Introduction:
Merle Haggard, a cornerstone of American country music, released “You Take Me for Granted” in 1983. The song, a poignant ballad about underappreciated love, became a chart-topping hit and a cornerstone of Haggard’s later career. It stemmed from the creative wellspring of Haggard’s frequent collaborator, Leona Williams.
Haggard, by 1983, was already a country music legend. Debuting in the early 1960s, he had become renowned for his Bakersfield sound – a Bakersfield, California-centric subgenre characterized by its rough-edged Bakersfield electric guitar twang and its thematic focus on the working class and social realism. Haggard, throughout the 1960s and 1970s, had scored numerous No. 1 hits with songs that explored themes of heartbreak, patriotism, and the struggles of the common man.
“You Take Me for Granted” marked a bit of a departure for Haggard. While still firmly rooted in the country genre, the song’s Bakersfield twang is softened by a touch of pop sensibility, reflecting the broader trends in country music of the early 1980s. The song’s producer, Ray Baker, was known for his willingness to experiment within the country genre, and his touch is evident in the polished production of “You Take Me for Granted.”
Leona Williams, the song’s writer, was a frequent Haggard collaborator and his wife at the time. “You Take Me for Granted” stemmed from her understanding of both Haggard’s musical style and his personal life. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a devoted partner who feels neglected and unappreciated. The unnamed narrator expresses their unwavering love and commitment while lamenting a lack of reciprocity from their significant other.
“You Take Me for Granted” was a critical and commercial success. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming Haggard’s 29th chart-topper. It resonated with listeners, likely due to its relatable theme of underappreciated love. The song remains a staple of Haggard’s discography and a testament to his enduring legacy as a chronicler of the human experience.