Merle Haggard, one of the most renowned country music artists, is known for his wide-ranging influence in shaping the genre. Haggard has released several hit songs, but none has made as much of an impact as “Okie from Muskogee,” his most popular no.1 hit song.
Released in 1969, “Okie from Muskogee” was an instant success, resonating with many Americans who felt disillusioned with the social and political changes of the 1960s. The song became an anthem of sorts for those who believed in traditional values and small-town virtues, painting a picture of a simpler time in America’s history.
Haggard wrote the song with drummer Roy Edward Burris. According to Haggard, the idea for the song came from watching anti-war and civil rights protests on television, which he found frustrating and unpatriotic. The lyrics of “Okie from Muskogee” are filled with references to small town life, patriotism, and conservative values.
The song’s lyrics include the lines “We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee / We don’t take our trips on LSD / We don’t burn our draft cards down on Main Street / ‘Cause we like living right and being free.” These lyrics reflect the values of many Americans who were opposed to the counter-culture movement of the time, which they saw as a threat to the nation’s social fabric and traditional way of life.
“Okie from Muskogee” was an instant hit, spending four weeks at no.1 on the country charts. It also reached no.41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reflecting its wide appeal beyond the country music audience. The song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with many Americans embracing it as an anthem of their own values and beliefs.
The song’s popularity also led to some controversy, with some critics accusing Haggard of promoting narrow-mindedness and intolerance. However, Haggard maintained that the song was simply a reflection of his own values and those of many Americans at the time.
In conclusion, “Okie from Muskogee” remains one of Merle Haggard’s most enduring hits, reflecting the cultural values of many Americans in the late 1960s. The song’s popularity has endured for over five decades, with its appeal extending far beyond the country music audience. Despite its controversial nature, “Okie from Muskogee” continues to be celebrated as a classic song that captures a unique moment in American history.
Album: A Portrait of Merle Haggard
Artist: Merle Haggard
Released: 1969
Lyrics
We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee
We don’t take our trips on LSD
We don’t burn our draft cards down on Main Street
‘Cause we like livin’ right, and bein’ free
We don’t make a party out of lovin’
But we like holdin’ hands and pitchin’ woo
We don’t let our hair grow long and shaggy
Like the hippies out in San Francisco do
And I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee
A place where even squares can have a ball
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear
Beads and Roman sandals won’t be seen
And football’s still the roughest thing on campus
And the kids here still respect the college dean
And I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee
A place where even squares can have a ball
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all