OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard – “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink”

I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink - song by Merle Haggard | Spotify

Introduction:

“I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” is one of Merle Haggard’s most iconic songs, capturing the essence of his unique blend of traditional country music with a touch of the Bakersfield sound. Released in October 1980, the song was part of Haggard’s album Back to the Barrooms. This album is a significant work in Haggard’s discography, emphasizing themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and the solace one might find in a bar, surrounded by other lost souls and a glass of something strong. The song itself stands out as a prime example of country music’s storytelling tradition, where simple yet poignant lyrics convey complex emotions.

The year 1980 was an important period for country music, with the genre evolving and incorporating more contemporary sounds, but Haggard stayed true to his roots. Back to the Barrooms is steeped in the honky-tonk style that Haggard was known for, a subgenre of country music characterized by its raw and unpolished sound, often featuring themes of drinking, heartache, and life on the margins. “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” is a quintessential honky-tonk song, with its catchy, upbeat rhythm juxtaposed against lyrics that speak of resignation and a weary acceptance of life’s hardships.

In terms of achievements, the song was a commercial success. It became Haggard’s 26th number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying his status as one of the leading voices in country music during that era. The song’s success also reflected the broader appeal of Haggard’s music, which resonated with a wide audience, from traditional country fans to those who appreciated the authenticity and relatability of his lyrics.

“I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” remains a staple in Merle Haggard’s catalog and continues to be celebrated as a classic in country music. Its timeless appeal lies in its honest portrayal of life’s struggles and the way it captures a particular mood and moment in time. The song’s legacy is a testament to Haggard’s ability to craft music that speaks to the heart, making him a beloved figure in the genre.

Video:

https://youtu.be/M1bRGH9eD5o?si=tuBtdX0Xb6CM3S4M

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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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