The Fightin' Side of Me

Merle Haggard, Merle Haggard & the Strangers

About The 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:
1996
2:52
58 

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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


14 facts about this song

Song Release
Released in December 1969, "The Fightin' Side of Me" is one of Merle Haggard's most famous singles.
Chart Success
The song became a major success, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for three weeks in February 1970.
Song Writer
Merle Haggard himself is the songwriter behind "The Fightin' Side of Me."
Anti-Protest Theme
Known for its anti-hippie, pro-American message, it was widely perceived as a response to mass protests against the Vietnam War that were common during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Live Album
The song originally appeared on Haggard's live album with the same name "The Fightin' Side of Me", driven by the success of the hit single.
Song Duration
The song is relatively short, with a running time of just 2 minutes and 52 seconds.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered the song since its original release, a testament to its continued relevance and popularity.
Combining Genres
Haggard's song blends elements of country and Western music, creating a distinctive and recognizable sound.
Anthem Status
“The Fightin’ Side of Me” has been considered an anthem for social conservatives and blue-collar Americans, resonating with the sentiments of patriotism and anti-counter culture movement of the time.
Induction into Grammy Hall of Fame
The song was selected for preservation in the Grammy Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance. It was inducted in 2009.
Patriotic Symbol
The song has become something of a patriotic symbol, often played at public events and political rallies.
Emotional Impact
Despite its political message, "The Fightin' Side of Me" resonates emotionally with many listeners, showcasing Haggard’s mastery of songwriting, particularly his ability to create meaningful narratives with his music.
Popular Music Show Performance
"The Fightin' Side of Me" was performed by Merle Haggard on his TV show "The Johnny Cash Show" gaining further attention and acclaim.
Impact on Career
The success of "The Fightin' Side of Me" solidified Haggard's place as one of the top country music artists of his generation.

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    The Fightin' Side of Me

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #92


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