The Merle Haggard Okie from Muskogee song was released in September 1969 as first single and title track from the album “Okie from Muskogee”. “Okie” is a slang name for someone from Oklahoma, and the town of Muskogee (population 40,000) is the 11th largest city in the state. This song became one of the most famous songs of Haggard’s career. This song is one of the greatest country songs about a city of all time. This Merle hit song reached No. 1 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart (starting November 15, 1069), where it remained for four weeks. This tune also became a minor pop hit as well, reaching number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Merle recorded the studio version of this song on July 17, 1969.
Watch Merle Haggard perform “Okie From Muskogee” from his live performance on The Wagon House and see the written lyrics below.
Merle Haggard Okie from Muskogee Video
Haggard co-wrote this tune with drummer Roy Edward Burris.
Merle Haggard Okie from Muskogee Lyrics
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.
Remember to “share” this Merle Haggard Okie from Muskogee performance with other Country Music fans.
