OldiesButGoodies

Country

Wake up – Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard dies at 79; legendary outlaw of country music, Bakersfield-style - Los Angeles Times

Introduction:

Merle Haggard’s “Wake Up” is a poignant reflection on life’s fleeting moments and a call to appreciate the present. Released in 1980, the song showcases Haggard’s signature storytelling ability and his unique blend of country music and introspection. 

The song’s lyrics delve into themes of mortality and the passage of time. Haggard paints a vivid picture of a man lying in bed, contemplating his life and the world around him. He urges the listener to “wake up” and embrace the beauty and fragility of existence. The song’s message resonates with listeners of all ages, reminding us to cherish every moment and live life to the fullest.

“Wake Up” is a testament to Haggard’s enduring legacy as one of country music’s greatest songwriters. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience and convey it through his music has solidified his place in the pantheon of country music legends. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and Haggard’s masterful songwriting.

Video:

https://youtu.be/qP1Oi3cmKsQ?si=KvRbBA9_-tTxFUoq

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Merle Haggard’s childhood was becoming increasingly chaotic when something entered his life that would eventually change everything: a guitar. His older brother Lowell gave him one when Merle was around 12. Merle began teaching himself, absorbing the records and styles of country heroes such as Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams. There were no expensive lessons preparing him for Nashville. There was simply a troubled California kid listening closely and learning how another man’s sadness could live inside a melody. Merle would still make plenty of mistakes. Music didn’t instantly rescue him from running away, juvenile detention or eventually prison. But the guitar remained. Years later, millions would recognize Merle’s voice within seconds. Perhaps that’s because he wasn’t merely learning how to sing songs as a boy. He was slowly learning how to tell the truth about his own life.

Merle Haggard rarely needed to invent heartbreak. He had known it since childhood. In 1946, when Merle was only nine years old, his father, James Haggard, died following a stroke. For a boy who deeply needed his father’s presence, the loss became a turning point. His mother, Flossie, worked to support the family. Merle, meanwhile, became increasingly restless. He skipped school, ran away, got into trouble, and began a long journey through juvenile institutions that eventually led somewhere far darker. Looking back at his life, it is difficult not to see that nine-year-old boy behind many of the adult Merle Haggard’s songs. People later called him a rebel, an outlaw and a survivor. But before any of those labels existed, there was simply a grieving boy who had lost his dad—and never seemed to completely outrun that loss.

THE RAREST BEE GEES MOMENT OF ALL — FOUR GIBB BROTHERS, ONE SONG, ONE STAGE… AND A MEMORY FILLED WITH BOTH JOY AND HEARTBREAK.

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