OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard & Bonnie Owens – “Slowly But Surely”

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Introduction:

“Slowly But Surely” is a classic country duet recorded by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens in 1965. The song, written by Fuzzy Owens, was included on their collaborative album “Just Between the Two of Us.” While not a major hit upon its initial release, it has since become a beloved track among country music fans and a staple in Haggard’s live performances.

The song’s lyrics tell a story of a couple who are slowly but surely falling in love. The narrator expresses their growing affection for their partner, acknowledging that their feelings are developing gradually but steadily. The song’s simple yet heartfelt lyrics, combined with the warm harmonies of Haggard and Owens, create a timeless and romantic atmosphere.

“Slowly But Surely” showcases the chemistry between Haggard and Owens, who were married at the time of the recording. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious sound that perfectly complements the song’s message of love and commitment. The track’s instrumentation features a classic country arrangement, with steel guitar, fiddle, and acoustic guitar providing a nostalgic backdrop to the vocals.

While “Slowly But Surely” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Haggard’s other hits, it remains a significant part of his musical legacy. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring power of Haggard and Owens’ musical partnership.

Video:

https://youtu.be/MI22938TOmU?si=zPoDUl7B53QugNWD

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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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