Okie From Muskogee
Merle Haggard
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We don't smoke marijuana in Muskogee We don't take our trips on LSD We don't burn our draft cards down on Main Street We like livin' right, and bein' free We don't make a party out of lovin' We like holdin' hands and pitchin' woo We don't let our hair grow long and shaggy Like the hippies out in San Francisco do I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee, A place where even squares can have a ball We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse, And white lightnin's still the biggest thrill of all Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear Beads and Roman sandals won't be seen Football's still the roughest thing on campus And the kids here still respect the college dean WAnd I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee A place where even squares can have a ball. We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse And white lightnin's still the biggest thrill of all And white lightnin's still the biggest thrill of all In Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA.
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Merle Haggard, Roy Burris
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release DateThe song "Okie from Muskogee" by Merle Haggard was released on September 29, 1969.
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Album DetailsThis song is the title track from the album "Okie from Muskogee", released in December 1969.
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Chart PerformanceThe song topped the Billboard country singles chart for four weeks, and reached number 41 on the pop music chart, marking a significant crossover success for Haggard.
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Song InspirationHaggard has stated that the song was inspired by a disdain for protesters who criticized the Vietnam War - symbolically represented as "hippies in San Francisco". He wanted to voice his support for American soldiers in Vietnam and express his pride in being an 'Okie'.
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Controversial ThemeThe song caused controversy due to its anti-drug and anti-protest themes, which were perceived by some as criticism of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
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CMA Song of the Year"Okie from Muskogee" won Single of the Year at the 1970 Country Music Association Awards.
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Song AuthorshipThe song was written by Merle Haggard and his drummer, Roy Edward Burris.
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Pop Culture InfluenceThe song has been covered and mentioned in multiple popular culture platforms, including films, TV series, and music performances. Some notable examples include its resurrection in the film "Platoon" and a cover version by The Beach Boys.
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Legacy"Okie from Muskogee" is considered by many as Haggard's signature song and has largely contributed to his reputation as one of the most influential artists in country music history.
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Change in Haggard's PerspectiveLater in life, Haggard expressed more liberal views and indicated that the song was meant to be satirical rather than a serious political statement. However, the song remains a classic example of the patriotic and traditional values espoused in country music.
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Citation
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