Merle Haggard – Okie from Muskogee

About the song

Merle Haggard was an American country singer-songwriter who was known for his outspoken views and his Bakersfield sound. He was one of the most popular and influential country music artists of the 1960s and 1970s.

“Okie from Muskogee” is a song by Merle Haggard. It was written by Haggard and released on his 1969 album of the same name. The song is a countrypolitan ballad about a man from Muskogee, Oklahoma, who is proud of his small-town American values and critical of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

The song begins with Haggard singing about how he is “proud to be an Okie from Muskogee” and how he “don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee” or “take my trips on LSD.” He goes on to sing about how he loves his country and his flag and how he believes in “law and order” and “the good old U.S. of A.“

The chorus of the song is a simple but powerful statement of Haggard’s beliefs:

“I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee

A country boy can survive“

“Okie from Muskogee” was a huge hit when it was released, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song was also a crossover hit, reaching number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was controversial at the time of its release, with some people criticizing Haggard for his conservative views. However, the song has since become a classic of country music and is considered to be one of Haggard’s signature songs.

The song’s impact on popular culture:

“Okie from Muskogee” has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song has been referenced in numerous films and television shows, including The Big Lebowski and The Simpsons. The song has also been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

“Okie from Muskogee” is a powerful and controversial song that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song is a reminder of the deep divisions that existed in American society in the 1960s, and it continues to be a source of debate today.

Here are some additional details about the song:

• The song was written by Merle Haggard.
• It was released in 1969 on the album Okie from Muskogee.
• The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
• The song has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

Video

Lyrics

“Okie From Muskogee”

 

We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee;
We don’t take our trips on LSD
We don’t burn no draft cards down on Main Street;
We like livin’ right, and bein’ free.Yes, sir

We don’t make a party out of lovin’;
We like holdin’ hands and pitchin’ woo;
We don’t let our hair grow long and nasty and dirty,
Like the hippies out in San Francisco do.

Everybody sing one time

I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee,
A place where even squares can have a ball.
Yes, sir
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,
And white lightning’s still the biggest thrill of all.

Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear;
Beads and Roman sandals won’t be seen.
And football’s still the roughest thing on campus,
And the kids they still respect the college dean.

And I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee,
A place where even squares can have a ball.
And we still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,
And white lightning’s still the biggest thrill of all.

We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,
In Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA.