Merle Haggard - A Bar in Bakersfield

Copied!

Some years ago some stars and I formed this big band
They went on to be somebody and I'm their greatest fan
I helped write the music that set their ship a-sail
And I'm still playing guitar in a bar in Bakersfield

This town had a new sound and we found it on a gig
God bless the boys that used it and went off to make it big
I could've left and done it too but I couldn't leave this city
'Cause she's the dad-gum bar maid at a bar in Bakersfield

Hey, I could have busted out some years ago
But you kept beggin' me not to go
There were times when things were rough on us but we never missed no meal
Existing, playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield

I've been busy playin' rhythm and learnin' lead guitar
Had to stay and make a living, had no time to be a star
Oh, I'll never make the big time and I'll never be no wheel
Damn it, I've booked seven nights a week in this bar in Bakersfield

Hey, I could have busted out some years ago
Ah, but you kept beggin' me not to go
There were times when things were rough on us but we never missed no meal
Existing, playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield
I've been survivin', playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield

Release Date: July 31, 1990

SoundCloud:

edit soundcloud

YouTube:

edit video

Comments: 0

More Merle Haggard lyrics

Merle Haggard

edit foto

The meaning of the song

edit description

Biography

edit bio

Merle Ronald Haggard, born on April 6, 1937, in Oildale, California, was a legendary singer-songwriter in the world of country music. Growing up in a converted railroad boxcar in the midst of poverty, Haggard faced numerous challenges from a young age. After his father's death in 1945, he began a tumultuous journey that led him to encounters with the law.

His time in San Quentin prison in 1958 proved to be a turning point in his life. Inspired by Johnny Cash's performance there, Haggard taught himself to play the guitar and upon his release in 1960, he pursued a career in music. Encouraged by Cash to write about his own experiences, Haggard began crafting songs that reflected his past struggles and triumphs.

Through his music, Haggard became known for his honest and raw storytelling, earning him the title of the "poet of the common man." Alongside his band, he helped create the distinctive "Bakersfield Sound," characterized by its honky-tonk style and electric guitar.

Throughout his career, Haggard released over two dozen albums and had numerous chart-topping hits, including "Okie from Muskogee," "Mama Tried," and "It's All Going to Pot." He received numerous accolades for his contributions to country music, including four Grammy Awards, six Country Music Association Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Haggard's influence on the country music scene is undeniable, with his legacy living on in the sounds of Outlaw Country music. He believed that the key to great country music was honesty, a principle that he embodied in both his life and his music.

Merle Haggard passed away on his 79th birthday, April 6, 2016, leaving behind a timeless legacy that continues to resonate with fans around the world.