OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard – Running Kind

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Introduction:

Merle Haggard’s “Running Kind” is a poignant country ballad that delves into the themes of restlessness, ambition, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams. Released in 1977 as part of his album “A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today,” the song resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying Haggard’s status as a master storyteller in the country music genre.

The song’s narrative follows a man who, despite his love for his family, feels compelled to leave his home and embark on a journey in search of a better life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist’s internal conflict, torn between his desire for adventure and his longing for the familiar comforts of home. Haggard’s distinctive vocals, combined with the soulful instrumentation, capture the emotional depth of the song, evoking a sense of both longing and hope.

“Running Kind” has been praised for its honest portrayal of the human condition and its exploration of universal themes. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Haggard’s songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. It remains a beloved classic in the country music canon, continuing to inspire and resonate with audiences decades after its release.

Video:

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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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