OldiesButGoodies

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Merle Haggard ~ “Running Kind”

A Kansas City writer wants you to know why the late country music legend Merle Haggard still matters | KCUR - Kansas City news and NPR

Introduction:

Merle Haggard’s “Running Kind,” released in 1968, is a poignant ballad that delves into the themes of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of hope. The song, written by Haggard himself, showcases his signature blend of country storytelling and introspective lyricism.

Haggard, a self-proclaimed “Okie from Muskogee,” drew heavily from his own life experiences to craft songs that resonated with working-class audiences. His rebellious youth, marked by incarceration and a turbulent upbringing, provided a rich tapestry for his songwriting. “Running Kind” reflects this authenticity, capturing the essence of a life lived on the edge, marked by both hardship and the unwavering pursuit of a better future.

The song’s narrative follows a protagonist who, despite facing numerous obstacles, refuses to succumb to despair. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life on the road, filled with uncertainty and loneliness. Yet, amidst the hardships, there’s a flicker of hope, a determination to overcome adversity and find a place to call home.

“Running Kind” became a signature tune for Haggard, solidifying his status as a country music icon. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of resilience and the human spirit’s capacity for redemption. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, hope can prevail.

Video:

https://youtu.be/KITZHP60IWw?si=D4S82ViG34IE0ueZ

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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.

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