Unveiling the Tale Behind Merle Haggard’s “Old Man From The Mountain”
Crafting songs was far from a clock-in, clock-out routine for the legendary Merle Haggard. His creative process often endured dry spells, with one notable drought lasting six months. But as fate would have it, a bus journey that led to the creation of five Christmas songs also yielded the poignant “If We Make It Through December.”
In 1974, an unexpected source ignited Merle’s songwriting spark. Dean Harrington, owner of a construction firm in Bellflower, California, shared not only a friendship with Haggard but also a mutual fondness for music. A fixture in the entourage, Harrington was a lively character who joined the group during performances in Tahoe, Reno, and Las Vegas, bringing his rowdy charm along.
Akin to Merle’s father, Harrington hailed from Oklahoma and held a deep appreciation for Bob Wills’ music. Fondly dubbed “the old man from the mountain” by Merle and his crew, Harrington became the muse for a new composition. The idea was reminiscent of how Jimmy Dean had immortalized his friend John Mento in “Big Bad John.”
During a road trip in Dallas, Texas, a unique opportunity arose. A veteran bass player named James “Pee Wee” Reid, known for his slap-type bass style from the 1950s era of Jim Beck’s studio, was enlisted. His distinctive upright bass sound was precisely what Haggard envisioned for the song. With directions from Johnny Gimble, Merle approached Reid, seeking his bass prowess for “Old Man From The Mountain.”
On June 29, 1974, the track entered Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart at a modest #78 position. Two months later, on August 24th, the song reached its zenith, claiming the number one spot – Haggard’s 18th chart-topper of an eventual 38. Coinciding with this triumph, the B-side of the single, titled “Holding Things Together,” garnered significant airplay, though it missed out on the charts. Noteworthy for featuring Reno and Bonnie Owens as supporting vocalists, the flip side showcased Haggard’s intricate musical network.
Bonnie Owens, previously married to Buck Owens, played a pivotal role in Haggard’s creative journey. Their partnership extended beyond marriage, with Bonnie contributing to putting Merle’s thoughts onto paper. Together, they achieved their zenith with the creation of the enduring country standard “Today I Started Loving You Again.“
Album: Merle Haggard Presents His 30th Album
Released: 1974
Artist: Merle Haggard
Lyrics
The old man from the mountain’s coming home, home, home
Thought I’d better warn you, so I called you on the phone
Get rid of Joe, the grinder, you better be there alone
The old man from the mountain’s coming home
I’ve been working in the sawmill, I’m all uptight and tense
I got wind that someone’s been diggin’ under my back fence
Thought I’d better call y’all and let you know today
That the old man from the mountain’s on his way
Yeah, the old man from the mountain’s coming home, home, home
Thought I’d better warn you, so I called you on the phone
Get rid of Joe, the grinder, you better be there alone
The old man from the mountain’s coming home
Wind it up, son, wind it up
Yeah
I’ve been working my dang fool head off, all for a dollar bill
And I need a bunch of good loving, so I’m comin’ down the hill
Don’t need no friendly Henry’s warming up my bed
And the old man from the mountain means what he said
Yeah, the old man from the mountain’s coming home, home, home
Thought I’d better warn you, so I called you on the phone
Get rid of Joe, the grinder, you better be there alone
The old man from the mountain’s coming home
Wind it up, son, one more, hit
The old man from the mountain’s coming home, home, home
Thought I’d better warn you, so I called you on the phone
Get rid of Joe, the grinder, you better be there alone
The old man from the mountain’s coming home
