Fightin' Side of Me
Merle Haggard
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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
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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.
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Song MessageThe 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.
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Chart SuccessThe song was a huge success, reaching no. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in February 1970.
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Album Information"The Fightin' Side of Me" is also the title track to his album released in 1970.
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Song RecognitionIn 2009, the song was included into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, which deems it as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important".
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Live PerformanceThe song was recorded live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at one of Haggard's concerts.
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Extended Play ReleaseBeyond its inclusion in the album, "The Fightin' Side of Me" was released as an extended play in 1970.
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Multiple CoversSince the original release, several country artists have covered "Fightin' Side of Me", including Aaron Lewis and Hank Williams Jr.
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Patriotic AssociationThe song is often associated with soldiers, veterans, and American patriotism, regularly featuring in country music collections celebrating these themes.
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Song WriterMerle Haggard himself wrote the song, continuing to establish his reputation as a poignant and effective songwriter.
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Association with Haggard's Persona"Fightin' Side of Me" is often cited as an example of Haggard's "outlaw" image in country music.
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Song ControversyThe 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.
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Concert StapleThe song was a mainstay in Haggard's concert setlists, often performed as a fan favorite.
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Citation
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"Fightin' Side of Me Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/11986793/Merle+Haggard/Fightin%27+Side+of+Me>.
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