Unveiling the Melodic Tale: “Bar Room Buddies” by Merle Haggard and Clint Eastwood
Step into the captivating world of the silver screen, where the legendary Clint Eastwood and the iconic Merle Haggard intertwined their talents to create the heartwarming duet, “Bar Room Buddies.” In a candid interview with Rolling Stone Magazine back in 1985, Clint playfully admitted, “I think you can say that Merle Haggard had a hit and sort of dragged me along.” Merle, in good spirits, concurred, sharing with Newsweek Magazine, “In a way, I think I prostituted myself.” However, such a dramatic sentiment may be an exaggeration, considering the delightful collaboration that ensued.
Picture the scene: “Bronco Billy,” a film where Clint Eastwood donned a different hat as Billy, the owner and star of a traveling Wild West show. Departing from his usual tough-guy persona, Clint embraced a humorous and endearing character that won critics over, even if the movie’s success at the box office was not as impressive. Nevertheless, the film’s soundtrack was a hit, featuring three outstanding singles.
Behind the scenes, a talented trio of songwriters, Steve Dorf, Milton Brown, and Cliff Crofford, collaborated to craft the heart and soul of “Bar Room Buddies” for a specific moment in the movie. The creative energy flowed, with Brown weaving the compelling lyrics and Dorf crafting the enchanting melody.
Originally intended as a duet between Clint Eastwood and George Jones, fate had other plans, and Merle Haggard stepped into the spotlight as the producers’ second choice. It turned out to be a fortuitous decision. Merle also lent his magic to another single, “Misery and Gin,” on the soundtrack. The stars aligned, and “Bar Room Buddies” soared to the top of Billboard’s country singles chart on July 26, 1980, becoming Clint’s only #1 single.
Clint Eastwood’s journey into the realm of country music was no fleeting affair. Inspired by a Bob Wills concert, he found himself charting on Billboard’s country chart not just once, but twice. Collaborating with the incomparable Ray Charles on “Beers to You” from the movie “Any Which Way You Can” in late 1980, Clint explored his musical side. Though it didn’t reach the pinnacle of success, the song left a lasting impression. In 1984, Clint teamed up with T. G. Sheppard for “Make My Day,” a delightful novelty record incorporating the famous tag-line from his film “Sudden Impact.” The track grazed the Top Ten, reaching an impressive #12 on the charts.
“Bar Room Buddies” remains an everlasting testament to the magical union of two legends, Merle Haggard and Clint Eastwood. Their harmonious camaraderie and shared passion for music have left an indelible mark on the hearts of their fans. As the sweet melody of their collaboration lingers in the air, it serves as a reminder that when true talents unite, musical magic is born.
Artist: Merle Haggard
Album: Bronco Billy
Released: 1980
Lyrics
Hey, I want to sing till the feeling gets right
Well, let’s harmonize, we’ll be dynamite
I’ll yodel the high notes, I’ve done it for years
Good deal old buddy and I’ll pour the beer
There’s always some lady alone at the bar
Yeah and you always let her know just who you are
I know a couple gals that we can call down
They’ll shake the pictures right all of the wall
We’re bar room buddies and that’s the best kind
Nobody fools with a buddy of mine
I’ll laugh when you’re happy and I’ll cry when you’re blue
We’re bar room buddies and we’re doing fine
So pour me another, we got nothing but time
Old chug-a-lug-a-lugging bar room buddy of mine
The bartender trying to turn out the lights
Well, maybe it is time we called it a night
Hell, we’ll wake up the roosters if we drink them real slow
Well, let’s have a double and a six pack to go
We’re bar room buddies and that’s the best kind
Nobody fools with a buddy of mine
I’ll laugh when you’re happy and I’ll cry when you’re blue
We’re bar room buddies and we’re doing fine
So pour me another we got nothing but time
Old chug-a-lug-a-lugging bar room buddy of mine
Hell we’re skirt chasing, tail kicking guitar picking, pool hustling
Old chug-a-lug-a-lugging bar room buddy of mine
