Introduction:
“I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am” is a poignant country ballad written and recorded by Merle Haggard in 1968. The song, released as the title track of his album “Pride in What I Am,” reached number three on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number one in Canada. It has since become a staple of Haggard’s live performances and a beloved classic in the country music canon.
The song’s narrative voice is that of a homeless drifter who takes pride in his unconventional lifestyle, despite its hardships. He sings of “living off the side of our great land,” learning valuable lessons in a “hobo jungle” that he wouldn’t have acquired in a classroom. He acknowledges the loneliness and rootlessness of his existence, yet he finds solace in his freedom and the camaraderie he shares with other drifters.
“I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am” resonates with listeners due to its unflinching portrayal of the realities faced by those living on the margins of society. Haggard’s lyrics offer a nuanced perspective on homelessness, avoiding easy judgments or romanticizing the lifestyle. Instead, he presents a complex portrait of a man who has chosen a life of independence, however unconventional, and finds a sense of purpose and belonging within that chosen path.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its honesty, its poetic language, and its universal themes of self-acceptance and finding one’s place in the world. It is a testament to Haggard’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.