Branded Man
Merle Haggard
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
I'd like to hold my head up and be proud of who I am But they won't let my secret go untold I paid the debt I owed them, but they're still not satisfied Now I'm a branded man out in the cold When they let me out of prison, I held my head up high Determined I would rise above the shame But no matter where I'm living, the black mark follows me I'm branded with a number on my name I'd like to hold my head up and be proud of who I am But they won't let my secret go untold I paid the debt I owed them, but they're still not satisfied Now I'm a branded man out in the cold If I live to be a hundred, I guess I'll never clear my name 'Cause everybody knows I've been in jai No matter where I'm living, I've got to tell them where I've been Or they'll send me back to prison if I fail I'd like to hold my head up and be proud of who I am But they won't let my secret go untold I paid the debt I owed them, but they're still not satisfied Now I'm a branded man out in the cold Now I'm a branded man out in the cold
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: MERLE HAGGARD
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Origin"Branded Man" is a country music song written and performed by American artist Merle Haggard. He included this on his 1967 album also titled "Branded Man".
|
Chart PerformanceThe song was a hit on the country charts, reaching number one in the United States in September 1967.
|
Song ThemeThe song's lyrics tell the tale of a convicted felon who has served his time but is unable to shake the stigma of being an ex-convict.
|
Personal RelevanceThe song reflected Haggard's own experiences with the criminal justice system, as he was imprisoned multiple times in his youth.
|
Career Impact"Branded Man" was Haggard's first number-one single and it helped solidify his place in the country music industry.
|
Recording DetailsThe song was recorded at Capitol Records' studio in Hollywood on February 6, 1967, with James Burton on guitar, Ralph Mooney on steel guitar, and Glen Hardin on piano.
|
Recognition of AlbumAlbum "Branded Man" was recognized as Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.
|
CollaborationThis was one of the first collaborations between Haggard and his long-time producer, Ken Nelson.
|
ReputationThe song helped build Haggard's reputation as a "poet of the common man" due to its honest and unflinching look at the life of an ex-convict.
|
Songwriters Hall of FameMerle Haggard, the writer of "Branded Man", was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977 thanks in part to the success of songs like this one.
|
Influence"Branded Man" has gone on to influence many artists in the country music industry. It's been covered by various artists, including Marty Stuart and Vince Gill.
|
Legacy“Branded Man” marked the beginning of Haggard’s mature sound and ultimately helped shape the genre known as the “Bakersfield Sound," a harder-edged, more rock-oriented form of country music.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Branded Man Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/453824/Merle+Haggard/Branded+Man>.
Discuss the Branded Man Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In