The Hag tells my story over and over. Been working 900 miles away from home for two years and just can't seem to get back, but "I can almost see that bobber dancing."
I love his music, but he must not try and carry on till he makes a fool of himself like JC did. Even my favourit KK should not have made his 2010 tour , in my opinion. I would like to remember them at their best, not as they finished life.
I just hope people can apprieciate him before he's gone, and not be like they were for Johnny Cash and all the other greats, as soon as they pass away, everybody is their biggest fans, but nobody likes the music when the artist is alive.
@flashtin166 jamey johnson: Between Jennings and Jones, In Color etc
David Allen Coe: The Ride, Ghost of Hank Williams, If that ain't Country etc
Waylon Jennings: Are you ready for the country, Lukenbach Texas, Good Time Charlie's got the blues etc
Hank Jr: Outlaw Women, Mr Weatherman, Country State of Mind, All my rowdy friends, Texas Women etc This my friend is an assortment that will get you well on your way!
@flashtin166 jamey johnson: Between Jennings and Jones, In Color etc
David Allen Coe: The Ride, Ghost of Hank Williams, If that ain't Country etc
Waylon Jennings: Are you ready for the country, Lukenbach Texas, Good Time Charlie's got the blues etc
Hank Jr: Outlaw Women, Mr Weatherman, Country State of Mind, All my rowdy friends, Texas Women etc This my friend is an assortment that will get you well on your way!
This song came out when I was doing my last jolt in prison. I used to listen to it and think of the line, "the way I am dont fit my shackles". I felt that. I knew I was a better person than the situation I was in showed, if I could only not drink or use. Fortunately, I found that "friend that Leonard knew". He gave me some steps I could use to start a new way of life. Merle was always with me and I'll see him again in October when he plays in my town. God bless you, Merle Haggard.
@bwoodward0949 Glad you found a friend that Leonard knew. (I love Back To The Bar Rooms and my daddy's favorite song is "Leonard.") This song always makes me cry a little...it just takes me to a different time and place and makes me happy and sad at the same time.
My Dad used to whistle this tune all the time. I remember still being able to hear him over the tractor and haybaler. When i hear this song, I can almost smell tractor exhaust and the sweet sweet smell of fresh cut hay. (but of course i don't miss that damn ovenlike hayloft even one lil bit!) :P
This is the best song merle ever sang he didnt write,it really hits home for me at this point in my life.Just got out of prison after a 12 yr stint and I have to dream to keep from cryin.Life just has a way of beaten you down,it seems like its a slap in the face or a kick in the pants.
I don't mean to dis Merle, but my dad plays this song a lot around the house, and, in my personal opinion, it sounds way better. It makes me proud to know that my dad perfected perfection. Give it up for all the parents out that inspire their kids! <3 Momma and Daddy
Thank you Sonny Throcmorton for writing such a beautiful and meaningful song, thank you Merle for singing this song with such feeling ! God bless you both!
I miss the yodeling at the end, but it's still fantastic. Wish there were more songs around like this one. Merle and his guitar alone could easily carrry this song. You don't need backup singers Merle. What a voice and musical talent ! One of my top 5 singers across ALL genres.
I LOVE MERLE, and have for years. Once while driving across the country, I got fixated on this song on my Merle CD, and listened to THIS song only for about 1500 miles, over and over. Couldn't get enough of it because the words spkg to my heart & soul. Merle puts such feeling into this song, wow !
Merle performed in our town abt 10 y ago, we were lucky to sit in the front row. He did my req: Misery & Gin. You need NO b/up singers! LUVE U MERLE !
Yes Jasmine, most cane pole fishing is done with a sinkered live or cut bait and a bobber to hold it at a specific depth and to announce when a fish has taken your bait. For people who have been there and done that that line evokes beautiful memories of peaceful times. Laying up on a river bank and enjoying the calm and solitude, and the sudden heart surging excitement of watching the bobber begin to dance and wiggle and then go under.
You've payed back twice brother,thanks for all the great songs Merle,you are the man.i have the upmost respect for you as a Singer songwriter and a man .What a bunch of hard work you have given us as a country music artist' to listen to.You remind me of the last lines of a Johnny Paycheck song.The Old Violin.Thanks ,one of your fans..
Thank you so much for posting this. Merle Haggard is so talented. I first started listening to him around 1969, and he is just as good now as he was then; perhaps even better. I hope everyone who loves Merle will go out and buy some of his music. He could use the royalties. God bless you, Merle.
I had two chances to see Waylon perform live before he passed on, and I blew both. I've seen Merle twice since, the next best thing still among us, and both times were performances I wouldn't miss for anything in the world.
IM 50 years old,the first time i heard Merle sing this song i thought it fit me ,some one asked me my favorite song i tell them The Way i am,most never heard of it or Merle,
No one can compare with Haggard's feeling and phrasing on this number...Thanks for sharing this special video. Keep on being the way you are, "Hag"!!!! Thanks for the lifetime of wonderful music!
"a bamboo cane stuck in the sand" the line brings back memories of My Uncle Wally...a scoundrel according to "The rest of the family". The man took me fisin' along river banks...helped him collect Crayfish for bait. He had a contraption to collect nightcrawlers using electrical cords...He was a cowboy to this city raised boy. The song suits him...And that is exactly what Merle has been able to do (connect) all these years as they pass
Hi,never been a great fan,but have never listened to a lot of his music,a fan now,hearing this live singing,I hear now why he was such a great Country singer.Thanks for posting.
Thank you Merle for all the beautiful songs.
Dulcimerea 7 hours ago
Johnny Cash did not make a fool of himself! He went out real and authentic.
geo77750 3 days ago
i can dream& keep on being,.the way I am,...Dream,....& Dream some more,.
TheShaneshar 5 days ago
what chords is he playing in?
jonboy5858 1 week ago
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Wow, still kickin......Merle....I like this song...one of my favorite among his songs.
elvis2benguet 1 week ago
The Hag tells my story over and over. Been working 900 miles away from home for two years and just can't seem to get back, but "I can almost see that bobber dancing."
MrBono46 2 weeks ago
I love his music, but he must not try and carry on till he makes a fool of himself like JC did. Even my favourit KK should not have made his 2010 tour , in my opinion. I would like to remember them at their best, not as they finished life.
Thumperdinck 3 weeks ago
One of my favorites!
NAPE1966 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Merle has sang my story over and over in many different songs. This one fits today.
MrBono46 1 month ago
Comment removed
MrBono46 1 month ago
Whoever disliked this video can kiss my white, country, hairy ASS!
brandonhorn01 1 month ago
Always the gentleman...
ssbeale8 1 month ago
MAN I LOVE THIS ONE! ;)
wgtred4 1 month ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Merle Haggard
Where the hell has it all gone?
paulhenrydallaire 1 month ago
Wow this song blows big time.
bretzagar 1 month ago
@bretzagar So does your Mom
NoSteveNoPoint 2 weeks ago
the best
MrJustinbama 1 month ago
Wish we could hear more of this on radio,well at least we got youtube, thank you youtube. and Merle.
paulhenrydallaire 1 month ago
@paulhenrydallaire I agree, I grew up with these songs.
hornman71 1 month ago
effortless,but so meaningful these new country stars need to pay attention to the feeling in his songs and quit trying to perform and sing
MrJustinbama 2 months ago
WOW!!
albinorhinofish 2 months ago
his voice is so unique and pure.i love him
MrJustinbama 2 months ago
A REALLY GOOD SONG
micmoable 2 months ago
YES! Love it
Sharon6042 2 months ago
I love The Hag. Elvis Presley is the King of Rock and Roll. Even Elvis said there is only one true king. That is Jesus Christ.
MockDanny 3 months ago 2
Yep, Connie Smith singing back-up and a MH song I never heard until today. Good one!
lighthouser1 3 months ago
I think I saw connie smith singing back up
MrFenderteleplus 3 months ago
this is the way i am so i can relate real well. he's the king
susanmchughes 3 months ago
I just hope people can apprieciate him before he's gone, and not be like they were for Johnny Cash and all the other greats, as soon as they pass away, everybody is their biggest fans, but nobody likes the music when the artist is alive.
nd4224 4 months ago 5
@nd4224 Amen, brother. Amen.
LittleJimmySouthern 3 months ago
Merle has always been and always will be the greatest of the greats.
gnarleyism 4 months ago
He is a family friend my aunt Kay sang with him before she died he and my uncle went to jail together
XxpineapplecrazxX 4 months ago
merle haggard,george strait,alen jackson,and jason aldean are my favorites.too bad he got in big trouble,sreeling hub caps.
SuperSmallgamer 4 months ago
merle haggard,george strait,alen jackson,and jason aldean are my favorites.
SuperSmallgamer 4 months ago
Merle ... the best
So love this - thanks heaps
JudithRosalee 4 months ago
whoooooooooo!!!! I do enjoy what I do for a living I am a trucker
hotrodtrucker88 4 months ago
whoooooooooo!!!!
hotrodtrucker88 4 months ago
Can someone recommend some real country music to me. Not the new plastic cowboy stuff.
flashtin166 5 months ago
@flashtin166 jamey johnson: Between Jennings and Jones, In Color etc
David Allen Coe: The Ride, Ghost of Hank Williams, If that ain't Country etc
Waylon Jennings: Are you ready for the country, Lukenbach Texas, Good Time Charlie's got the blues etc
Hank Jr: Outlaw Women, Mr Weatherman, Country State of Mind, All my rowdy friends, Texas Women etc This my friend is an assortment that will get you well on your way!
492river 5 months ago
@flashtin166 jamey johnson: Between Jennings and Jones, In Color etc
David Allen Coe: The Ride, Ghost of Hank Williams, If that ain't Country etc
Waylon Jennings: Are you ready for the country, Lukenbach Texas, Good Time Charlie's got the blues etc
Hank Jr: Outlaw Women, Mr Weatherman, Country State of Mind, All my rowdy friends, Texas Women etc This my friend is an assortment that will get you well on your way!
492river 5 months ago
@492river Thank you for the recommendation, I will check them out.
flashtin166 5 months ago
@flashtin166 Merle Haggard-Swining Doors, The Roots of my Raisin
George Jones- i aint ready yet, If Drinkin' don't kill me, Good year for the roses, She thinks I still care
David Allan Coe-River, Wild Irish Rose, Don't Cry Darlin
Dwight Yoakam-It wont hurt, You're the One,
George Strait-Fool Hearted Memory, Unwound, Honk if you Honky Tonk
Johnny Lee-Pickin' up strangers
Sammy Kershaw-Yard Sale
Keith Whitley-I'm over you, Do you think of me, Don't Close you're eyes
ChipNSC77 4 months ago
@flashtin166 check out George Jones singing 'Talking to Hank'
Alan48ist 1 week ago
Brilliant
MrFlatroofer 5 months ago
number 1 country here doint get much better then this thanks 4 postin it GOD bless
waynescountry 6 months ago
this is country....i dont know what the fuck that shit is they play on country radio....it aint fuckin country music.....
freeman2545 6 months ago
Wow, he kicks the shit out of Alan Jackson's version!!
elwiedro 6 months ago
The Steel player is Norm Hamlet. He was the one who taught Barbra Mandrell how to play the steel.
jimw1221 6 months ago
Does anyone know who plays the Steel guitar?
He also plays beautiflly, I never heard anyone play it like that before.
8adaz333 6 months ago
This song came out when I was doing my last jolt in prison. I used to listen to it and think of the line, "the way I am dont fit my shackles". I felt that. I knew I was a better person than the situation I was in showed, if I could only not drink or use. Fortunately, I found that "friend that Leonard knew". He gave me some steps I could use to start a new way of life. Merle was always with me and I'll see him again in October when he plays in my town. God bless you, Merle Haggard.
bwoodward0949 6 months ago
@bwoodward0949 Glad you found a friend that Leonard knew. (I love Back To The Bar Rooms and my daddy's favorite song is "Leonard.") This song always makes me cry a little...it just takes me to a different time and place and makes me happy and sad at the same time.
feloniuschunk 6 months ago
My Dad used to whistle this tune all the time. I remember still being able to hear him over the tractor and haybaler. When i hear this song, I can almost smell tractor exhaust and the sweet sweet smell of fresh cut hay. (but of course i don't miss that damn ovenlike hayloft even one lil bit!) :P
jaksspring97 6 months ago
merle haggard is the king in my eyes i don't care what any1 says f***k elvis presley
blottz86 6 months ago 13
@blottz86 Merle Haggard didn't play Rock & roll......Merle is no king, Elvis was ....If anyone is king of country music it is Waylon Jenning
MrEastwood67 2 months ago
@blottz86 Presley was a self styled king, merle is a one off
Alan48ist 1 week ago
best country singer ever
lakayrap 7 months ago 4
@01U0 Thanks I am tryin to get my business back from my money grubbing ex-wife and then if my son will help me run it my dreams will be answered
waycephus623 7 months ago
I'm 66 years old and was lucky enough to see Merle in concert last year. Will never forget it. He is still a heck of a performer!
wproct1 8 months ago
This is the best song merle ever sang he didnt write,it really hits home for me at this point in my life.Just got out of prison after a 12 yr stint and I have to dream to keep from cryin.Life just has a way of beaten you down,it seems like its a slap in the face or a kick in the pants.
waycephus623 8 months ago
@waycephus623 - Imagine if dreaming was taken away. Be strong brother, keep dreaming, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
golaydownbyurdish 8 months ago
I always think of you, Joe, when I hear this song. R.I. P. Joe Earp. i Love You.
RaWrZ11110 9 months ago
I always think of you, Joe, when I hear this song. R.I. P. Joe Earp
RaWrZ11110 9 months ago
I love Merle!
cgandjr 9 months ago
Merle speaks to the common people!! I have always been a fan and his songs always touch a part of my soul. Thanks Merle for the wonderful music!!
browneyedgrrll8278 9 months ago
I don't mean to dis Merle, but my dad plays this song a lot around the house, and, in my personal opinion, it sounds way better. It makes me proud to know that my dad perfected perfection. Give it up for all the parents out that inspire their kids! <3 Momma and Daddy
jetlag51 9 months ago
I love this song because it fits me perfectly.Thank you Merle for recording this song.This is one of many reasons why I'm a big fan of yours.
Roadrunner440 9 months ago
damn that is just one bad ass song
jake369963 10 months ago 2
I have requested this song to be played at my funeral. Love it the time I heard it. Thanks for posting.
Music101ization 11 months ago
brings tears to this hillbilly,breaks my lonesome heart
aztechunter3 11 months ago
Thank you Sonny Throcmorton for writing such a beautiful and meaningful song, thank you Merle for singing this song with such feeling ! God bless you both!
I miss the yodeling at the end, but it's still fantastic. Wish there were more songs around like this one. Merle and his guitar alone could easily carrry this song. You don't need backup singers Merle. What a voice and musical talent ! One of my top 5 singers across ALL genres.
jasmineguitargirl 11 months ago
is "that bobber dancing" referring to fishing?
I LOVE MERLE, and have for years. Once while driving across the country, I got fixated on this song on my Merle CD, and listened to THIS song only for about 1500 miles, over and over. Couldn't get enough of it because the words spkg to my heart & soul. Merle puts such feeling into this song, wow !
Merle performed in our town abt 10 y ago, we were lucky to sit in the front row. He did my req: Misery & Gin. You need NO b/up singers! LUVE U MERLE !
jasmineguitargirl 11 months ago
@jasmineguitargirl
Yes Jasmine, most cane pole fishing is done with a sinkered live or cut bait and a bobber to hold it at a specific depth and to announce when a fish has taken your bait. For people who have been there and done that that line evokes beautiful memories of peaceful times. Laying up on a river bank and enjoying the calm and solitude, and the sudden heart surging excitement of watching the bobber begin to dance and wiggle and then go under.
You have excellent taste in music.
jamcrane3 9 months ago
You've payed back twice brother,thanks for all the great songs Merle,you are the man.i have the upmost respect for you as a Singer songwriter and a man .What a bunch of hard work you have given us as a country music artist' to listen to.You remind me of the last lines of a Johnny Paycheck song.The Old Violin.Thanks ,one of your fans..
blldawgfan64 11 months ago
A great song........ and one of the most under-rated songs Merle ever did. Fits me to a "T".......
JoniReb7 11 months ago
Sweet...written by my dad's cousin Sonny. XOXO-STM (Santa Fe, NM)
POPGallery505 1 year ago
Thank you so much for posting this. Merle Haggard is so talented. I first started listening to him around 1969, and he is just as good now as he was then; perhaps even better. I hope everyone who loves Merle will go out and buy some of his music. He could use the royalties. God bless you, Merle.
ourmissboo 1 year ago
I had two chances to see Waylon perform live before he passed on, and I blew both. I've seen Merle twice since, the next best thing still among us, and both times were performances I wouldn't miss for anything in the world.
BMFerCVN 1 year ago
Simply Amazing!
cbenson5 1 year ago
Sutter smith are you from Sutter Ca? I am.
Mrfloydbryant 1 year ago
IM 50 years old,the first time i heard Merle sing this song i thought it fit me ,some one asked me my favorite song i tell them The Way i am,most never heard of it or Merle,
Mrfloydbryant 1 year ago
Singin my life......
pills54 1 year ago
Merle gets my vote for being the greatest living country music singer.Go Hag!!!
shimmy1952 1 year ago 31
@shimmy1952 Hell, Living or passed! He and Maybe George jones!
1madeintheimage 6 months ago
@shimmy1952 the more I listen to hag.the more i hear the just how deep his polish is. he can't be matched
FATALJDM951 4 months ago
Sweet!
ericedy 1 year ago
Great performance and great song written by Sonny Throcmorton. We love you Puddin"
Damien and Pale Moon Rising - Perdido Key, FL
damienlamb 1 year ago
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damienlamb 1 year ago
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damienlamb 1 year ago
How does it get any better than this,check out the cover we did on this song
faranaway1 1 year ago
This song has been around for most of my life and it still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
SinUnAdios 1 year ago
does anyone know why you can't find alan jackson's version of this song??
paulandkat88 1 year ago
Perfect
ernie27177 1 year ago
No one can compare with Haggard's feeling and phrasing on this number...Thanks for sharing this special video. Keep on being the way you are, "Hag"!!!! Thanks for the lifetime of wonderful music!
shelibeane 1 year ago
Does anyone know if where you can purchase this concert?
all95621 1 year ago
No one could ever do this song like Merle.
YOU'RE THE BEST MERLE.
Stay healthly
all95621 1 year ago
Absolutely breathtaking.. makes me cry everytime.. Thanks Sonny and Merle.
dcolosio 1 year ago
superb
escort402 1 year ago
when was this concert? great song
123ewq 1 year ago
Nice song...great country....
elvis2benguet 1 year ago
Great video!
norbie6 1 year ago
The poet of the common man, thanks Hag!
newc9999 1 year ago
damn.
reminds me of a lot of people that were good people.
fuckin merle. what more can you say?
nagasama75 1 year ago
Quite possibly th best C&W song ever written. Fitting it's sung by Mighty Merle.
gbhaley 1 year ago
one of the best by merle.
waymore38 1 year ago
"a bamboo cane stuck in the sand" the line brings back memories of My Uncle Wally...a scoundrel according to "The rest of the family". The man took me fisin' along river banks...helped him collect Crayfish for bait. He had a contraption to collect nightcrawlers using electrical cords...He was a cowboy to this city raised boy. The song suits him...And that is exactly what Merle has been able to do (connect) all these years as they pass
steele917 1 year ago 9
merle was a spokesman for the workin man. love his music!
modlin545 1 year ago
great song
waymore38 1 year ago
one of the best marle songs ever
waymore38 1 year ago
luv it
RoywCarter 1 year ago
Hi,never been a great fan,but have never listened to a lot of his music,a fan now,hearing this live singing,I hear now why he was such a great Country singer.Thanks for posting.
BABSINUK 1 year ago
Just a reminder of how great Merle is live. Thanks for posting suttersmith66!
ramey58 1 year ago
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steele917 1 year ago
"I can almost see that 45' spinning..." So I just be keep on Being..the way I am.
steele917 1 year ago
One of my most favorite Merle Haggard songs! I love gettin' drunk to song!
patsaxon 1 year ago
A MASTER AT WORK
caustin33 1 year ago
love love love
sharon30512 1 year ago
went to his show right after boot camp USMC, wasnt in the set, thank you so very much for this that was1983
TheBrutilives 1 year ago
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steele917 1 year ago
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steele917 1 year ago
truly love the hag.he is an american gem through and through.brilliant performer!u go merle!!
djrodz69 1 year ago
well played mr. haggard....
crookedcreekband 1 year ago
It's so good to see how this song affected...I should say still affects him. God Keep him well, We need his voice these days.
steele917 1 year ago
OMG haven't we all been there at some times in our lives.
He just sings with such raw emotions.
I think he just gets better with age. Just like a good bottle of wine!!!!!
Thanks again. I've really enjoyed all of your posting of this event.
all95621 1 year ago