Unveiling the Tale Behind the Melody:
Merle Haggard‘s “My Favorite Memory” Chronicles a Chapter of Reflection and Nostalgia
In the transformative year of 1981, Merle Haggard embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career, signing a lucrative contract with Epic Records. This pivotal move marked the genesis of a musical renaissance, with the first two albums under this groundbreaking deal breathing fresh life into the veteran artist’s extensive repertoire.
Having bid farewell to his long-time label Capitol in 1977 and a brief stint with MCA, Haggard’s collaboration with Epic birthed a resurgence that resonated across the charts. While his tenure with MCA yielded a solitary #1 hit in “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink,” it was the release of “My Favorite Memory” that etched a special place in the annals of Haggard’s career.
Before crafting this chart-topping single, Haggard, having severed ties with MCA, joined forces with author Peggy Russell to pen his candid autobiography, “Sing Me Back Home.” The memoir laid bare the raw, unfiltered aspects of Haggard’s life, delving into his time behind bars at San Quentin, his romantic entanglements with Dolly Parton (immortalized in his 1975 hit “Always Wanting You”), and poignant memories of his father’s demise in 1946. The unveiling of these intimate details left Haggard contemplating the impact of exposing his life’s tapestry to the world.
Simultaneously, as the book saw the light of day, Haggard’s inaugural Epic album, “Big City,” hit the shelves. Recorded at the prestigious Britannia Studios in West Hollywood, this project, in gestation for two years, stood out as one of the artist’s proudest achievements. Leading the charge was the debut single, “My Favorite Memory,” a poignant composition that echoed the sentiments laid bare in his autobiography.
The genesis of this soulful melody traced back to a snowed-in period in California a few years prior, when Haggard and his then-girlfriend Leona Williams sought solace on his houseboat on Lake Shasta. The fourteen days spent amidst snow, creating ice cream, and casting fishing lines painted the backdrop for a melody that encapsulated the essence of fleeting moments.
Haggard, who had temporarily withdrawn from the limelight in 1979 citing “male menopause” and fatigue, found solace in contemplating the aging process and the intrinsic value of memory. For him, memory emerged as the most cherished asset, a sentiment he articulated with profound insight: “Photography is a memory you can look at, a song is a memory you can listen to, a memory captured with the least amount of words.”
“My Favorite Memory” made its debut on Billboard’s country singles chart on September 19, 1981, and within a mere two months, it ascended to the pinnacle on November 28th. This marked Haggard’s first of twelve number-one hits under the Epic label and the 27th in his remarkable career. As the years unfolded, this timeless ballad served as a testament to the enduring power of memory, encapsulating the magic of cherished moments in a melody that resonated across generations.
- Released: 1986
- Artist: Merle Haggard
- Album: Big City
- Nominations: Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year
- Genre: Country
Lyrics
The first time we met is a favorite mem’ry of mine.
They say time changes all it pertains to
But your memory is stronger than time.
I guess everything does change except what you choose to recall.
There’s a million good daydreams to dream on
But, baby, you are My Favorite Mem’ry of all.
Like the night we made love in the hallway,
Slept all night long on the floor.
Like the winter we spent at Lake Shasta alone, and closer than ever before.
And I remember that London vacation.
It was you who made the whole thing a ball.
There’s a million good-times I could dwell on,
But, baby, you are My Favorite Mem’ry of all.
My Favorite Memory
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