Merle Haggard quotes

Merle Haggard was an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist, regarded as one of the most influential figures in the genre. His songs often reflected themes of working-class life, hardship, and redemption. He became a legendary icon for his authentic storytelling and distinctive voice. Here are 39 of his quotes:

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.

Merle Haggard

When the world wide war is over and done And the dream of peace comes through We'll all be drinking some free bubble up And eating some rainbow stew.

Merle Haggard

I've lived through 17 stays in penal institutions. Incarceration in a penitentiary. Five marriages, a bankruptcy, a broken back, brawls, shooting incidents, swindlings, sickness, the death of loved ones and more. I've heard tens of thousands chant my name when I couldn't hear the voice of my own soul. I wondered if God was listening and I was sure no one else was.

Merle Haggard

I had different views in the '70s. As a human being, I've learned... I have more culture now. I was dumb as a rock when I wrote 'Okie from Muskogee'. That's being honest with you at the moment, and a lot of things that I said ... I sing with a different intention now. My views on marijuana have totally changed. I think we were brainwashed and I think anybody that doesn't know that needs to get up and read and look around, get their own information. It's a cooperative government project to make us think marijuana should be outlawed.

Merle Haggard

It's easier to force feed people than it is to give 'em what they want. It makes more money.

Merle Haggard

It makes my wife mad, you know, she wants me to stay home all the time. But its what I've done all my life and I think when I quit doing it I'll probably go away pretty quick.

Merle Haggard

In 1960, when I came out of prison as an ex-convict, I had more freedom under parolee supervision than there's available... in America right now.

Merle Haggard

My 10 year old son likes it. He's trying to play guitar and everything. He likes that kind of music.

Merle Haggard

My second wife Bonnie Owens and I worked together after we divorced for a period of maybe 20 years. And I managed to stay friends with another wife. And then there's one that I don't mess with. Everybody's got one of those.

Merle Haggard

I think I'm most proud of my family right now. I'm more into that then I've ever been. It also gives a new area to draw from in creativity with my songs.

Merle Haggard

They shaved a little piece of bone off my small toe. You see, you balance yourself a certain way and this toe had grown under the other ones. So he cut it loose, where I could balance myself and it makes me walk straight.

Merle Haggard

Sometimes if you get 'em too drunk they don't pay no attention to what you're doin' anyways, so you might as well just do old songs. But if you get one that's paying attention, sometimes we'll do some new material.

Merle Haggard

I was 48-years old before anybody talked me into it for medicinal purposes, instead of some of these drugs that they give you that will lead you to heart surgery and things of that nature.

Merle Haggard

At my age, I don't buy but a half a loaf of bread, you know?

Merle Haggard

When you get to readin' about where the music and John Steinbeck and all those people like that come from, the further you go the more interesting it becomes.

Merle Haggard

I had some surgery on my feet, which has helped my back some.

Merle Haggard

When I grew up there wasn't air-conditioning or anything of that nature, and this old car had a wall thickness of about ten inches. So we had a little warmer house in the winter and a little cooler in the summer.

Merle Haggard

I haven't had any problems with my back since I got the foot surgery.

Merle Haggard

Diana Krall knocks me out. I like jazz and I like her simple approach.

Merle Haggard

There's a rumor that there may be an attempt at organizing a possible script for a series on my life, which, when you look at my police record, you'd have to have more than one hour to tell the story.

Merle Haggard

Today I started loving you again I'm right back where I've really always been; I got over you just long enough to let my heartache mend, Then today I started loving you again.

Merle Haggard

It sounds like something from a Woody Guthrie song, but it's true; I was raised in a freight car.

Merle Haggard