OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard – One Day At A Time

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Introduction:

Merle Haggard, a cornerstone of country music known for his Bakersfield sound and often critical lyrics, surprised many fans with the release of his 1981 album, “Songs For The Mama That Tried”. This collection marked a distinct shift towards a more introspective and spiritual direction for the singer. Among the album’s standout tracks was “One Day At A Time”, a song that resonated deeply with listeners seeking solace and strength.

While Haggard himself wasn’t the credited songwriter for “One Day At A Time”, his powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery became synonymous with the message. The song was penned by the collaborative team of Kris Kristofferson and Marijohn Wilkin. Kristofferson, a fellow country music legend known for his own thoughtful lyrics, often explored themes of faith and redemption in his work. Wilkin, a lesser-known but accomplished songwriter, had co-written several songs with Kristofferson in the past.

The production of “Songs For The Mama That Tried” was overseen by veteran producer Marty Stuart. Stuart, who would later become a country music superstar in his own right, was at the time a rising talent known for his respect for traditional country sounds. His work on the album ensured that “One Day At A Time” retained a classic country feel, while still allowing space for Haggard’s emotional delivery to shine through.

“One Day At A Time” didn’t become a chart-topping hit for Haggard, but its impact transcended commercial success. The song resonated with audiences facing personal struggles, offering a message of hope and perseverance. Haggard’s vocals conveyed a sense of vulnerability and sincerity, as he pleads for guidance and strength “to do everyday what I have to do.” The lyrics focus on taking life “One Day At A Time”, a concept often associated with twelve-step recovery programs, but with a broader application to the challenges of everyday life.

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message. It acknowledges the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future, but encourages listeners to find solace in the present moment. “One Day At A Time” became an anthem for those seeking strength in the face of adversity, solidifying its place as a cherished part of Haggard’s vast and influential catalog.

Video:

https://youtu.be/ELZ4QouVNFc?si=omh3eoM6c5-D5wmw

Lyrics:

I’m only humanI’m just a manHelp me to believe in what I can be and all that I am
Show me the stairwayThat I have to climbLord for my sake teach me to take one day at a time
One day at a time, sweet JesusThat’s all I’m asking of youGive me the strength to do everydayWhat I have to doYesterday’s gone, sweet JesusAnd tomorrow may never be mineSo for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time
Do you remember when you walked among men?Well Jesus you know if you’re looking belowIt’s worse now than thenPushing and shoving crowding my mindSo for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time
One day at a time, sweet Jesus (sweet Jesus)That’s all I’m asking of youGive me the strength to do everydayWhat I have to doYesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus (sweet Jesus)And tomorrow may never be mineSo, for my sake, teach me to take one day at a timeYes, for just my sake, teach me to take one day at a time

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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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