The Epic Journey Unveiled: Merle Haggard’s “Movin’ On” and the Road Less Traveled
Article:
Prepare to embark on a riveting musical voyage as we delve into the captivating story behind Merle Haggard’s iconic hit, “Movin’ On.” In a departure from his usual creative process, Haggard faced a monumental challenge when he was tasked with crafting a theme song for the NBC television series of the same name. This unique endeavor pushed the boundaries of his songwriting abilities, presenting an opportunity to adapt his talents to someone else’s vision.
Accepting the deal with NBC, Haggard found himself navigating uncharted territory, far from his usual realm of inspiration. The pressure was on, with the television executives having paid him half the agreed sum upfront, while the remaining amount hinged on his ability to deliver the perfect song. As a songwriter who relied heavily on personal inspiration, this endeavor demanded a different approach.
To gain insight and spark his creativity, Haggard visited NBC’s Burbank studios to watch the pilot episode of “Movin’ On.” Among the attendees was the show’s star, the esteemed character actor Claude Akins, renowned for his work in both movies and television. Akins, a devoted fan of country music and an admirer of Merle’s artistry, provided a unique perspective.
During the screening, a wave of nostalgia washed over Haggard as he recalled Hank Snow’s hit song from a quarter-century earlier, titled “I’m Movin’ On.” Although the older tune bore no relevance to the world of over-the-road truckers depicted in the new television series, it served as a gentle reminder for Merle to diverge from the past while staying true to the show’s essence.
Immersed in the captivating narrative unfolding on the screen, Haggard realized that his best approach would be to authentically capture the essence of the characters, “Sonny Pruitt” (Akins) and “Will Chandler” (Frank Converse), paying tribute to them while also expressing gratitude to every hardworking truck driver across the nation. With heartfelt sincerity, Merle crafted a song that saluted these unsung heroes, while Roy Nichols delivered a stellar performance on his Fender Telecaster, infusing the record with scintillating guitar licks.
On September 12, 1974, Haggard’s theme song made its network television debut as the “Movin’ On” series premiered on NBC. Although President Gerald Ford declared himself a fan of the show, it struggled to make a significant impact in the Nielsen ratings. In contrast, “Movin’ On” soared to the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, cementing its place as Merle’s 21st number one hit in a remarkably swift eight weeks. While the television series bid farewell on September 14, 1976, Haggard’s song continued to resonate with listeners, leaving an enduring mark on the country music landscape.
This was not Merle Haggard’s first foray into the world of visual productions. He had previously contributed his musical talents to the movie “Killers Three” in 1968, composing two songs specifically for the film, including the chart-topping country hit “Mama Tried.” Furthermore, in 1970, Haggard’s song “Turn Me Around” graced the soundtrack of the John Wayne film “Chisum,” showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Prepare to be captivated by the tale behind “Movin’ On” as we celebrate the indomitable spirit of Merle Haggard’s songwriting genius. This unforgettable journey serves as a testament to his ability to adapt, innovate, and create enduring melodies that resonate deeply with audiences, standing the test of time.
- Artist: Merle Haggard
- Album: The Great Merle Haggard Sings
- Released: 1974
Lyrics
Big wheels rollin’, big wheels rollin’, movin’ on
Big wheels rollin’, gotta keep ’em goin’
Big wheels rollin’, movin’ on.
The white line is a life line to a nation
And men like Will and Sonny make it move
Livin’ like a gypsy always on the go
Doin’ what they best know how to do.
Jammin’ gears has got to be a fever
‘Cause men become addicted to the grind
It takes a special breed to be a truck drivin’ man
And a steady hand to pull that load behind.
Big wheels rollin’, big wheels rollin’, movin’ on…
Big wheels rollin’ ,gotta keep ’em goin’
Big wheels rollin’, movin’ on.
All night country music keeps ’em goin’
And Will and Sonny keep on movin’ on
A good hot cup of coffee is waitin’ up ahead
And the rhythm of the highway hums along.
Jammin’ gears has got to be a fever
‘Cause men become addicted to the grind
It takes a special breed to be a truck drivin’ man
And a steady hand to pull that load behind.
Big wheels rollin’, big wheels rollin’, movin’ on
Big wheels rollin’ ,gotta keep ’em goin’
Big wheels rollin’, movin’ on…
Outstanding story there. What happened after? Good luck!