The Untold Story Behind Merle Haggard’s Powerful Song “I Wonder If They Ever Think of Me”
Merle Haggard (#1, 1973)
For country music fans who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and the timeless tunes of Merle Haggard, there’s a captivating story behind one of his most poignant songs: “I Wonder If They Ever Think of Me.” Written during a tumultuous time in American history, this song resonates deeply with the emotions surrounding the Vietnam War and the plight of prisoners of war (POWs).
As President Richard M. Nixon announced the end of American involvement in Vietnam on January 23, 1973, proclaiming “peace with honor,” Merle Haggard penned a song that would capture the hearts of many. The Vietnam War had been a divisive conflict, claiming the lives of over 58,000 American soldiers and military personnel, with thousands more enduring capture and imprisonment. Despite the release of most known POWs by March 1973, more than 1,500 Americans remained unaccounted for, officially listed as “missing in action.”
Moved by the plight of the POWs, as well as those who were never recovered, Haggard composed “I Wonder If They Ever Think of Me.” Although the song wasn’t based on a specific event, it embodied the broader issue of prisoners of war. Vietnam had deeply affected Haggard, and he regarded it as a “strange and misunderstood war.”
Interestingly, “I Wonder If They Ever Think of Me” climbed the ranks of Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart just as America’s involvement in the war was winding down. On February 17, 1973, five days after the first group of prisoners left Hanoi, the song reached number one. Merle Haggard’s timely success aligned with a significant event in history, marking a poignant moment for the nation.
A month later, Haggard found himself at the epicenter of American politics, performing at the White House for First Lady Pat Nixon’s 61st birthday. It was an unforgettable experience for Haggard’s newly-hired piano player, Mark Yeary, who made his debut as a member of Merle’s band, “The Strangers,” during that show. Understandably, nerves ran high among the performers, with the honor of playing at the White House intensifying the pressure. Little did they know that President Nixon excused himself from the concert to attend an emergency meeting upstairs with his trusted advisors. This meeting revolved around a subject that would soon rock the nation: Watergate. The scandal eventually led to Nixon’s resignation before imminent impeachment.
Interestingly, the Watergate affair found its way into another Haggard recording nine years later in the song “Are the Good Times Really Over.” In that poignant track, Merle lamented the president’s involvement in the scandal, demonstrating his ability to reflect the sentiments of the nation through his powerful songwriting.
“I Wonder If They Ever Think of Me” stands as a testament to Merle Haggard’s ability to capture the essence of a moment in history and touch the hearts of his listeners. Through his music, he immortalizes the struggles and sacrifices of those affected by war, leaving an indelible mark on country music and the hearts of his devoted fans.
Artist: Merle Haggard
Released: 1979
Album: Capitol Country Classics
Lyrics
There’s not much a man can do inside a prison
Just take his memory trips and fights the pain
And a word from home can mean so much to a prisoner
It’s been years now since that last letter came
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of mama
And my nights are filled with thoughts of sweet Marie
And old friends I ran around with keep on running through my mind
And I just wonder if they ever think of me
I wonder if they know that I’m still living
And still proud to be a part of Uncle Sam
I wonder if they think I died of hunger
In this rotten prison camp in Vietnam
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of mama
And my nights are filled with thoughts of sweet Marie
And I remember daddy sayin’ “you’ll come back a better man”
And I just wonder if they ever think of me
Oh, I just wonder if anyone thinks of me
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