About the song
Merle Haggard and the Bakersfield Sound
Merle Haggard is one of the most iconic and influential figures in country music. With his unique voice and his Bakersfield sound, Haggard helped to define the genre in the 1960s and 1970s. Haggard’s music was often characterized by its outlaw themes and its working-class perspective, and he was known for his honest and sometimes controversial lyrics.
One of Haggard’s most famous songs is “Lonesome Day”, a ballad about the pain of loneliness. The song was written by Haggard and released in 1965 as the B-side of his single “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive.” “Lonesome Day” quickly became a fan favorite, and it has since been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
The song is a simple, yet powerful, reflection on the experience of loneliness. Haggard’s lyrics are spare and direct, and they capture the emptiness and isolation of being alone. The song’s melody is haunting and mournful, and Haggard’s vocals are filled with emotion.
“Lonesome Day” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of loneliness, and it is a song that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Key takeaways:
- “Lonesome Day” is a ballad about the pain of loneliness.
- The song was written by Merle Haggard and released in 1965.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
- The song is a simple, yet powerful, reflection on the experience of loneliness.
- “Lonesome Day” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time.
Additional information:
- Genre: Country
- Length: 2:46
- Album: Stranded in the City (1965)
- Other popular Merle Haggard songs: “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” “Okie from Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” “Sing Me Back Home”
Critical reception:
- “Lonesome Day” has been praised by critics for its honest and emotional lyrics, its haunting melody, and Haggard’s powerful vocals.
- The song has been ranked as one of the greatest country songs of all time by several publications, including Rolling Stone and CMT.
- “Lonesome Day” is a Grammy-nominated song.
Impact:
- “Lonesome Day” has had a significant impact on country music.
- The song is considered to be a classic of the genre, and it has been covered by many artists.
- “Lonesome Day” is a song that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Video
Lyrics
“Lonesome Day”
When the men in black come kickin’ in your door
And guitar-playin’ outlaws lay spread-eagled on the floor
When our celebrated heroes have been cuffed and locked away
It’s gonna be a lonesome dayWe laugh at all the crazy things them guitar players said
They talked about the workin’ man and the troubled life he led
When everything is perfect and no rebel’s in the way
It’s gonna be a lonesome dayThey’ll be singin’ up in heaven while we’re livin’ here in hell
Givin’ up our liberty and buyin’ what they sell
Who’s gonna sing the Song of Freedom if freedom goes away?
It’s gonna be a lonesome dayWhen the big boys with the microphones are stuffed and packed away
And they’re afraid to say the things they normally often say
When the symbol of our freedom life, the eagle flies away
It’s gonna be a lonesome dayLonesome day, lonesome day
It’s gonna be a lonesome day
Lonesome day, lonesome day
It’s gonna be a lonesome dayLonesome