Daddy Frank (the Guitar Man)

Merle Haggard

About Daddy Frank (the Guitar Man)

"Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in September 1971 as the first single from the album Let Me Tell You About a Song. "Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" was Haggard and The Strangers tenth No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles. The song topped the chart for two weeks around Thanksgiving 1971, and spent 13 weeks in the chart's Top 40.


Year:
2008
21 
#1

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Daddy Frank played the guitar and the french harp
Sister played the ringing tambourine
And mama couldn't hear our pretty music
But she read our lips and helped the family sing
That little band was all a part of living
And our only means of living at the time
And it wasn't like no normal family combo
'Cause Daddy Frank the guitar man was blind

Frank and Mama counted on each other
Their one and only weakness made them strong
Mama did the driving for the family
And Frank made a living with his song
Home was just a camp along the highway
Pickup bed is where we bedded down
Don't ever once remember going hungry
But I remember Mama cooking on the ground

Daddy Frank played the guitar and the french harp
Sister played the ringing tambourine
Mama couldn't hear the pretty music
But she read our lips and helped the family sing
That little band was all a part of living
And our only means of living at the time
And it wasn't like no normal family combo
'Cause Daddy Frank the guitar man was blind

Don't remember how they got acquainted
I can't recall just how it came to be
There had to be some special help from someone
And blessed be the one who let it be
Fever caused my Mama's loss of hearing
Daddy Frank was born without his sight
And Mama needed someone she could lean on
And I believe the guitar man was right

Daddy Frank played the guitar and the french harp
Sister played the ringing tambourine
Mama couldn't hear our pretty music
But she read our lips and helped the family sing
That little band was all a part of living
And our only means of living at the time
And it wasn't like no normal family combo
'Cause Daddy Frank the guitar man was blind

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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, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Information
"Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" is a song written and performed by American country singer-songloader Merle Haggard.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, the song became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1971.
Theme
The song tells the story of a traveling family band led by a blind guitarist, the titular Daddy Frank character.
Album Detail
"Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" is included in Haggard's studio album titled "Let Me Tell You About a Song," released in 1972.
Unique Point
In addition to being the vocalist, Haggard also played the lead guitar on the track, showcasing his instrumental talent.
Song Context
This song reflects Merle Haggard's childhood experiences. His family was musically inclined and they'd often have jam sessions at home.
Awards
Merle Haggard, the song's performer and writer, has been recognized with several awards, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Musical Structure
The song is unique in its presentation, using talk-singing narration to tell Daddy Frank's story interspersed with the chorus.
Critical Reception
The song is critically acclaimed; its lyrical depth and clean-cut music composition have been praised by many music critics.
Legacy
"Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" has become one of Haggard's signature songs, frequently included in his live performances, and covered by several other artists over the years.
Influence
The song has inspired many aspiring country musicians with its compelling story and catchy melody, solidifying Haggard's status as one of the genre's greats.
Notable Cover
Randy Travis, another prominent country musician, included a cover of "Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" in his 2013 album “Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am.”

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