OldiesButGoodies

Country

Noel Haggard w/ Ben Haggard – “Dealing With The Devil”

Introduction:

When the name Haggard is uttered in the realm of country music, it conjures images of grit, honesty, and a profound understanding of the human condition. It is a legacy carved from the dust of Bakersfield, a legacy carried forth by the inimitable Noel Haggard, son of the legendary Merle Haggard. However, in “Dealing With The Devil,” Noel doesn’t merely stand in the shadow of his father’s towering presence; he steps into the spotlight, bringing with him the potent voice of his own son, Ben Haggard, creating a familial tapestry woven with the threads of shared experience and musical heritage.

This rendition of “Dealing With The Devil” is not simply a song; it is a poignant narrative, a stark reflection on the internal struggles that plague the soul. The very title speaks to a profound confrontation with one’s own demons, a theme that resonates deeply within the annals of classic country. The track, in its essence, is a conversation, a dialogue between generations, with each voice carrying the weight of lived experience. Noel Haggard’s weathered vocals, imbued with a lifetime of trials and triumphs, serve as a testament to the enduring power of genuine emotion. His delivery is unadorned, devoid of artifice, and steeped in the tradition of storytelling that his father so masterfully embodied.

The inclusion of Ben Haggard adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. His voice, while distinct, carries the unmistakable echoes of his lineage, a testament to the enduring influence of family tradition. Together, their voices blend in a haunting harmony, creating a sonic landscape that is both familiar and refreshingly new. It is a harmony that speaks to the cyclical nature of life, the passing of the torch from one generation to the next, and the shared struggles that bind us all.

The arrangement of “Dealing With The Devil” is deliberately sparse, allowing the raw emotion of the vocals to take center stage. The instrumentation, rooted in the classic Bakersfield sound, provides a subtle yet powerful backdrop, enhancing the narrative without overpowering it. The twang of the guitar, the steady rhythm of the drums, and the melancholic undertones of the steel guitar create an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. It is a sound that evokes the vastness of the American landscape, the open roads, and the quiet solitude of the soul.

In an era saturated with manufactured pop-country, “Dealing With The Devil” stands as a beacon of authenticity. It is a reminder of the power of genuine storytelling, the enduring appeal of traditional country music, and the profound connection between generations. This song is not merely a performance; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Haggard name, a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences seeking truth and authenticity in a world often devoid of both. It is a song that invites introspection, a moment of quiet contemplation in a world that rarely allows for such moments. It is a true and honest piece of music.

Video:

https://youtu.be/1lQXV714SoI?si=9XncZz4XMmni9UQK

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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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