About the song
Merle Haggard: Carolyn – A Ballad of Love and Loss
In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the enduring power of Merle Haggard. His rich, baritone voice and poignant lyrics have captivated audiences for decades, cementing his legacy as one of the genre’s most influential figures. Among his extensive discography, “Carolyn” stands as a timeless ballad that captures the essence of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.
A Song of Love’s Enduring Tenderness
“Carolyn” opens with a gentle guitar strumming, setting the stage for Haggard’s heartfelt vocals. His voice, imbued with a blend of tenderness and longing, paints a vivid picture of a love that has transcended the boundaries of time:
“I still remember the way you looked that day Standing by the old oak tree, where we first met and stayed Your hair was long and golden, and your eyes were blue And I knew right then and there, I’d fall in love with you”
Memories Painted with Words
As the song progresses, Haggard’s lyrics transport the listener to the heart of a love story filled with cherished memories. He reminisces about stolen moments, shared laughter, and the unwavering bond they shared:
“We spent our days together, walking hand in hand Exploring fields and forests, in that wonderland We talked about our dreams, our hopes, and fears And I knew with you by my side, I’d face whatever tears”
The Sting of Loss and the Echo of Love
The song takes a poignant turn as Haggard confronts the harsh reality of love’s end. The once vibrant memories are now tinged with sadness, as he grapples with the loss of his beloved Carolyn:
“But time went by, as time will do And our love began to fade, like morning dew You slipped away from me, like a ship at sea Leaving me with nothing but memories”
Despite the pain of loss, Haggard’s love for Carolyn remains undiminished. Her memory lingers in his heart, a testament to the enduring power of love that transcends time and circumstance:
“Though you’re no longer here, you’re still in my heart Your love will always be a part, of who I am, you see And someday, when my time has come I’ll find you again, my darling, in the setting sun”
A Timeless Ballad of Love and Loss
“Carolyn” is a timeless ballad that encapsulates the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Merle Haggard’s heartfelt vocals and poignant lyrics capture the essence of a love that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s soul. It is a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the depths of love and the profound impact of loss, a testament to the enduring power of music to touch our hearts and evoke our deepest emotions.
Video
Lyrics
“Carolyn”
Carolyn, let me tell you what I heard about a man today
He didn’t come home from work and he went away
Till he came to a city, bright in the night time like day
There they say he met up with some women dressed in yellow and scarlet
Their warm lips like a honeycomb, dripped with honey
And something about the smell of strange perfume
Made him feel warm and not alone
Yes Carolyn, a man will do that sometimes on his own
And sometimes when he’s lonely
I believe a man might do that sometimes out of spite
But Carolyn, a man will do that always
When he’s treated bad at homeYes Carolyn, a man will do that sometimes on his own
And sometimes when he’s lonely
And I believe a man might do that sometimes out of spite
But Carolyn, a man will do that always
When he’s treated bad at home