Unveiling the Tale: The Inspiration behind Merle Haggard’s “You Take Me for Granted”
Step into the captivating story behind the timeless song “You Take Me for Granted” by the legendary Merle Haggard, as we delve into the remarkable journey of its writer, Leona Williams. Born Leona Belle Helton on January 7, 1943, Leona adopted her professional last name from her first husband. Hailing from Vienna, Missouri, she found herself on a unique path in 1966 when she became a member of Loretta Lynn’s band, lending her talents on the upright bass and providing harmonious vocals during the release of Lynn’s hit “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).”
Yet, Williams’ aspirations extended beyond being a supporting act. She yearned for her own show and the opportunity to create her own hit records. A couple of years later, she took her first step towards that goal by releasing her debut single under Wesley Rose’s “Hickory Records.” During this period, Leona embarked on a nine-week tour of the Far East and Southeast Asia, a significant experience that coincided with the height of the Vietnam War.
The paths of Leona Williams and Merle Haggard eventually intersected in the early ’70s, when Haggard happened to hear her on the radio. Instantly captivated by her talent, Merle became a devoted fan. However, their meeting didn’t occur until January of 1975. At the time, Bonnie Owens had ceased touring with Merle’s band, and Louise Mandrell stepped in as her replacement. However, Mandrell’s tenure lasted a mere six months. It was during this period that Leona Williams received an invitation to join the Haggard entourage.
Initially, Leona saw this career move as an opportunity to expand her audience. Little did she know that it would lead to so much more. Her marriage to Merle Haggard was characterized by ups and downs, and it was during one of the many frustrating periods that she penned “You Take Me for Granted.” Every line in the song resonated with her personal experiences, painting a candid picture of their tumultuous relationship. On tour, they had two buses, with Merle and Leona assigned to one, while the band occupied the other. However, Merle often spent his time on the band’s bus, engrossed in video games. Meanwhile, Leona found herself lonely and isolated, occasionally called upon to fulfill menial tasks for the band members. In essence, she became an assistant, and it was during those long hours of solitude on the bus that she poured her heart into crafting this unforgettable tune.
Ironically, Merle Haggard remained unaware of the song’s existence until a recording session at the Woodland Sound Studio in Nashville. As the session progressed, Merle deliberated over which song to record next. It was then that Leona Williams, seated at the piano, began playing “You Take Me for Granted.” Mesmerized by the raw emotion and relatability of the song, Merle decided on the spot to include it in the session. Whether he fully grasped that the song was inspired by his and Leona’s personal struggles or simply recognized its brilliance as a standalone composition remains unclear.
Following the recording session, “You Take Me for Granted” emerged as one of the two tracks from the Woodland session featured on the “Going Where the Lonely Go” album. Its release marked a significant milestone for the song, as it swiftly climbed to the top spot on Billboard’s country singles chart on May 28, 1983, following the album’s title track.
In conclusion, the tale behind Merle Haggard’s “You Take Me for Granted” unravels a narrative of love, frustration, and artistic expression. Leona Williams, driven by her own ambitions, found solace in writing a heartfelt song that captured the essence of her relationship with Merle. Today, this timeless composition continues to captivate audiences with its raw honesty and serves as a testament to the enduring power of music.
You Take Me For Granted
Merle Haggard · 1982
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…