OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard – I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am

Merle Haggard "I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am"

Introduction:

“I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am” is a poignant country song written and recorded by the legendary Merle Haggard. Released in 1968 as the title track of his album, it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Haggard’s status as a master storyteller and chronicler of the American working class.   

The song’s narrative centers around a disillusioned drifter who, despite his nomadic lifestyle and lack of conventional success, finds solace and pride in his unique existence. With lyrics like “I guess I grew up a loner, never had no folks around,” and “Things I learned in a hobo jungle are things they never taught me in a classroom,” Haggard paints a picture of a life lived on the fringes of society, yet imbued with a sense of self-reliance and resilience.   

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its unflinching honesty and its celebration of the unconventional. Haggard’s raspy vocals and the song’s sparse instrumentation, featuring Haggard’s signature Telecaster guitar, create a raw and intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements the introspective lyrics. “I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am” has become an anthem for those who feel misunderstood or marginalized, reminding listeners that pride can be found in the most unexpected places.

Haggard’s own life experiences undoubtedly influenced the song’s authenticity. Born into poverty and raised in a California prison camp, he faced numerous hardships early in life. However, he channeled these experiences into his music, crafting songs that resonated with audiences across the country. “I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am” stands as a testament to Haggard’s ability to connect with the human condition and to celebrate the unique beauty of the underdog.

Video:

https://youtu.be/Bo4rdI116XM?si=EznE8cYN0OkhsTbd

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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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