Unearthing the Narrative of Merle Haggard‘s “You Take Me for Granted”
(by Leona Williams)
In the realm of music, stories often unfold in unexpected ways, weaving emotions and experiences into unforgettable tunes. The saga behind Merle Haggard’s iconic track, “You Take Me for Granted,” is a testament to this artistic journey.
Leona Williams, born Leona Belle Helton on January 7, 1943, was not only gifted with a melodious voice but also a determination to carve her own path. The origin of her professional surname can be traced back to her first husband. Hailing from Vienna, Missouri, she embarked on a significant chapter of her musical career when she joined Loretta Lynn’s band in 1966. During this period, she skillfully played the upright bass and lent her harmonious vocals to the backdrop of Loretta’s hit, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).”
While her time with Loretta was a pivotal moment, Leona harbored dreams of headlining her own show and crafting her hit records. This aspiration led her to create her debut single under Wesley Rose’s “Hickory Records” label. Amidst her musical pursuits, fate beckoned her to a nine-week tour across the Far East and Southeast Asia, a journey that coincided with the turbulent times of the Vietnam War.
Merle Haggard’s introduction to Leona’s voice came through the radio waves in the early ’70s, sparking an immediate connection. However, it wasn’t until January 1975 that their paths finally converged. A twist of fate saw Bonnie Owens stepping away from touring with Merle’s ensemble, with Louise Mandrell stepping in, albeit briefly. Leona Williams was then invited to join the Haggard entourage, marking a turning point in her career trajectory.
What seemed like a career-enhancing move soon transformed into an opportunity for Leona to delve deeper into her artistry. Yet, as fate would have it, her marriage to Haggard was far from smooth sailing. The poignant lyrics of “You Take Me for Granted” blossomed from the seeds of Leona’s frustrations during these tumultuous times. Every word in the song was a raw reflection of her reality—a reality of spending long hours on tour buses, feeling isolated as Merle gravitated towards the band’s company, engrossed in video games. Leona, in contrast, navigated her solitude, occasionally summoned to attend to the band’s needs.
Her role evolved into an unexpected one—an assistant more than an equal. And it was during these stretches of solitude that Leona Williams channeled her emotions into the creation of the heartfelt melody. The bus, often a place of monotony, became her sanctuary for self-expression.
Remarkably, Merle Haggard remained unaware of the song’s existence until a recording session at Nashville’s Woodland Sound Studio. In a serendipitous moment between takes, Leona strummed the chords of “You Take Me for Granted.” Moved by the raw honesty and the sheer brilliance of the composition, Haggard made an instant decision to record the song. Whether he realized the personal undercurrents interwoven in the song or was simply drawn to its musical excellence remains a mystery.
The resonance of “You Take Me for Granted” soared to new heights, becoming one of the standout tracks from the Woodland session featured on the “Going Where the Lonely Go” album. It went on to achieve the ultimate feat, ascending to the number one position on Billboard’s country singles chart on May 28, 1983. The tale behind the song proved that music is more than just notes and lyrics—it’s a vessel for human experiences, emotions, and the remarkable journey of artists like Leona Williams and Merle Haggard.
- Single by Merle Haggard
- Album- Going Where the Lonely Go
- B-side- “I Won’t Give Up My Train”
- Released- March 12, 1983
- Genre- Country
- Length- 2:40
- Label- Epic
- Songwriter- Leona Williams
- Producers- Merle Haggard, Lewis Talley
Lyrics
My legs and my feet have walked ’till they can’t hardly move
From tryin’ to please you
And my back is sore from bendin’ over backwards
To just lay the world at your door.
And I’m trying so hard to keep a smile on a sad face
While deep down it’s breakin’ my heart
And as sure as the sunshines I’ll be a lifetime
Not knowin’ if I’ve done my part.
‘Cause you take me for granted
And it’s breakin’ my heart
And as sure as the sunshines I’ll be a lifetime
Not knowin’ if I’ve done my part.
And as sure as the sun shines I’ll be a lifetime
Not knowin’ if I’ve done my part…
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