed with the knowledge of the extraordinary tale behind this iconic song, listeners can embark on a heartfelt journey through Merle Haggard’s emotions, embracing the raw vulnerability that shines through every note. “A Place To Fall Apart” will forever serve as a testament to the power of genuine storytelling and the enduring legacy of Merle Haggard’s indelible artistry.
Artist: Merle Haggard
Released: 1984
Album: It’s All in the Game
Lyrics
I’ll probably never see you eye to eye again
This letter’s meant to be my last farewell
But you need to under-stand I’m nearly crazy
You need to know my life has gone to hell
Write me back and tell me why it ended
Send a letter that I can show my heart
I’ll be somewhere between “I love you” and what you’re feeling now
Lookin’ for a place to fall apart
Looking for a place to fall apart
Trying to find a place that I can leave my heart
I need to be somewhere hidin’ when I feel the teardrops start
Lookin’ for a place to fall a-part
I can’t seem to justify your leavin’ me
I’m be-wildered as to how it all came down
I thought everything was fine until your phone call
The call that turned my world around
Send me word and tell me why it ended
I need some final proof to show my heart
I’ll be somewhere between “I love you” and what you’re feelin’ now (I love you)
Lookin’ for a place to fall apart
Looking for a place to fall apart
Trying to find a place that I can leave my heart
I need to be somewhere hidin’ when I feel the teardrops start
Lookin’ for a place to fall a-part
Looking for a place to fall apart
Trying to find a place that I can leave my heart
I need to be somewhere hidin’ when I feel the teardrops start
Lookin’ for a place to fall a-part
