The young Merle Haggard sings “The Fightin’ Side Of Me.” Photo from YouTube via Screengrab.

Being Misinterpreted

The sexual revolution and rock n’ roll divided the generations during the Vietnam War. Two of Merle Haggard’s No. 1 hit, “Okie From Muskogee” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” was both a blessing and a curse. The Hag always claimed that he never intended the word “Okie” to be taken as strongly as it was. Having said that, he was still proud of the song and its success. However, those songs actually hurt his career. After releasing the songs, Merle Haggard had a strong national movement in the opposite direction. It aligned him with many people who could’ve have been his fans in different circumstances.

The Strongly Worded Song

In the lyrics of “The Fightin’ Side Of Me,” Merle Haggard called the pacifists of the  nation as “squirrely” and he advised the naysayers if America”

“If you don’t love it, leave it.”

Thereafter, protest marches began turning up frequently outside the gates of his concerts by those people who’re against the Vietnam War.

Merle Haggard said “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” was a misinterpreted song by lots of folks. However, he also strongly believed in the protesters’ freedom to stand up and make their own opinions known. This was the thought Merle insisted that inspired him to write the song. However, he went further by pointing out and attacking which might destroy democracy and the American way of living.

Enough of the right wing supported “The Fightin’ Side of Me” even though the liberal element of society disapproved. The song became a No. 1 hit for three weeks on the Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Chart. A month later, the Academy of Country Music also supported Merle Haggard by presenting him with five “Hat” awards including the “Male Vocalist of the Year and “Best Band.” Haggard also received a special request from the Alabama governor, George Wallace who was apparently a country music fan. Wallace asked Haggard to campaign for his re-election which Merle turned down.

Merle Haggard was such a great man. Don’t you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget to share this story with your family and friend. God Bless Your Heart!