The 5 Greatest Merle Haggard Songs In The 80s
via Live From Austin TX / Youtube
Merle Haggard lived a quite tumultuous life, which led him to pen some fine classic songs that we’ll forever remember. As a young adult, he was the perfect definition of a “wayward youth,” committing petty crimes, until he saw a performance from country singer Johnny Cash that changed his course of life forever. He became a successful singer-songwriter and helped inspire others to see the goodness in people. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at these 5 legendary songs from Merle Haggard in the 80s.
“A Place to Fall Apart” – It’s All in the Game (1984)
Haggard performs “A Place to Fall Apart” alongside fellow country icon Janie Fricke, with The Strangers providing backing. It’s a tearjerker of a breakup ballad, with Haggard and Fricke singing the hows and whys of a broken relationship.
“Big City” – Big City (1981)
If you’re seeking some company in your distaste for city life, go no farther than Haggard’s rendition of “Big City,” which he sang with such scorn and sincerity.
“That’s the Way Love Goes” – That’s the Way Love Goes (1983)
Turning to one of Haggard’s lighter songs, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” the country singer begins by talking of good things like luck and love. The song was originally performed by Johnny Rodriguez a decade ago, in 1973.
“Yesterday’s Wine” – A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine (1982)
Willie Nelson wrote and performed “Yesterday’s Wine” first, but it was with Haggard and George Jones’ version that the song became prominently recognized on radio stations. The song was a perfect match for the two vocalists, who were often singled out as two of the best interpreters of true country music and had both faced numerous personal struggles throughout their separate careers.
“Pancho and Lefty” – Pancho and Lefty (1983)
“Pancho and Lefty,” originally written by country legend Townes Van Zandt, was recorded by Haggard along with Willie Nelson for their 1983 duet album with the same name. The ballad was a No. 1 success for the two, carrying the story of a country fugitive.
