OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard – If We Make It Through December

Merle Haggard And The Strangers – If We Make It Through December (1974, Winchester Pressing, Vinyl) - Discogs

Introduction:

“If We Make It Through December” is a poignant country song written and performed by the legendary Merle Haggard. Released in October 1973 as the lead single from his album “Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present,” the song resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a timeless classic.   

The song’s lyrics paint a picture of hardship and uncertainty, particularly during the holiday season. The protagonist, a struggling father, faces unemployment and financial difficulties, making it challenging to provide for his family. The chorus, “If we make it through December, everything’s gonna be alright, I know,” encapsulates the hope and resilience that the song embodies.   

The song’s success led to its inclusion as the title track for Haggard’s non-Christmas album released in February 1974. It reached number 4 on the Billboard country album charts, solidifying its place in country music history.   

Beyond its commercial success, “If We Make It Through December” has a deeper significance. It reflects the economic hardships faced by many Americans during the 1970s, characterized by high unemployment and inflation. The song’s raw honesty and emotional depth allowed it to connect with listeners on a profound level, offering solace and hope during challenging times.   

Merle Haggard’s masterful songwriting and heartfelt performance have made “If We Make It Through December” a beloved anthem of resilience and perseverance. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and the enduring legacy of its creator.

Video:

https://youtu.be/k0AM6mb19os?si=vE6OTHJJVj9C1YQB

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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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