Irma Jackson

Merle Haggard

About Irma Jackson

"Irma Jackson" is a song by Bakersfield, California-based outlaw country artist Merle Haggard, released on his 1972 album Let Me Tell You About a Song. The song, which was about the then-controversial topic of an interracial romance, was actually written several years prior to 1972, but not released at first because Capitol Records thought it would hurt Haggard's image at the time. Fellow country singer Tony Booth recorded a cover version of "Irma Jackson" in 1970, which was released as his first single for MGM Records. Booth's version of the song charted at #67 on the Hot Country Songs chart. 


Year:
1996
51 
#1

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I'd love to shout my feelin's from a mountain high
Tell the world I love her and I will till I die
There's no way the world will understand that love is colour blind
That's why Irma Jackson can't be mine
I remember when no one cared about us bein' friends
We were only children and it really didn't matter then
But we grew up too quickly in a world that draws a line
Where they say Irma Jackson can't be mine
If my lovin' Irma Jackson is a sin
Then I don't understand this crazy world we're livin' in
There's a muddy wall between us standin' high
But I'll love Irma Jackson till Idie
She tells me she's decided that she'll go away
And I guess it's right but she alone should have the final say
But in spite of her decision forcin' us to say goodbye
I'll still love Irma Jackson till I die
If my lovin' Irma Jackson is a sin
Then I don't understand this crazy world we're livin' in
It's a muddy wall between us standin' high
But I'll love Irma Jackson till Idie

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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 »

9 fans

Written by: HAGGARD

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Classification
"Irma Jackson" is classified as a country song that touches on themes of inter-racial love, prejudice, and society’s backlash.
Songwriter
The song was written by Merle Haggard himself, who was known for his outspoken lyrics and tackling controversial topics.
Release Date
"Irma Jackson" was first released as part of Haggard's "Let Me Tell You About a Song" album in 1972.
Political Controversy
Haggard wanted to release "Irma Jackson" as a single after his hugely successful and patriotic song "Okie from Muskogee" but his record label, Capitol Records, refused because they did not think the public was ready for a song about interracial love. The song was seen as hugely controversial for that time period.
Personal Experience
Haggard reportedly stated that the song was based on his personal experience – as a white man having fallen in love with an African-American woman in the racially charged 1960s U.S.
Song Inspiration
The song was influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing fight for racial equality in America.
Public Response
Though the song wasn't released as a single, fans and critics alike praised Haggard for pushing the envelope in country music by addressing interracial relationships.
Album Reception
The album that houses "Irma Jackson", "Let Me Tell You About a Song" peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.
Concert Performances
Despite the controversy, Haggard often performed "Irma Jackson" during his live shows and it was received warmly by audiences.
Legacy
Haggard's bold move to write and perform "Irma Jackson" had a profound impact on future country singers, inspiring them to also take on socio-political issues in their songwriting.

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