Introduction:
While the title suggests a song by Ben Haggard, son of the legendary Merle Haggard, titled “I Think I’ll Stay” released on an album as a heartfelt tribute to his father, this information appears to be inaccurate. Extensive research indicates that the song “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” was written and performed by Merle Haggard himself.
The song was released in October 1980 as the second single from his album “Back to the Barrooms”. The genre of the music is unequivocally Country.
“I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” was a significant success for Merle Haggard, becoming his twenty-sixth Number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It held the top position for one week and remained on the chart for a total of twelve weeks. The song is also notable for its memorable saxophone solo performed by Don Markham of The Strangers, Haggard’s backing band.
While Ben Haggard has undoubtedly honored his father’s legacy through his own musical endeavors and performances of his father’s songs, “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” remains a signature song of Merle Haggard’s illustrious career, not a tribute song by his son. It stands as a testament to Merle Haggard’s songwriting and performing prowess within the country music landscape.
Listen to “Love Me If You Can” — because even the toughest men have soft hearts for the ones they love. 