Fightin' Side of Me

Merle Haggard

About Fightin' Side of Me

"The Fightin' Side of Me" is a song written and performed by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in December 1969 as the first single and title track from the album The Fightin' Side of Me. The song became one of the most famous of his career. In reference to his own 2002 song, "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)," Toby Keith once called this song "the original Angry American song."


Year:
2006
3:14
98 

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I hear people talkin' bad,
About the way they have to live here in this country
Harpin' on the wars we fight
And gripin' 'bout the way things oughta be
And I don't mind 'em switchin' sides
And standin' up for things they believe in
But when they're runnin' down our country, man
They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me 

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down a way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep
If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin'
When you're runnin' down our country, hoss
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

I read about some squirrelly guy
Who claims that he just don't believe in fightin'
And I wonder just how long
The rest of us can count on bein' free
They love our milk and honey
But they preach about some other way of livin'
But when they're runnin' down our country, man
They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down the way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep
If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin'
When you're runnin' down our country, man
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down the way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep
If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin'
When you're runnin' down our country, hoss
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

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Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music song writer, singer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster and the unique mix with the traditional country steel guitar sound, new vocal harmony styles in which the words are minimal, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era. more »

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Written by: MERLE HAGGARD

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Background
"Fightin' Side of Me" is one of Merle Haggard's most popular songs which was released in 1970.
Song Message
The song encapsulates the political climate of the time, being a patriotic anthem that promotes love for America and criticizes people who complain about the country.
Chart Success
The song was a huge success, reaching no. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in February 1970.
Album Information
"The Fightin' Side of Me" is also the title track to his album released in 1970.
Song Recognition
In 2009, the song was included into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, which deems it as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important".
Live Performance
The song was recorded live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at one of Haggard's concerts.
Extended Play Release
Beyond its inclusion in the album, "The Fightin' Side of Me" was released as an extended play in 1970.
Multiple Covers
Since the original release, several country artists have covered "Fightin' Side of Me", including Aaron Lewis and Hank Williams Jr.
Patriotic Association
The song is often associated with soldiers, veterans, and American patriotism, regularly featuring in country music collections celebrating these themes.
Song Writer
Merle Haggard himself wrote the song, continuing to establish his reputation as a poignant and effective songwriter.
Association with Haggard's Persona
"Fightin' Side of Me" is often cited as an example of Haggard's "outlaw" image in country music.
Song Controversy
The song was sometimes subjected to criticism for its strong patriotic message, with some critics arguing it was dismissive of legitimate complaints about societal problems in America.
Concert Staple
The song was a mainstay in Haggard's concert setlists, often performed as a fan favorite.

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