About the song
“Branded Man” is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard. It was released in June 1967 as the second single and title track from the album Branded Man. The song was Haggard’s second number-one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
The song is about an ex-convict who is struggling to adjust to life after being released from prison. He feels like he is being judged and rejected by society, and he is afraid that he will never be able to escape the stigma of his past. The song is a powerful and moving ballad that explores the themes of redemption, second chances, and the power of hope.
Haggard’s own experiences with incarceration informed the song. He had spent time in prison in his early twenties for a variety of offenses, including burglary and petty theft. After his release from prison, Haggard struggled to find work and rebuild his life. He eventually turned to music, and he quickly became one of the most successful country music artists of all time.
“Branded Man” is a personal and autobiographical song, but it also speaks to the universal experience of feeling like an outsider. The song is a reminder that everyone deserves a second chance, and that it is never too late to redeem oneself.
Merle Haggard was one of the most influential and iconic country music singers of all time. He was born in 1937 in Oildale, California, and he began playing music at a young age. Haggard’s early life was marked by poverty and crime, and he spent time in prison in his early twenties. After his release from prison, Haggard turned to music, and he quickly became one of the most successful country music artists of all time.
Haggard’s music was known for its honesty and realism. He often wrote about the struggles of working-class people, and he was not afraid to address controversial topics such as crime, poverty, and addiction. Haggard’s music was also known for its Bakersfield sound, which was a more traditional style of country music that was characterized by its use of steel guitars and fiddle.
Haggard was a prolific songwriter, and he recorded over 40 albums during his career. He won numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance (Male) in 1971 and the Country Music Association Award for Entertainer of the Year in 1972. Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994, and he was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2010.
Haggard died in 2016 at the age of 79. He was a true legend of country music, and his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Here are some additional details about the song “Branded Man”:
- The song was written in 1967, shortly after Haggard’s release from prison.
- The song was inspired by Haggard’s own experiences with incarceration.
- The song was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.
- The song was produced by Ken Nelson.
- The song was released as the second single from the album Branded Man.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
- The song was a critical and commercial success.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and George Strait.
“Branded Man” is a classic country music song that is still relevant today. It is a song about redemption, second chances, and the power of hope.