About the song
Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee.” Now, it’s important to clarify from the outset that while Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson were legendary collaborators on many projects, “Okie from Muskogee” is famously a solo creation of Merle Haggard, co-written with his drummer Roy Edward Burris. It’s a testament to its singular power that it often gets associated with other country giants due to its sheer cultural weight.
Released in September of 1969, “Okie from Muskogee” quickly became more than just a song; it became an anthem. It served as the title track for Haggard’s album, Okie from Muskogee, which was largely a live recording from a concert in Muskogee, Oklahoma, though the charting single was the studio version. Written by Haggard and Burris, the song emerged during a period of immense cultural upheaval in the United States, particularly the late 1960s, with the Vietnam War, counterculture movements, and shifting societal values.
The song presented a stark contrast to the burgeoning hippie movement, painting a picture of traditional, small-town American values. With lyrics celebrating simple pleasures and a rejection of perceived liberal excesses, it resonated powerfully with a segment of the population often referred to as the “silent majority.” It was a rallying cry for those who felt their way of life was being overlooked or even disrespected.
The immediate impact of “Okie from Muskogee” was undeniable. It quickly shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it remained for four weeks. Its reach extended beyond country radio, even crossing over to become a minor pop hit, reaching No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Such crossover success was a significant achievement for a country song at the time. The album itself also topped the Billboard country albums chart and reached No. 46 on the pop chart. In 1970, both the single and the album were honored with the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year and Album of the Year awards, respectively.
While the song’s straightforward message was embraced by many, it also sparked considerable debate and controversy, with some viewing it as overly conservative or even jingoistic. Merle Haggard himself later offered various interpretations of its intent, sometimes suggesting it was more observational or even satirical than a direct political statement. Regardless of its initial or evolving interpretations, “Okie from Muskogee” remains a pivotal song in country music history, a powerful snapshot of a particular moment in time, and an enduring piece of the great Merle Haggard’s legacy. It’s a song that prompts discussion and reflection, reminding us of the diverse tapestry of American thought and identity.
Video
Lyrics
We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee
We don’t take our trips on LSD
We don’t burn our draft cards down on Main Street
We like livin’ right, and bein’ freeWe don’t make a party out of lovin’
We like holdin’ hands and pitchin’ woo
We don’t let our hair grow long and shaggy
Like the hippies out in San Francisco doI’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee,
A place where even squares can have a ball
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of allLeather boots are still in style for manly footwear
Beads and Roman sandals won’t be seen
Football’s still the roughest thing on campus
And the kids here still respect the college deanWAnd I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee
A place where even squares can have a ball.
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of allAnd white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
In Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA.
