Running Kind

Merle Haggard

About Running Kind

"Running Kind" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in January 1978 as the second and final single from the album, A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today. The song peaked at number 12 on the U. S. country singles chart and at number 10 on the Canadian country singles chart. The song was later covered by Radney Foster for the Haggard tribute album Mama's Hungry Eyes: A Tribute to Merle Haggard. Foster's version was released as a single in 1994 and peaked at number 64 on the U. S. country singles chart. Johnny Cash also covered the song with Tom Petty on the Unearthed box set. 


Year:
1996
3:01
521 

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I was born the running kind, leaving always on my mind
Home was never home to me at anytime
Every front door found me open I would find the back door open
There just had to be a lesson for the running kind

Within me there's a prison, surrounding me alone
As real as any dungeon with a wall of stone
I know running's not the answer, but running's been my nature
And a part of me that keeps me moving on

I was born the running kind, leaving always on my mind
Home was never home to me at anytime
Every front door found me open I would find the back door open
There just had to be a lesson for the running kind

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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


9 facts about this song

Background History
"Running Kind" is a song by American country singer-songwriter Merle Haggard. It has been covered by many artists and has become a classic in the country music genre.
Album Appearance
The song is often associated with the album "Same Train, Different Time" but it actually features in two albums. Firstly, as a part of "Merle Haggard's Christmas Present", released in 1973. Secondly, in the album "Okie from Muskogee", which was a live album recorded in 1969.
Instrumentation
The song features traditional country music instrumentation, including steel guitar, fiddle, and acoustic guitar, highlighting Merle Haggard’s roots in the Bakersfield sound.
Lyrics Content
In "Running Kind", Haggard sings about the restless spirit that makes him leave familiar surroundings and wander. The song connects with many listeners who have ever felt a similar sense of wanderlust or an urge to break free of conventional norms.
Influences
The song reflects the influences of artists like Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, who often sang about the lonely and wandering lifestyle. Haggard himself stated he felt these influences strongly in his songwriting.
Cover Versions
The song has been remarkably covered by numerous artists. In 2003, Radney Foster and The Confessions made a version of the song which was included in the tribute album to Haggard, "Tulare Dust: A Songwriters' Tribute to Merle Haggard".
In Popular Culture
The song has been included in several film soundtracks such as "Leaving Las Vegas" in 1995.
Performances
Over the decades, the song remained a staple in Haggard's concert repertoire.
Reception
The song, although not one of Haggard's chart-topping hits, has resonated with listeners over the years due to its lyrical depth and authenticity, reinforcing Haggard's position as one of country music's most respected songwriters.

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