OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard & Bonnie Owens – “That Makes Two of Us”

Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens sing "Slowly but Surely" - YouTube

Introduction:

“That Makes Two of Us” is a classic country duet recorded by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens in 1966. The song, written by Haggard himself, showcases the poignant narrative of a couple navigating the complexities of a failing relationship.

Haggard, a prolific songwriter and renowned country music artist, penned “That Makes Two of Us” during a period of significant personal and professional growth. He had recently signed with Capitol Records and was establishing himself as a major force in the country music scene. His collaborations with Owens, a prominent female vocalist, were highly successful, solidifying their status as a dynamic duo.   

The song’s lyrics poignantly depict a conversation between two individuals who are drifting apart. The husband, acknowledging his shortcomings and the hurt he has caused, expresses his desire to mend the relationship. However, the wife, weary of his past transgressions and the emotional toll they have taken, remains hesitant and uncertain.

“That Makes Two of Us” resonated deeply with audiences due to its raw honesty and relatable portrayal of relationship struggles. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Haggard’s songwriting prowess and the powerful chemistry between him and Owens. It remains a beloved classic in the country music canon, showcasing the emotional depth and enduring themes that have characterized the genre for generations.

Video:

https://youtu.be/uYcQMVWf_7o?si=GOc-KLEv-rqyA9ZY

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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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