Introduction:
Country music legend Merle Haggard delivered a late-career gem with the release of his 50th studio album, If I Could Only Fly, in the year 2000. Haggard, a prolific singer-songwriter known for his Bakersfield sound and working-class anthems, took a bit of a detour on this album. Produced by Dan Auerbach, then of the indie rock band The Black Keys, If I Could Only Fly marked a return to Haggard’s rawer roots and featured a collection of covers alongside a few new Haggard compositions.
The title track, “If I Could Only Fly”, is a poignant ballad that perfectly encapsulates the yearning for escape and freedom that is a common theme throughout Haggard’s music. The song was originally written and recorded by Texas singer-songwriter Blaze Foley in 1979. Haggard’s rendition injects the song with his signature Bakersfield sound, characterized by its twangy guitars, driving rhythm section, and Haggard’s unmistakable vocals.
“If I Could Only Fly” resonated with critics and fans alike. The album, though not a massive commercial success, peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Country albums chart. More importantly, it was hailed by many as a return to form for Haggard. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic wrote that “If I Could Only Fly is the first album in years that deserves to be compared to Haggard’s classic work.” Music critic Robert Christgau echoed this sentiment, stating “After a long, dispiriting string of releases that gradually devolved from hit-or-miss to cynical, he comes out of nowhere on a punk label to cut one of the very best albums of his very uneven recording career.”
While “If I Could Only Fly” wasn’t a chart-topping single, it has become a beloved Haggard track among fans and a testament to his enduring ability to connect with listeners through his music. The song’s themes of longing and escape continue to resonate, making it a timeless addition to Haggard’s vast catalog.