Okie from Muskogee

Merle Haggard

About Okie from Muskogee

"Okie from Muskogee" is a song recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers, which Haggard co-wrote with drummer Roy Edward Burris. "Okie" is a slang name for someone from Oklahoma, and Muskogee is the 11th largest city in the state. The song was released in September 1969 as first single and title track from the album Okie from Muskogee, and was one of the most famous songs of Haggard's career.


Year:
2000
2:41
102 
#2

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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.

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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, Roy Burris

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
The song "Okie from Muskogee" by Merle Haggard was released on September 29, 1969.
Album Details
This song is the title track from the album "Okie from Muskogee", released in December 1969.
Chart Performance
The 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.
Song Inspiration
Haggard 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'.
Controversial Theme
The 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.
CMA Song of the Year
"Okie from Muskogee" won Single of the Year at the 1970 Country Music Association Awards.
Song Authorship
The song was written by Merle Haggard and his drummer, Roy Edward Burris.
Pop Culture Influence
The 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.
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.
Change in Haggard's Perspective
Later 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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    Okie from Muskogee

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #41


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