Big City
Merle Haggard
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I'm tired of this dirty old city And tired of too much work And never enough play And I'm tired of these dirty old sidewalks Think I'll walk off my steady job today Turn me loose, set me free Somewhere in the middle of Montana And give me all I've got coming to me And keep your retirement And your so-called Social Security Big city turn me loose and set me free Been working everyday since I was twenty Haven't got a thing to show For anything I've done There's folks who never work and they've got plenty Think it's time some guys like me had some fun, so Turn me loose, set me free Somewhere in the middle of Montana And give me all I've got coming to me And keep your retirement And your so-called Social Security Big city turn me loose and set me free Hey, big city, turn me loose and set me free
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Written by: DEAN HOLLOWAY, MERLE HAGGARD
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Music Genre"Big City" is released by country music artist Merle Haggard. This tune stays true to the classic country music genre for which Haggard is infamous.
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Release DateThe song "Big City" was released towards the latter part of Haggard's illustrious career in January 1982.
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Record Label"Big City" was issued by Epic Records, a major record label that has hosted numerous other famous artists in various music genres.
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Chart SuccessHaggard's song "Big City" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in April 1982, demonstrating the song's immense popularity.
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Song MessageThe lyrics of the song depict a man who is tired of living in the hustle and bustle of the city life, longing instead for rural tranquillity, a common theme in Country music and common sentiment for Haggard.
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SongwritingThe song was co-written by Haggard and his last wife, Leona Williams.
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Album Association"Big City" is the title track from Haggard's 1981 album. This album also marked Haggard's debut on the Epic Records.
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Song InspirationThe co-writer of the song, Leona Williams, got the idea for the song when they were flying into New York, and Haggard made a comment about how the city looked so small from their airplane.
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Awards/NominationsThough the song didn't receive any awards or nominations, it has been recognized as one of Merle Haggard's classic hits.
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Musical Style"Big City" incorporates the signature "Bakersfield sound" which Merle Haggard helped popularize in country music. This style involves using traditional country instruments such as the steel guitar but with a harder edge, creating a unique blend of country and rockabilly.
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Cover VersionsOver the years, the song has been covered by several other artists ranging from Dean Martin to Alan Jackson, highlighting the song's vast influence and enduring popularity in the genre of country music.
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Citation
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"Big City Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7205818/Merle+Haggard/Big+City>.
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